Plastic Surgeon Job Benefits & Wages
Cosmetic surgeons can help with many treatments to alleviate the signs of aging or to remove excess body fat, among others. Congenital abnormalities or disfigurement caused by injury or trauma require the treatment of a reconstructive plastic surgeon. Not all plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons, as the latter will require additional training and education. Either way, both involve helping people to have an appearance that they deem to be more pleasing.
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How to Become a Plastic Surgeon
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Becoming a true plastic surgeon requires recognition by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Certification requires initial training in general surgery, otolaryngology or orthopedics. Then one must pursue five to seven years of postgraduate studies. The last two to three years of training must be in an approved plastic surgery training center. There will be arduous written and oral exams prior to certification, according to A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
What Plastic Surgeons Do
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Restorative plastic surgeons treat disfigurements that may be congenital (webbed hands, cleft lips) or incurred by trauma (fire burns), injury (lacerations) or disease, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery involves treating face or body features that the patient may not be happy with. Examples include Botox treatments, liposuction, tummy tucks or face lifts, Superpages reported.
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Types of Plastic Surgeons
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Some doctors specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery, others in general surgery, and still others in facial plastic surgery. To do cosmetic surgery, doctors must attend fellowship programs and study cosmetic surgery, according to State University.
How Much Money They Make
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The median salary for plastic and reconstructive surgeons as of November 2009 was $320,666. Those who fall within the 25th percentile average $259,743, while those in the 75th percentile average $402,160, according to Salary. The figures also are largely affected by the plastic surgeon's credentials, the company's size, the industry, experience and other factors, Salary said.
Where They Can Work
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Certified plastic surgeons only operate in accredited medical facilities, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says. They also may work in medical clinics, hospitals and, after many years, opt to engage in private practice. Some surgeons prefer the academic route and work as a member of faculty and may engage in research, State University reports.
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- Photo Credit ready for surgery! image by Laser from Fotolia.com
