Plastic Surgery – A Guide to the Training of a Plastic Surgeon

When it comes time to perform a procedure on the body to repair or rebuild a body part, patients should feel confident with this highly trained professional that they are working with. To become a plastic surgeon, there are many years of intense training that must be successfully completed.

This medical specialty deals with all areas of the human body. This field encompasses not only cosmetic procedures, but also reconstructive operations. Repair, replacement, and reconstruction procedures for the skin, hand, breast, torso, and musculoskeletal systems are addressed by a plastic surgeon.

Not only does an expert need to be highly skilled in medical techniques, but he or she must also competently combine exemplary ethics, judgment, and communication skills.

Before being accepted into medical school, a college student must take extensive pre-med classes in the areas of science and math. Biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and other basic sciences are foundational core classes. It is also important to understand human psychology and communication.

Being admitted to medical school is a highly competitive process based on grades and entrance exam results. After admission is granted, schooling lasts for four years. During these four years, the future doctor spends the first two years in classes and the second two years learning through internships.

Internships offer extensive experience in the many facets of medicine along with experience in managing patients. These on-the-job experiences help a prospective doctor hone in on the specialties that are of most interest.

After graduating from medical school, the doctor will receive an MD or DO degree, which stands for doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy. To specialize in plastic surgery, the doctor will complete a residency in which he will be able to further hone his skills both in handling patients and in learning first-hand all the latest surgical techniques. A residency involves working under the guidance of experienced physicians and surgeons for up to seven years.

When all of the education is complete, a plastic surgeon will have accumulated enough experience to decide which areas to specialize in with their practice. Some of these specialties may include reconstructive or cosmetic procedures of the face, body, or specific features such as the nose or ear.

Patients should be assured that their cosmetic surgeon has spent many years acquiring great skill in performing the various procedures. Surgeons must feel good about all their challenging courses as they are now empowered to change and improve human life.