Plastic surgeons are focused on reconstructive procedures. They can see patients who have conditions like birth disorders, injuries, illnesses, or burns. Many plastic surgeons choose to become cosmetic surgeons and do procedures to change a patient’s appearance or aesthetic.
What kind of doctor does plastic surgery?
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) certifies surgeons exclusively in cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons may not have board certification to call themselves that. Any doctor from a dermatologist to an oral surgeon can call themselves cosmetic surgeons, Rohrich told Healthline.
Does plastic surgery hurt?
While everyone’s pain threshold is different, most agree that plastic surgery is not very painful, and recovery is usually quick and easy. If you are interested in learning more about the amount of pain after plastic surgery or would like to schedule a surgical consultation, contact Dr.
Is plastic surgery safe?
All surgery carries certain risks. Your choice to have plastic surgery is personal, and as part of your decision to have a procedure, you should be aware of the possible risks. Health-related risks include bleeding, excessive swelling, infection, poor healing of your incisions, loss of sensation, and anesthesia risks.
Entry requirements
Before you train as a surgeon you must complete a degree in medicine and have obtained a MBBS or equivalent qualification. Find out about getting into medical school.
You then need to complete a two-year foundation programme and then two years of core training. After successfully completing your first year of foundation training you become eligible for registration as a doctor with the General Medical Council (GMC). Foundation training includes undertaking rotations in a range of specialties including surgery.
To find information about the Foundation Programme, visit our applying for foundation training page.
You will then need to undertake core surgical (CT1-2) and specialty training (ST3-7).
Skills, qualities and interests needed
Plastic surgery is a demanding role and you’ll need a special blend of skills and personal qualities. These include:
practical skills such as good hand-eye co-ordination, fine coordination and visuo-spatial awareness
excellent vision
good organisational and communication skills
the ability to lead and manage a team effectively
stamina to cope with a busy an demanding role
the ability to inspire confidence in others
If you have artistic ability so much the better and perfectionist tendencies are also an advantage for this very precise work.
If you’re applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you’ll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you’re applying for a university course funded by the NHS.
Training for Plastic Surgeons
On completion of medical school, the training aspect of a budding plastic surgeon’s preparation intensifies with the participation in 5-6 years of residency training. This stage of training requires surgeons to gain clinical experience in general surgery and then plastic surgery.
At the end of the residency, students need to pass one or more examinations (usually just step three of the USMLE) to enable them to legally practice as a surgeon.
After a residency program, some plastic surgeons may decide to undertake a fellowship where they specialize in a particular field of plastic surgery such as breast reconstruction or craniofacial surgery.
While it is common for plastic surgeons to pursue a specialty, they will all have received training in breast surgery, upper body congenital issues and burn management. Many plastic surgeons will also obtain certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
CAREER REQUIREMENT
Degree Required | Doctor of medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) |
Training Required | 3- to 6-year residency |
Key Responsibilities | Examine and evaluate patients who have congenital deformities or defects from disease or injury; perform surgery to correct, reconstruct or repair physical or functional defects; perform cosmetic surgery |
Licensure or Certification | Licensure is required in all states; board certification in a specialty plastic surgery is available |
Job Growth (2018-2028) | 7% (for all physicians and surgeons)* |
Median Salary (2019) | R 3846562.40 (for plastic surgeons)** |
Below are steps to Become A Plastic Surgeon In South Africa
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Medical schools require that you complete premedical courses, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics and biology, during your undergraduate years.
You should also take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and obtain letters of recommendation from your mentors. Although it is not a strict requirement, most of those who gain admission to medical school earn a bachelor’s degree in addition to taking the required premedical courses.
Step 2: Graduate From Medical School
Medical school requires two years of classroom training in the sciences, followed by two years of clinical rotations in various medical specialties. You will take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology and pharmacology.
You then gain experience working with patients as you complete clinical rotations in family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery and psychiatry. If you attend a traditional allopathic medical school, you will earn a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree.
Step 3: Earn a License
All physicians must earn a license in order to practice medicine in the United States. If you are an M.D., you need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
If you are a D.O., you must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX). The USMLE and COMLEX consist of three parts and test candidates on how well they apply basic science concepts to the practice of medicine.
Step 4: Complete a Plastic Surgery Residency
After you become a licensed physician, you have two options for plastic surgery training. You can complete three years in a general surgery residency followed by a 3-year plastic surgery residency, or you can complete a 6-year integrated residency that includes both types of training.
During your general surgery training, you complete clinical rotations in different types of surgery, such as abdominal, breast, pediatric, trauma, cardiothoracic and neurological surgery.
Where can I study to become a plastic surgeon in South Africa?
Plastic Surgery, Master | University of Pretoria | Pretoria, South Africa.
How much does a plastic surgeon earn in South Africa?
The average pay for a Plastic Surgeon is ZAR 3,098,004 a year and ZAR 1,489 an hour in Cape Town, South Africa. The average salary range for a Plastic Surgeon is between ZAR 2,066,213 and ZAR 4,192,824. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Plastic Surgeon.
What subjects are needed to become a plastic surgeon in South Africa?
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science. Recommended subjects: Life Sciences. Additional:
Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (553) of Hamilton and.
Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Southern Africa. PostNet Suite 98,
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. www.plasticsurgery.org.
What qualifications do you need to be a plastic surgeon In South Africa?
To become a cosmetic or plastic surgeon you’ll need to complete:
a 5-year degree in medicine, recognised by the General Medical Council.
a 2-year foundation programme of general training.
2 years of core surgical training in a hospital.
up to 6 years of specialist training.
How long do you have to study to become a plastic surgeon in South Africa?
The absolute minimum number of years to become a South African plastic surgeon. It takes nine years to register as a general practitioner in private practice after six years in medical school and three years of community service.
Which surgeon makes the most money in South Africa?
Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Jobs In South Africa
Heart Transplant Surgeon. Monthly Salary: 152,000 ZAR.
Orthopedic Surgeon. Monthly Salary: 148,000 ZAR.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Monthly Salary: 139,000 ZAR.
Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon. .
Invasive Cardiologist Surgeon.
Neurology Surgeon.
Pediatric Surgeon.
Trauma Surgeon.
How many years does it take to become a Plastic Surgeon In South Africa?
Becoming a plastic surgeon requires years of rigorous education and training. It starts with a bachelor’s degree, which takes 4 years, followed by a medical school, which takes another 4 years, and finally, a residency, which usually lasts about 6 years. Fellowships may also be completed; they typically last 1 year.
Is it hard to become a Plastic Surgeon In South Africa?
“Becoming an ASAPS plastic surgeon requires many years of training and an ongoing commitment to stay current in research and surgical techniques to ensure the very best patient outcomes. Plastic surgery is one of the most challenging specialties a doctor can pursue, but no doubt one of the most rewarding.”—Dr.
Is a plastic surgeon a good job In South Africa?
About 26 percent reported that being good at their job was the most rewarding part of being a plastic surgeon, and 14 percent cited high pay. Only 8 percent cited the prestige that accompanies being a doctor, and 9 percent thought that making the world a better place was the most rewarding aspect of the job.
Does plastic surgery hurt In South Africa?
While everyone’s pain threshold is different, most agree that plastic surgery is not very painful, and recovery is usually quick and easy. If you are interested in learning more about the amount of pain after plastic surgery or would like to schedule a surgical consultation, contact Dr.