Anyone with a medical degree can call himself or herself a plastic surgeon, advertise those services and perform them. An article might explore various referral sources, the pre-procedure consultation a patient should expect from a good surgeon, and how to check a doctor's credentials. By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS, a patient can be assured that the physician has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency, usually three years in general surgery and two years of plastic surgery. Plastic Surgery and Bedside Manner Performing procedures is only one part of a plastic surgeon's job. For all doctors, the doctor-patient relationship means providing a great deal of education and advice.
Plastic surgeons are no exception.
Many plastic surgeons volunteer their reconstructive services to remote or underprivileged populations in developing nations around the world, as well as here in the United States. Challenging surgical conditions, severe patient needs and the deep gratitude of entire communities typify these stories. Cautions An increasing number of plastic surgery procedures are being performed on an ambulatory, or same-day basis, providing patients with increased cost savings, comfort and convenience. Prospective patients should know which type of procedures are appropriate for ambulatory surgery and how to check the accreditation of the growing numbers of outpatient surgical facilities. Plastic Surgery, Becoming a Specialty of Choice for Women Doctors While more than 91 percent of cosmetic surgery patients are female, only about 1 in 9 plastic surgeons is a woman.