How to Be Plastic Surgeon - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 5, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise of plastic surgery has had a profound effect on society. It has become increasingly popular as people strive to look and feel their best, with nearly 17 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States in 2019 alone. Social media has been a major factor in the rise of plastic surgery, as it has created an obsession with physical appearance, particularly among younger generations.

Plastic surgery has also become more affordable, with many clinics offering affordable rates and financing options. This has allowed more people than ever before to access the procedures they need to achieve the look they desire. plastic surgery has become an important tool in today's society, allowing people to feel more confident and secure in their own skin.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a plastic surgeon is to obtain a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. Generally, the ideal degree would be in a pre-medical field such as biology or chemistry.
Complete Medical School. After completing an undergraduate program, you will need to attend medical school to become a fully-licensed physician.
Complete Residency Training. After completing medical school, you will then need to complete a five-year residency program in general surgery. This program will provide you with specialized training in plastic surgery.
Become Board Certified. Once you have completed your residency program, you will need to become board certified in plastic surgery by passing the certification exam from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Obtain Licensure. After becoming board certified, you will need to apply for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. You will need to complete the necessary paperwork and pass an additional exam to obtain licensure.

As a plastic surgeon, it is vital to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and advances in medicine. This means continuously learning and developing new skills, as well as staying abreast of any changes in medical regulations. To do this, doctors must take part in continuing medical education classes, attend conferences, and read relevant journals.

Keeping up with new technologies and techniques is also important, as it ensures that surgeons can provide the best possible care for their patients. Furthermore, staying knowledgeable about current research in the field allows surgeons to provide the most effective treatments for their patients unique needs. Lastly, it is important for a plastic surgeon to have a strong network of colleagues to exchange ideas and resources with.

This will help ensure that the surgeon is always capable of providing the best care for their patients.

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Job Description

Consult with patients to determine their aesthetic goals and develop a plan of treatment.
Perform surgical procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasties, breast augmentations, and liposuction.
Perform reconstructive surgery to correct physical deformities caused by birth defects, illness, or trauma.
Monitor patient progress and assess the efficacy of treatments.
Prescribe medications to help manage pain, inflammation, and infection.
Educate patients on pre- and post-operative care instructions.
Work with anesthesiologists to ensure patient safety during surgery.
Recommend lifestyle changes to promote health and wellness.
Stay up-to-date with advances in plastic surgery techniques and equipment.
Document patient medical histories and procedures in patient records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
Expertise in surgical techniques for performing plastic and reconstructive procedures
Knowledge of cosmetic principles and techniques
Excellent surgical judgment and decision-making skills
Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to work with medical equipment such as lasers, scalpels, sutures and other instruments
Ability to work with anesthesia and other medications
Knowledge of infection control and safety protocols
Ability to explain procedures and post-operative care instructions to patients
Ability to work with a team and collaborate with other medical professionals

The ability to effectively perform plastic surgery requires a combination of medical knowledge, surgical skill, and artistry. Plastic surgeons must have a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body as well as an eye for aesthetics. They must also be able to make decisions quickly and accurately, safely perform complex and delicate procedures, and understand the psychological needs of their patients.

Furthermore, the surgeon must have a good bedside manner and be able to communicate effectively with their patients in order to ensure understanding and trust. these skills are essential in providing successful plastic surgery outcomes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in plastic surgery?
What challenges have you faced in your practice?
How do you keep up with the latest advances in plastic surgery?
What is your most rewarding experience as a plastic surgeon?
How do you handle patient confidentiality and ethical issues?
What techniques or procedures do you specialize in?
How do you ensure patient safety during a procedure?
How do you handle difficult or unsatisfied patients?
What do you think sets you apart from other plastic surgeons?
What do you think is the most important factor for successful outcomes for plastic surgery patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Scalpel. A precision cutting tool used to make incisions in the skin. (eg: used to perform liposuction)
Needle Holder. A tool used to grasp and hold a suture needle for stitching. (eg: used for suturing a wound)
Surgical Tape. Adhesive tape used to secure dressings or surgical instruments. (eg: used to secure bandages)
Retractor. A device used to spread tissue apart during a surgical procedure. (eg: used to open up the chest cavity during heart surgery)
Forceps. A tool used to grasp and hold tissue during surgery. (eg: used to remove foreign objects from the body)
Cannula. A hollow tube inserted into body cavities for draining fluids. (eg: used to remove excess fat during liposuction)
Syringe. A tool used to inject or withdraw fluids from the body. (eg: used to inject anesthesia)
Suction Device. A device used to remove fluids or tissues from the body. (eg: used to suction out excess fat during liposuction)
Dermatome. A cutting tool used to shave or trim skin in order to remove lesions or perform grafts. (eg: used to perform skin grafts)
Skin Stapler. A medical device used to close wounds or incisions with metal staples. (eg: used to close a wound after surgery)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Association of Women Surgeons (AWS)
International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS)
World Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Plastic Surgery (WSPAPS)
International College of Surgeons (ICS)
American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS)

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Common Important Terms

Cosmetic Surgery. A type of surgery that is done to improve one's appearance.
Reconstructive Surgery. A type of surgery that is used to repair physical defects or deformities in the body caused by injury, disease, or birth defect.
Liposuction. A surgical procedure that removes fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
Rhinoplasty. A type of surgery used to reshape the nose.
Blepharoplasty. A type of cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from around the eyelids.
Breast Augmentation. A surgical procedure used to increase the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts.
Abdominoplasty. A cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area.
Facelift. A surgical procedure used to reduce signs of aging on the face, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
Brow Lift. A surgical procedure that lifts the skin on the forehead and eyebrows to reduce wrinkles and create a more youthful appearance.
Otoplasty. A surgical procedure used to correct defects or deformities in the ear, such as protruding ears or misshapen ears.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications required to become a Plastic Surgeon?

To become a Plastic Surgeon, you must have completed medical school, completed a minimum of 5 years of general surgery training, and a minimum of 2 years of plastic surgery residency training.

What type of procedures do Plastic Surgeons perform?

Plastic Surgeons perform a variety of procedures such as facial reconstruction, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and other cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

How long do Plastic Surgeon procedures usually take?

The length of procedures performed by a Plastic Surgeon can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Generally speaking, most procedures can range from 1-3 hours.

How much does a Plastic Surgeon procedure typically cost?

The cost of a Plastic Surgeon procedure can vary based on the complexity of the procedure, the geographic location of the practice, and the materials used. Generally speaking, costs can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands.

What is the recovery time for a Plastic Surgeon procedure?

The recovery time for a Plastic Surgeon procedure will depend on the type of procedure, as well as the individual's overall health and age. Generally, recovery times can range from a few days to several weeks.