Complete at least six years of surgical training after medical school with a minimum of three years of residency training in plastic surgery; pass. Plastic surgery training begins with traditional medical school to obtain the degree of doctor of medicine (MD). Another option is osteopathic education to obtain a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. Osteopathic doctors learn a holistic approach that considers a person's mind, body, and spirit.
Once the requirements for education, prior board certification, and AACS-certified scholarship are met, all future cosmetic surgeons must undergo a comprehensive examination by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery to receive ABCS certification. While no specific specialization is required to enter most medical schools, aspiring plastic surgeons typically earn degrees in biology, chemistry, or previous medicine to complete pre-medical school courses. Practicing plastic surgeons who specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery, for example, earn a different amount than plastic surgeons who specialize in Brazilian butt lifts and body contouring. After their residency training, plastic surgeons may choose to complete a rigorous exam to obtain certification of together.
However, this varies depending on whether you're just starting out, if you own your own plastic surgery practice, where you practice (geographically), and what you specialize in. On average, as a profession, plastic surgery involves between fourteen and fifteen years or more of education. Plastic surgery has played a leading role in the development of innovative techniques such as microvascular and craniomaxillofacial surgery, liposuction and tissue transfer. However, one of the main attributes of plastic surgery is the variety of conditions that fall within the area of expertise in treating those who work in this field.
Plastic surgery to treat gender dysphoria is for transgender, non-binary people whose physical appearance does not reflect their gender identity. Of course, mere interest and the nonsense of how to actually become a plastic surgeon are two very different things. Regardless of the type of practice a plastic surgeon practices, those who choose plastic surgery as a profession can be sure that they will continue to face new challenges in a field that is always changing. A plastic surgeon may choose to limit their practice to one of these areas or practice the full scope of plastic surgery.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the leading certification body for plastic surgeons in the United States. In addition to becoming licensed, plastic surgeons may choose to obtain additional credentials or memberships in professional organizations to further demonstrate their experience and commitment to the field. If you're looking for a life in surgery that's exciting, interesting, satisfying, and diverse, plastic surgery would be an excellent career choice. To ensure that your surgeon has these excellent ratings, look for the ASPS symbol of excellence or use the free Find an ASPS Plastic Surgeon tool to find a highly trained plastic surgeon in your area.
By committing to lifelong learning and professional development, plastic surgeons can provide the highest quality of care to their patients and maintain excellence in their practice.
