What's the difference between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a plastic surgeon?

Question

When it comes to cosmetic surgery of the head and the neck?

Answer 1

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a regional specialist surgeon treating the anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull, as well as associated structures.

Plastic surgery is a broad field, and may be subdivided further. Plastic surgery training and approval by the American Board of Plastic Surgery includes mastery of the following as well:
* Craniofacial surgery mostly revolves around the treatment of pediatric congenital anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and other disturbances in facial growth and development. This field is also practiced by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Because these children have multiple issues, the best approach to providing care to them is an interdisciplinary approach which also includes otolaryngologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and geneticists.
* Hand surgery is a field that is also practiced by general surgeons and orthopedic surgeons (see Hand surgeon). Plastic surgeons receive training in hand surgery, with some trainees deciding even to do an additional full-year hand fellowship afterwards (this fellowship can also be pursued by general surgeons and orthopedic surgeons). In particular, plastic surgeons receive training in microvascular surgery, which is needed to replant an amputated hand or digit. Many hand operations (such as reconstruction of injuries, replantations, rheumatoid surgery and surgery of congenital defects) are performed by plastic surgeons.
* Burn Surgery
* Aesthetic or Cosmetic Surgery

Answer 2

The oral/maxillofacial surgeon does things like wisdom teeth removal, jaw reconstruction, and so forth. A plastic surgeon knows how to stitch up the skin so that it will leave as little scarring as possible.