by Megan Wang
Introduction
Plastic surgery is one of the most well-known specialties in medicine, yet one of the least understood. We often think of plastic surgery as representing the extent of society’s emphasis on appearances since news of celebrities with alleged plastic surgery procedures often make headlines. However, there is so much more to plastic surgeons than what meets the eye!
What is Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery is a specialty in medicine that deals with reconstructing facial and bodily tissues. Many erroneously believe that the word “plastic” refers to artificiality; however, “plastic” actually comes from the Greek word plastikos which means “to mold or give form”.
Although most people’s perceptions of plastic surgery are based on nose jobs and lip fillers, there are actually two main categories of plastic surgery with several different purposes. When thinking of plastic surgery, most people think about cosmetic surgery, which is used to aesthetically improve a patient’s appearance. These cosmetic surgery procedures are not medically necessary. Examples of cosmetic surgery include breast augmentation, facelifts, and liposuction. However, there is also another type of plastic surgery called reconstructive surgery. This type of surgery is used to correct deformities caused by birth defects and medical conditions, making it medically necessary. Examples of reconstructive surgical procedures include cleft lip repair and breast reconstruction.
How does someone become a Plastic Surgeon?
To become a plastic surgeon, one must first complete an undergraduate degree in an area of their choice and complete all necessary pre-med requirements. Then, they must also complete medical school, where they will be matched into a plastic surgery residency. Aspiring plastic surgeons will stay in residency for around 5 to 6 years, where they will first learn about general surgery before specializing in plastic surgery. After residency, plastic surgeons can choose to pursue a fellowship to receive further training on a subspecialty of plastic surgery (ie. craniofacial surgery). Finally, to be officially certified as a plastic surgeon, they must obtain a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
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