“Plastic surgeon” is a specialized term that covers the breadth and depth of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Only surgeons who have completed the required training and have met the stringent medical board standards can call themselves board-certified plastic surgeons.
“Cosmetic surgeon,” on the other hand, is not regulated and refers to someone who only does aesthetic surgery. Any medical provider (even from a different specialty) can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon.
Healthline explains the differences between plastic and cosmetic surgery in more depth, but the takeaway is this: Plastic surgeons are better trained and better equipped to handle surgeries that can affect your health and well-being.