What Does a Plastic Surgeon Do?

Plastic surgeons are medical professionals who specialize in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. They’re trained to perform a wide range of procedures, from breast augmentation to facial reconstruction after trauma or disease.

Plastic surgeons must complete extensive training before they can practice independently. In addition to their surgical skills, they must also learn about human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and other related fields.

Plastic Surgeon Job Duties

Plastic surgeons have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Performing consultations with patients to discuss surgical options, recovery time frames, risks and benefits of procedures
• Preparing patients for surgery by explaining the procedure and answering any questions they may have
• Performing preoperative tests to determine whether a patient is healthy enough for surgery
• Performing surgery on patients’ faces, breasts, abdomens, thighs, buttocks, hands, and noses using surgical instruments such as scalpels and electrocautery devices
• Performing reconstructive surgery on burn victims using skin grafts from non-burned areas of the body
• Performing breast enhancement surgery using silicone gel implants, fat grafts from other parts of the body, or both
• Determining whether a patient is a good candidate for plastic surgery based on factors such as age and health status
• Providing postoperative care to patients, including checking surgical sites for signs of infection or other complications
• Performing plastic surgery on patients’ lips, noses, ears, breasts, thighs, or buttocks

Plastic Surgeon Salary & Outlook

Plastic surgeons’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of plastic surgery they specialize in.

• Median Annual Salary: $275,000 ($132.21/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $575,000 ($276.44/hour)

The employment of plastic surgeons is expected to decline over the next decade.

The aging population is expected to cause a decline in the overall demand for plastic surgery. As people age, they are less likely to have plastic surgery than younger people. In addition, the risk of complications increases with age.

Plastic Surgeon Job Requirements

A plastic surgeon typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: To become a plastic surgeon, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in any field is acceptable, but some aspiring plastic surgeons choose to major in biology, chemistry or another science-related discipline.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, aspiring plastic surgeons must complete a medical degree. To do so, they must first complete a four-year program at an accredited medical school. During the first two years of medical school, students complete classroom and laboratory coursework. The final two years of medical school are spent in clinical rotations, where students learn to treat patients under the supervision of experienced physicians.

Training & Experience: After completing medical school, students must complete a residency program. These programs typically last between five and seven years and provide the necessary training to become a plastic surgeon. During a residency, a surgeon will work under the supervision of a practicing plastic surgeon. They will learn how to perform various procedures and will gain experience in the field.

Certifications & Licenses: All physicians must earn their state’s medical license to practice. To earn this license, they must pass an exam administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Most plastic surgeons seek additional certification in plastic surgery after completing their residency.

Plastic Surgeon Skills

Plastic surgeons need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Plastic surgeons use their communication skills to explain procedures and treatment options to patients. They also use these skills to explain the risks and benefits of procedures to patients. Plastic surgeons use their communication skills to explain medical terminology to their staff and to explain medical procedures to patients.

Attention to detail: Plastic surgeons need to have attention to detail to ensure they complete all necessary steps during a procedure. They need to be precise when performing surgery to ensure they don’t cause any damage to the patient’s body. They also need to have attention to detail when assessing a patient to ensure they identify any potential risks or complications.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Plastic surgeons use this skill to help their patients feel comfortable and confident about their decision to undergo plastic surgery. They also use this skill to help their patients feel at ease throughout the entire process.

Confidence: Confidence is an important skill for plastic surgeons to have because it allows them to be sure of their decisions and trust their own judgment. This can help them make the right decisions for their patients and help them feel comfortable with their treatment. Confidence can also help them be persuasive when they need to convince patients to undergo a procedure.

Surgical skills: Plastic surgeons use surgical skills to perform procedures on patients. They use these skills to perform a variety of procedures, including breast augmentation, liposuction, skin grafts and more. Plastic surgeons need to have advanced surgical skills to ensure they can perform the procedures safely and effectively.

Plastic Surgeon Work Environment

There are advantages to working in the different work arrangements available to a plastic surgeon (private practice, group practice, hospital department, or government or academic setting). A surgeon’s preference may depend on how he or she works with others, as well as geographic location. Hospital plastic surgery departments are usually structured with department chairs and supervisors. Although a hospital setting generally means more rules for a physician to work under, it also offers the advantage of a structured environment, less individual financial risk, and the ability to share information and learn from colleagues daily. Those who prefer to be “their own boss” generally assume greater risk in a private or group practice, as does any small business owner. Plastic surgeons in private or group practice should be business oriented or hire someone who can tend to marketing, accounting, and personnel concerns.

Plastic Surgeon Trends

Here are three trends influencing how plastic surgeons work. Plastic surgeons will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Use of 3D Printing in Surgery

The use of 3D printing in surgery is a trend that is quickly gaining popularity among plastic surgeons. This technology allows for more precise and accurate reconstructions of damaged or missing tissue, which can improve the results of surgeries.

As 3D printing becomes more popular, plastic surgeons will need to learn how to use this technology in their practices. This includes learning how to design models and print them accurately, as well as understanding the legal and ethical implications of using this technology.

More Focus on Patient Satisfaction

Plastic surgeons are increasingly focusing on patient satisfaction as a way to improve their business. This means that they need to be able to provide patients with an excellent experience from start to finish.

To do this, plastic surgeons need to focus on providing excellent customer service and making sure that their patients are happy with the results of their procedures. They also need to be aware of the latest trends in cosmetic surgery so that they can offer the latest treatments to their patients.

A Greater Emphasis on Preventative Medicine

Plastic surgeons are increasingly focusing on preventative medicine as a way to keep their patients healthy and reduce the risk of future complications.

This trend is being driven by the increasing demand for preventive care among patients. As people become more educated about the benefits of early detection and treatment, they are looking for doctors who can provide these services. Plastic surgeons are in a unique position to meet this demand, as they have the training and expertise to provide a wide range of preventive services.

How to Become a Plastic Surgeon

A plastic surgeon career path can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it’s important to consider all the factors that will influence your success. One of the most important things is to find a specialty that interests you and matches your skills and personality. There are many different specialties within plastic surgery, including breast reconstruction, body contouring, hand surgery, microsurgery, and more.

It’s also important to choose a practice that fits your lifestyle and goals. Some plastic surgeons work in private practice, while others work in hospitals or clinics. Some specialize in cosmetic surgery, while others focus on reconstructive surgery.