Plastic surgeons are trained to perform surgery. It may sound obvious, but many people don't realize that only some of the 24 medical specialties recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties include surgical training.
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty.
Plastic surgeons are experts in both facial and body procedures. Board-certified plastic surgeons complete a minimum of five years of surgical training following medical school, including a plastic surgery residency program. In-depth training encompasses surgical procedures of the face and the entire body. Plastic surgeons are trained to prevent and, if necessary, handle emergencies. Plastic surgeons' training develops technical skill and aesthetic judgment.