How to Become a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon
A plastic surgeon is a highly educated and skilled physician who is qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. This important specialty not only provides the elective procedures that are becoming common in our society as baby boomers age, but also life changing procedures that cosmetically repair birth defects, serious burns and reconstruction needed after cancer surgery. If this highly sought after, respected and challenging surgical specialization sounds interesting, you may want to pursue a career as a cosmetic plastic surgeon.
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Instructions
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Complete your undergraduate degree. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university begins this long educational process. There are no requirements for the degree's specialization, but most prospective physicians and surgeons choose a degree in the sciences. This typically takes four years to complete.
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Complete medical school. You will next need to complete four years of medical school, from an accredited medical school. The accrediting body for US medical schools is the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). After medical school is completed, you will receive a doctor of medicine degree (MD), but will not be able to practice medicine until further steps are accomplished.
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Complete required residency. The plastic surgery residency program consists of two parts. You will need to complete a general surgery residency, which lasts three years. A residency in plastic surgery will then need to be completed, which will last a minimum of three more years. Some residency programs are integrated and will consist of both parts.
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Earn license to practice medicine. After your required education is completed, you will need to complete a series of exams to earn your medical license. At this point you will be able to practice medicine.
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Maintain your license. You will need to complete continuing education each year to maintain your medical license. This requirement will vary slightly by state, but all states require some continuing education.
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Tips & Warnings
Many physicians further their credentials by seeking a board certification in their field. The American Board of Plastic Surgery offers this board certification for plastic surgeons.
