There’s a lot to consider before choosing to have plastic surgery. Finding a surgeon that fits you well and understands your needs is essential.
The training for a plastic surgeon takes several years. It includes completing a bachelor’s degree, medical school and surgical residency.
Education and Training
Plastic surgeons receive extensive training in the specialized skills required for plastic surgery. Their educational path includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, residency and board certification exams.
Students learn about the natural sciences, physiology and chemistry, and clinical medicine during medical school. During the first two years, students take advanced anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical rotations courses.
A plastic surgeon also needs to have good communication skills and be able to work with nurses, assistants and anesthesiologists during surgeries. These team players will help the surgeon keep the patient safe and minimize risks.
To become a plastic surgeon in the US, you need to complete an undergraduate degree in the sciences and then apply to medical school. You’ll take biology, physiology, chemistry, and medical ethics classes during med school. In addition, you’ll need to prepare for the Medical College Admissions Test or MCAT.
Specialization
Bellevue plastic surgeon can perform reconstructive surgery on the body and face, including soft tissue reconstruction after cleft lip or palate, craniosynostosis, and head trauma. They also provide cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty and breast augmentation.
Competency in this field implies a combination of basic knowledge, surgical judgment, technical expertise, and ethical practice. It involves designing and carrying out complex surgical operations and managing difficult problems and patient relationships.
Plastic surgeons must pass qualifying exams and undergo clinical training throughout their education. They must also be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) if they are an MD or by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) if they are DO.
During their medical careers, plastic surgeons may specialize in one of several sub-specialties. They must complete a fellowship in that sub-specialty and then receive board certification.
Skills
Plastic surgeons have many skills, including manual dexterity, attention to detail and surgical judgment. They also have good interpersonal skills to help patients understand their medical condition and procedure.
Compassion and empathy are essential to patient-physician interactions; these qualities are necessary for plastic surgery. In addition, they may need to work with trauma patients or children with congenital abnormalities.
Plastic surgeons undergo years of training in the US to become fully independent and licensed doctors. This includes four years of college and medical school, followed by a residency training program.
During residency, plastic surgeons learn to design grafts and flaps for transplantation or replantation; manage complex wounds; use implantable materials, such as plastic and metal; and perform tumor surgery. They also acquire a solid understanding of surgical anatomy, pathology and other basic sciences. These qualifications are essential for a comprehensive knowledge base and ethical standards. Moreover, plastic surgeons must be skilled in applying advanced techniques, such as microvascular and craniomaxillofacial surgery.
Experience
Whether you are looking to enhance your facial appearance, reconstruct your body after an accident or improve your overall health, plastic surgery can alter how you look. Choosing a surgeon with years of experience performing the procedure you want can help ensure you receive the best care and results possible.
When you’re researching a surgeon, be sure to review their patient portfolio and photos of previous procedures. This will give you an idea of what they can achieve with their skills and experience.
You should also check out their reviews on third-party platforms like Google and Yelp. You want to work with a plastic surgeon who’s been able to attract many positive reviews from their past patients.
