How to Become a Plastic Surgeon in 5 Steps
Learn the five essential steps to becoming a plastic surgeon. From education to residency, discover the path to a rewarding career in plastic surgery.
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Becoming a plastic surgeon requires dedication, years of rigorous training, and a passion for helping individuals enhance their appearance and regain their self-confidence.
Plastic surgeons are medical professionals who specialize in performing various surgical procedures to reconstruct, restore, or alter a person's physical features.
They work to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the body, providing treatments such as augmentation, rhinoplasty, and reconstructive surgeries.
This article will outline the five essential steps to embarking on a career as a plastic surgeon.
What Does a Plastic Surgeon Do?
Plastic surgeons undertake a range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing the appearance and well-being of their patients.
They perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, such as facelifts, augmentations, liposuctions, and tummy tucks.
Additionally, they provide reconstructive procedures to help patients restore form and function after accidents, trauma, or diseases.
Plastic surgeons also work closely with patients to understand their goals and expectations, develop treatment plans, and provide post-operative care.
Their work has a profound impact on the lives of their patients, helping them regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
How to Become a Plastic Surgeon: Step by Step
The following five steps outline the path to becoming a qualified plastic surgeon:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Before attending medical school, aspiring plastic surgeons must complete a bachelor's degree.
While there is no specific undergraduate major required, most pre-medical students pursue degrees in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities, such as volunteer work or research projects, can strengthen an applicant's medical school application.
Some universities offer student-run groups for pre-medical careers, while others can take on individual research throughout their undergraduate studies.
Step 2: Graduate from Medical School
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, the next step is to attend medical school.
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.
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.
Step 3: Earn a License
After completing medical school, all physicians must obtain a license to practice medicine.
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).
The USMLE is a multiple-step exam that tests the applicant's ability to perform medical diagnosis and treatment on patients.
The COMPLEX exam is a three-level, standardized test designed for licensure for the practice of osteopathic medicine.
These exams assess candidates' application of basic science concepts to the practice of medicine.
Step 4: Complete a Plastic Surgery Residency
To specialize in plastic surgery, aspiring surgeons must complete a residency program.
There are two pathways to choose from: a three-year general surgery residency followed by a three-year plastic surgery residency, or a six-year integrated residency that combines both types of training.
During the residency, surgeons gain hands-on experience in plastic surgery procedures under the guidance of experienced mentors.
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).
Step 5: Consider Completing a Fellowship in a Subspecialty
After completing a plastic surgery residency, some plastic surgeons choose to further specialize by completing a fellowship in a subspecialty area.
These one-year programs provide additional training in areas such as hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, body contouring, microvascular reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic surgery.
Fellowships offer surgeons the opportunity to refine their skills and expand their knowledge in a specific area of interest.
What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?
While plastic surgery is a rewarding career path, there are alternative careers that individuals interested in this field may consider.
Some related fields include dermatology, otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), oral and maxillofacial surgery, and ophthalmic plastic surgery.
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.
Learn More Information on Becoming a Plastic Surgeon
Embarking on a career as a plastic surgeon requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for helping patients achieve their desired outcomes.
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.