How to Become a Plastic Surgeon in 5 Steps

<p>Plastic surgeons undertake a range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing the appearance and well-being of their patients. </p> <p>They perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, such as facelifts, augmentations, liposuctions, and tummy tucks. </p> <p>Additionally, they provide reconstructive procedures to help patients restore form and function after accidents, trauma, or diseases. </p> <p>Plastic surgeons also work closely with patients to understand their goals and expectations, develop treatment plans, and provide post-operative care. </p> <p>Their work has a profound impact on the lives of their patients, helping them regain confidence and improve their quality of life. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToBecomeAPlasticSurgeonStepByStep">How to Become a Plastic Surgeon: Step by Step</h2> <p>The following five steps outline the path to becoming a qualified plastic surgeon: </p> <h3 id="section---Step1EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>Before attending medical school, aspiring plastic surgeons must complete a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a>. </p> <p>While there is no specific undergraduate major required, most <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Best_Pre-Med_Majors.html">pre-medical students pursue degrees</a> in biology, chemistry, or a related field. </p> <p>Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities, such as volunteer work or research projects, can strengthen an applicant's medical school application. </p> <p>Some universities offer student-run groups for pre-medical careers, while others can take on individual research throughout their undergraduate studies. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2GraduateFromMedicalSchool">Step 2: Graduate from Medical School</h3> <p>After obtaining a bachelor's degree, the next step is to attend <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Medical_and_Health_FAQs.html">medical school</a>. </p> <p>Admission to medical school is highly competitive and typically requires a strong academic record, a satisfactory score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), and letters of recommendation from undergraduate mentors. </p> <p>The medical school curriculum typically consists of two years of classroom-based instruction in the sciences, followed by two years of clinical rotations across various medical specialties. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnALicense">Step 3: Earn a License</h3> <p>After completing medical school, all physicians must obtain a license to practice medicine. </p> <p>The licensing exams differ depending on whether one holds an MD or a DO degree. MD graduates must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while DO graduates must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX). </p> <p>The USMLE is a multiple-step exam that tests the applicant's ability to perform medical diagnosis and treatment on patients. </p> <p>The COMPLEX exam is a three-level, standardized test designed for licensure for the practice of osteopathic medicine. </p> <p>These exams assess candidates' application of basic science concepts to the practice of medicine. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4CompleteAPlasticSurgeryResidency">Step 4: Complete a Plastic Surgery Residency</h3> <p>To specialize in plastic surgery, aspiring surgeons must complete a residency program. </p> <p>There are two pathways to choose from: a three-year <a href="https://learn.org/articles/General_Surgeon_Education_Requirements_Your_Questions_Answered.html">general surgery residency</a> followed by a three-year plastic surgery residency, or a six-year integrated residency that combines both types of training. </p> <p>During the residency, surgeons gain hands-on experience in plastic surgery procedures under the guidance of experienced mentors. </p> <p>After residency, plastic surgeons can pursue board certification through organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS). </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ConsiderCompletingAFellowshipInASubspecialty">Step 5: Consider Completing a Fellowship in a Subspecialty</h3> <p>After completing a plastic surgery residency, some plastic surgeons choose to further specialize by completing a fellowship in a subspecialty area. </p> <p>These one-year programs provide additional training in areas such as hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, body contouring, microvascular reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic surgery. </p> <p>Fellowships offer surgeons the opportunity to refine their skills and expand their knowledge in a specific area of interest. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h2> <p>While plastic surgery is a rewarding career path, there are <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Career_Planning_FAQs.html">alternative careers</a> that individuals interested in this field may consider. </p> <p>Some related fields include dermatology, otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), oral and maxillofacial surgery, and ophthalmic plastic surgery. </p> <p>These specialties share certain aspects with plastic surgery, such as a focus on aesthetics or reconstruction, and may appeal to those who have a specific interest in a particular area of the body. </p> <h2 id="section---LearnMoreInformationOnBecomingAPlasticSurgeon"> Learn More Information on Becoming a Plastic Surgeon</h2> <p>Embarking on a career as a plastic surgeon requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for helping patients achieve their desired outcomes. </p> <p>If you have a strong interest in medicine, artistry, and improving people's lives, a career as a plastic surgeon may be the perfect fit for you.</p>