Ever thought about becoming a plastic surgeon? This challenging field of medicine appeals to those who are interested in restoring, reconstructing, or altering the human body to improve appearance, function or, sometimes, both by performing an elective surgery. Of course, mere interest and the brass tacks of actually how to become a plastic surgeon are two very different things.
Interested individuals must commit a significant amount of time, energy, and money to the pursuit. Many people want to know how many years does it take to be a plastic surgeon, and the answer is … quite a few!
Ultimately, becoming a plastic surgeon requires extensive training, studying, exam taking, and clinical experience. Let’s take a look at the steps you’d need to follow in order to pursue this career path.
Steps to Becoming a Plastic Surgeon
1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
While there is no specific major required for admission to most medical schools, aspiring plastic surgeons often pursue degrees in biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine to fulfill prerequisite coursework before med school.
2. Complete Medical School
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, potential plastic surgeons need to fill out medical school applications and pass a medical college admission test to attend an accredited medical school and earn a medical degree. This means either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Medical school years will combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations in various areas of medicine. Medical school typically lasts four years, so if you’re tallying how long to reach plastic surgeon status, we’re at eight years now.
3. Complete Residency Training
After receiving graduate medical education and your medical school transcripts, hopeful plastic surgeons need to complete a residency training program in general surgery and in plastic and reconstructive surgery. These plastic surgery training residency programs usually last for six to seven years. During this time, students get hands-on training in all types of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and other medical specialties.
4. Obtain Board Certification
After completing your residency, it’s recommended that graduates pursue board certification.
Board certification in Plastic Surgery demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to excellence and signifies that they have met rigorous standards for training, experience, and competency in the field.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the primary certifying body for plastic surgeons in the United States. To become board-certified by the ABPS, surgeons must pass written and oral examinations that assess their knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment in plastic surgery.
5. Consider Fellowship Training (Optional)
While completion of a plastic surgery residency program is sufficient to practice as a plastic surgeon, some surgeons choose to pursue additional fellowship training to further specialize in a specific area of plastic surgery. Fellowships provide advanced, specialized training in areas such as aesthetic surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn surgery, and other various medical specialties.
6. Obtain Licensure and Credentials
After completing training and obtaining board certification, plastic surgeons must obtain licensure to practice medicine in their state or country. Licensure requirements vary by region but typically involve passing a licensing examination and meeting specific educational and training requirements.
In addition to licensure, plastic surgeons may choose to pursue additional credentials or memberships in professional organizations to further demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field.
7. Engage in Continued Learning and Professional Development
As the field of plastic surgery continues to evolve and innovate, plastic surgeons must stay abreast of the latest advancements, techniques, and technologies through ongoing education, training, and participation in professional conferences and meetings.
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.
FAQ: Becoming a Plastic Surgeon
How long does it take to become a cosmetic surgeon?
On average, as a profession, plastic surgery involves about fourteen to fifteen years or more of education.
If you want to be a licensed plastic surgeon, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree, medical school, plastic surgery residencies, board certification, and a cosmetic surgery fellowship in your desired plastic surgery field. Fortunately, interest in the field and the average annual salary often make all the schooling worth it.
How many years to become a cosmetic surgeon after med school?
Earning a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree will take around eight years, on average. After this time, aspiring plastic surgeons will need to complete a plastic surgery residency program, get certified, and (if desired) complete some fellowship training for the cosmetic procedures they want to specialize in.
How much do plastic surgeons earn?
The average annual plastic surgeon salary is anywhere from $300k to $600k per year. However, this varies depending on if you are just starting out, if you own your own plastic surgery practice, where you practice (geographically), and what you specialize in.
Practicing plastic surgeons who specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery, for instance, will make a different amount than those specializing in Brazilian butt lifts and body contouring.
What is the main reason people get plastic surgery?
The reasons for plastic surgery are usually to enhances appearance, function, and life quality. It can repair damaged tissue, restoring both form and function to promote a better overall confidence for its patients.
Learn More About Plastic Surgery
It’s not uncommon for patients of plastic surgery to become interested in this medical specialty and medical career path after their surgeries.
If you are interested in improving your appearance with cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures, please book a consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan today to learn more about his profession and what he can do for you aesthetically. We look forward to your call!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/asps-member-qualifications