Learn About Plastic Surgeons: Procedures They perform and When to see one?
What is a Plastic Surgeon?
A plastic surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in reconstructing and improving physical appearances. They may also perform reconstructive surgery on patients who have had accidents or health problems that have caused them to need a prosthesis or another type of surgery.
How does a doctor become a Plastic Surgeon?
To become a plastic surgeon, a person must first complete an undergraduate program. They must then attend medical school for four years and attend a residency program for another four years after that. Most doctors also study in a plastic surgeon program during their residency. Plastic surgeons who plan on practicing in sub-specialties will need to complete other residency programs that match the sub-specialty. Some choose to complete their education in one sub-specialty so they can work while still studying for other sub-specialties. Plastic surgeons must be licensed and certified to work in most states. They must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX). These tests are administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.
What types of illnesses do Plastic Surgeons treat?
Plastic surgeons don’t treat illnesses, but they do treat injuries and defects. When someone is injured or suffers a deformity or problem caused by an illness, disease, or birth defect, the plastic surgeon can repair it. They treat a variety of different issues, including:
- Excess skin removal
- Skin grafts
- Cosmetic surgery
- Cleft Pallets
- Facial deformities
- Injuries
- Reconstructive surgery
- Birth defects
- Skin treatments
What Are the diagnostic tests and procedures ordered by a Plastic Surgeon?
Plastic surgeons perform many different cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to help their clients improve their looks and help them function better. These can vary and include:
- Rhinoplasty
- Amputations
- Breast augmentation
- Tummy tuck
- Facelift
- Eyelid surgery
- Facial implants
- Botox
- Hair replacement
- Liposuction
- Chin reduction
- Ear surgery
- Thigh lifts
- Neck lifts
- Microdermabrasion
What are the different types of Plastic Surgeons?
Most plastic surgeons are trained to perform many different procedures. Some may be more experienced or have more training in certain areas than others. These areas are called specialties. These specialties include:
- Burn surgeons
- Craniofacial surgeons
- Hand surgeons
- Microsurgeons
- Cosmetic surgeons
- Aesthetic surgeons
- Pediatric plastic surgeons
How do Plastic Surgeons treat their patients?
Plastic surgeons focus on helping their patients improve their confidence so they can live normal lives. They handle each patient differently and perform the surgery that will best suit their needs. Some of the surgeries plastic surgeons perform include:
- Anti-aging procedures
- Hair removal procedures
- Hair replacement procedures
- Reconstructive procedures
- Cosmetic procedures
- Amputations
- Protheses
- Weight loss surgeries
When to see a Plastic Surgeon?
Most people choose to see a plastic surgeon when they need to have a procedure to help improve the way they look or to help them function more efficiently. Some common reasons to see a plastic surgeon include:
- Injuries
- Deformed or missing limbs
- Facial deformities
- Pain
- Pressure
- Car accident injuries
- Birth defects
- Slow down the signs of aging
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
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