Plastic surgeon

(PLAS-tik SER-jun) is a surgeon who has special training in reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects, or treatment for diseases.

Plastic Surgeons are highly specialized medical professionals trained in the art and science of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. They aim to restore, reconstruct, or alter the human body, particularly focusing on reducing scarring, disfigurement, and restoring function and appearance resulting from accidents, birth defects, or treatment for diseases.

Overview

Plastic Surgeons possess expertise in a broad range of surgeries on the face and body. They work not only in cosmetic procedures but also in complex reconstructive surgeries to repair injuries and congenital defects, contributing significantly to enhancing patients' quality of life and self-esteem.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Reconstructive Surgery: Addressing physical abnormalities caused by accidents, disease, or birth defects. This includes breast reconstruction, cleft lip and palate surgery, and burn repair surgery.
• Cosmetic Surgery: Enhancing appearance through procedures like rhinoplasty, facelifts, liposuction, and breast augmentation.
• Hand Surgery: Repairing and reconstructing the hand and wrist, including treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and reconstructive surgeries post-injury.
• Microsurgery: Utilizing microscopes and precision instruments to perform intricate surgeries like nerve repair and replantation of severed body parts.
• Craniofacial Surgery: Specializing in the surgical reconstruction of facial abnormalities.

Education and Training

• Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree, often in a pre-medical field.
• Medical School: Completion of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree.
• Residency Training: A residency in general surgery followed by a residency in plastic surgery.
• Fellowship Training: Advanced training in a subspecialty, such as hand surgery or craniofacial surgery.
• Board Certification: Obtaining certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Subspecialties

• Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery: Focusing on cosmetic procedures.
• Burn Surgery: Treating burn injuries.
• Pediatric Plastic Surgery: Specializing in reconstructive surgeries for children.
• Body Contouring: Post-weight loss surgeries to remove excess skin and reshape body areas.

Practice Settings

Plastic Surgeons work in:

• Hospitals
• Private practices
• Specialized clinics
• Academic medical centers

Professional Organizations

• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) provide resources, education, and support to plastic surgeons.

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Conclusion

Plastic Surgeons are vital in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery realms, offering solutions to repair and restore function and appearance, thereby improving patients' lives significantly.

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