Your Top Questions Answered About Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgeons can help patients with serious injuries, chronic illnesses, and congenital deformities. They use various surgical methods to improve function and appearance in damaged areas. Here are the answers to the top questions about these medical practitioners:

Who Is a Plastic Surgeon?

A plastic surgeon may treat wounds and congenital abnormalities that interfere with function or appearance. They also enhance physical attributes for aesthetic purposes. These physicians can specialize in different areas, including breasts and chest areas, limbs, external genitalia, face anatomy, skin, and more.

What Are the Qualifications for Plastic Surgery Practice?

Getting a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree is one of the first steps toward training in plastic surgery. Physicians may attend a six-year residency program in which they acquire general and plastic surgery skills. They may pursue a three-year plastic surgery residency after a five-year general surgery residency.

Doctors can choose to continue their education in one of the plastic surgery specialty areas. They maintain their board accreditation through a continuous accreditation program and earn a specific amount of continuing medical education (CME) credits annually to keep their medical licenses.

How Do Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons Compare?

Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery are a few subspecialties of plastic surgery. Surgeons specializing in reconstructive surgery serve patients whose medical issues impact their shape, appearance, or function. Cosmetic surgeons may perform procedures to improve the appearance of physical traits. Other plastic surgery subspecialties can include gender affirmation, craniofacial or craniomaxillofacial, body contouring, microsurgery, hands, burns, and more.

What Do Plastic Surgeons Do?

Plastic surgery specialists help perform surgical and non-surgical procedures to enhance the look and functionality of different body parts. Working with other medical professionals, they continuously monitor patients’ recovery and uphold ethical standards to provide the best possible care. Their roles and responsibilities often include:

• Assessing patients, listening to their concerns, and creating a care plan. 
• Creating a comprehensive plan comprising the surgical approach, anesthetic, and recovery.
• Performing a range of surgical treatments, such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and restoration of physical abnormalities.
• Observing the healing process to make sure the patient is recovering. 
• Prescribing medicines to help reduce scarring, avoid infection, or control discomfort.
• Organizing follow-up consultations with patients to assess their condition, remove stitches, and provide more postoperative care guidance.
• Educating patients on the value of leading a healthy lifestyle, adhering to recovery guidelines, and abstaining from activities that can compromise the procedure’s outcome.
• Researching to expand the field of plastic surgery, provide new therapies, and enhance surgical procedures.

What Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Available?

There are many types of plastic surgery procedures, depending on the location and goal of the surgery. Some methods are non-invasive with quick recovery periods, while others are more intense. Here are some of these procedures:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast reduction 
• Breast lift
• Hair transplant 
• Injectables 
• Body contouring 
• Tummy tuck 
• Blepharoplasty 
• Rhinoplasty 
• Facelift 
• Brow lift 
• Lasers 
• Liposuction 
• Arm lift 
• Thigh lift 

Where do Plastic Surgeons Work?

Plastic surgery physicians may work in various settings, depending on their practice. They could work in hospitals, university medical centers, or private practices. Surgeons working in private practices have clinics for patient consultations. 

Those working in hospitals may have a more comprehensive practice range, including trauma and emergency care. Plastic surgery physicians may also work for a broader surgical team or in a hospital department. These professionals may spend a great deal of time evaluating medical histories and having consultations with patients wherever they practice.

What Happens During an Initial Consultation?

Your initial visit lets you learn more about the surgeon and available surgery options. The physician will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination before offering a proper consultation. Bring any paperwork, notes, or test results from prior medical professionals to help the surgeon better meet your needs.

How Do You Find the Best Specialist?

Consider a reputable surgeon with experience in the specific procedure you desire. Search online for plastic surgery clinics near you and check the doctor’s specialization and experience. Consider making several consultation appointments to find which physician is best for you. Once you identify a doctor you trust, schedule an initial consultation to determine if you’re confident in their skills. Find a specialist to get the best surgical outcomes.