A plastic surgeon is a specialized medical professional who focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to enhance a person’s physical appearance. Plastic surgery involves the reconstruction or repair of damaged or disfigured tissue, such as skin, muscles, and bones, as well as the enhancement of normal physical features.
A career as a plastic surgeon requires extensive education, training, and experience. To become a plastic surgeon, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical field, such as biology or chemistry. After that, one must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and complete four years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
After completing medical school, one must complete a residency program in plastic surgery, which typically lasts five to seven years. During the residency, plastic surgery residents receive hands-on training in surgical techniques, patient care, and medical research. Following the residency, one may also choose to complete a fellowship program in a specialized area of plastic surgery, such as craniofacial surgery or hand surgery.
Once licensed to practice as a plastic surgeon, there are many different types of plastic surgery procedures that one may perform, such as breast augmentation, facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and tummy tucks. The goal of these procedures is to improve a patient’s appearance and self-confidence, as well as to correct physical deformities or injuries.
In addition to performing surgeries, plastic surgeons must also provide pre-operative and post-operative care to their patients, including consultations, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation services. They must also maintain detailed patient records, stay up-to-date on the latest surgical techniques and technologies, and work closely with other medical professionals, such as anesthesiologists and nurses.
A career as a plastic surgeon can be very rewarding, both personally and financially. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physicians and surgeons, including plastic surgeons, was $208,000 in May 2020. However, plastic surgery can also be emotionally challenging, as surgeons may encounter patients with severe physical deformities or injuries.
Overall, a career as a plastic surgeon requires a significant amount of time, dedication, and hard work, but it can be an incredibly fulfilling and lucrative profession for those who are passionate about helping others improve their appearance and quality of life.
