Plastic surgeons improve quality of life in people who experience severe injuries, life-changing illnesses and congenital defects. They use a variety of surgical techniques to enhance appearance and improve function in affected areas. Plastic surgeons also specialize in cosmetic surgery to improve appearance for aesthetic purposes.
Plastic surgeons repair injuries and congenital (present at birth) defects affecting appearance or function. They use reconstructive and cosmetic techniques to restore areas impacted by major illnesses such as cancer. They also perform procedures to enhance physical features for aesthetic reasons.
Their areas of expertise include the:
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Plastic surgery to treat gender dysphoria is for transgender and nonbinary individuals whose physical appearance doesn’t reflect their gender identity.
Plastic surgery training starts with traditional medical school to earn a doctor of medicine degree (MD). Another option is osteopathic education to earn a doctor of osteopathy degree (DO). Osteopathic doctors learn a holistic approach that considers a person’s mind, body and spirit.
After medical school, doctors complete a six-year plastic surgery residency. During this time, they learn general and plastic surgery techniques. Alternatively, many doctors complete a five-year general surgery residency and follow that with an additional three years of training with a focus on plastic surgery.
After their residency training, plastic surgeons may choose to complete a rigorous exam to become board certified. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one organization that grants board certification. Once these requirements have been achieved, plastic surgeons may choose to pursue further training in one of several sub-specialties listed in the section below.
Plastic surgeons maintain board certification through a Continuous Certification Program. They also have to complete a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) credits each year to maintain their medical license.
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Plastic surgeons can pursue a one-year fellowship after residency to become subspecialists in:
Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are both sub-specialties of plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgeons treat people with medical issues affecting appearance, form or function. Cosmetic plastic surgeons enhance the appearance of physical features for aesthetic reasons rather than medical.
Cosmetic surgery is a part of all plastic surgeons’ training. Healthcare providers who wish to become full-time cosmetic surgeons sometimes complete extra training through additional fellowships.
Other healthcare providers may elect to seek certification in cosmetic surgery only. However, these individuals don’t receive formal plastic surgery training and aren’t certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
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Plastic surgeons use various techniques to treat severe injuries, improve function and restore a natural-looking appearance.
These include:
Cosmetic procedures that plastic surgeons learn during their medical training include:
It’s important to find a surgeon you trust and who makes you feel comfortable. Your initial visit is an opportunity to get to know the surgeon and your procedure options. They review your medical history and perform a physical exam before making recommendations.
You can get the most out of this appointment by:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A plastic surgeon performs various procedures to restore function and improve appearance. You may benefit from their services if you experience a severe illness or injury. You may also visit a plastic surgeon to enhance facial features and certain areas of your body. Plastic surgeons undergo rigorous training, giving you many treatment options to choose from. It’s important to receive services from a qualified surgeon you feel comfortable with. During your first appointment, ask a lot of questions so you can choose the surgeon and procedure that’s best for your needs.
Last reviewed on 06/08/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy