How to Become a Plastic Surgeon for Kids

Plastic surgeons have a challenging job, especially when the patients are children.

Pediatric plastic surgeons are cosmetic surgeons who specialize in plastic surgeries on children. Children sometimes need plastic surgery to correct cosmetic problems that result from birth defects, illnesses or injuries. A pediatric plastic surgeon is not only specialized in medical surgery and cosmetic surgery, but they are also specialized in children’s surgery and children’s health. Training and education to become a plastic surgeon for kids is long and hard, but the rewards of helping children live a normal, healthy life are worth the long years of education.

Things You'll Need

• Medical degree
• Plastic surgery specialization education
• Board certification
• Medical license

Instructions

1. Obtain a four-year degree in science. Most sciences, from biology to chemistry, are needed to become a doctor.

2. Obtain a medical degree. Medical schools around the country offer various classes and areas of specialization during the years of study. A medical degree is required for any doctor, whether they are a specialized doctor, such as a plastic surgeon, or they are a family doctor. Medical school is typically around four years of study.

3. Apply for residency during the third year of medical school. Send in applications and transcripts to train under surgeons or plastic surgeons during the residency. Applications and transcripts can be sent through a residency match program, such as the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Residency Match Program, or through direct application to preferred hospitals or doctors. The match programs are simpler for most students.

4. Start the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. The first level of the exam starts during the second year of medical school. It is given in three parts throughout medical school and medical training. Sign up for the exam through the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination website. The final part of the exam is taken halfway though medical residency and a medical license is given upon completion of the final part of the exam.

5. Complete a residency under a surgeon. Typical residencies will last five or six years, during which surgery and plastic surgery will be learned and practiced.

6. Complete a fellowship in pediatric plastic surgery or a specific area of pediatric plastic surgery. Fellowship programs will require an additional year or two, depending on the program. Applications can be sent directly to fellowship programs or through residency match programs. Many residency match programs also have fellowship match programs. They will need transcripts sent with the application.

7. Take the exams for qualification and certification in plastic surgery, pediatric plastic surgery and any area of specialization in children’s plastic surgery. These tests are taken through the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and can be signed up for on the board’s website. The locations of the exams will vary by state.

References

• The Pediatric Plastic Surgeon: Guidelines for Parents
• Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter: Children’s Plastic Surgery

Resources

• San Francisco Plastic Surgeon Residency Match: Sign Up
• U.S. Medical Licensing Examination: Take the Test
• American Board of Plastic Surgery Inc.: Certification