Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
What is a plastic surgeon and how to become one
Physicians who conduct surgical and reconstructive procedures on patients are plastic surgeons. These can include optional courses, from rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, a preventive procedure such as 'micro' facial lifts, to retro-operative operations, such as deformity repairs or burning skin accidents. A plastic surgeon needs years of intensive preparation.
The educational journey starts with a four-year bachelor's degree, followed by a medical school that takes another four years to finish, and then an internship that typically lasts around six years. To become a plastic surgeon, you won't require a different undergraduate degree, although some courses are mandatory for you to take during your medical school days.
Some universities have premedical programs that allow students to choose classes to prepare them for medical education according to their major, so you won't have to search for the course out of your university if you aim to become a plastic surgeon.
What general advice would you give to a Plastic Surgeon?
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM
Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs and Faculty Affairs, Associate Professor, Western University of Health Sciences
Avg. Salary $172,467
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 7%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.14%
Asian 12.67%
Black or African American 1.81%
Hispanic or Latino 5.01%
Unknown 3.76%
White 76.60%
Genderfemale 76.38%
male 23.62%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Plastic Surgeon career paths
Key steps to become a plastic surgeon
Explore plastic surgeon education requirements
Start to develop specific plastic surgeon skills
Skills 
Percentages Patients 55.00% Patient Care 8.74% Hand Surgery 5.80% Private Practice 5.75% Medical Procedures 5.10% Research plastic surgeon duties and responsibilities
- Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.
- Develop x-rays, foot and ankle therapies, including hydrotherapy, ultrasound and hot wax.
- Assist with surgery scheduling, casting/removing, & casting for orthotics.
- Check patient in/out, collect co-payments/deductibles that apply for orthotics, enter charges/post payments.
Prepare your plastic surgeon resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your plastic surgeon resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a plastic surgeon resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Plastic Surgeon Resume templates
Build a professional Plastic Surgeon resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Plastic Surgeon resume.
Apply for plastic surgeon jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a plastic surgeon job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Plastic Surgeon Job
Are you a Plastic Surgeon?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average plastic surgeon salary
The average Plastic Surgeon salary in the United States is $172,467 per year or $83 per hour. Plastic surgeon salaries range between $87,000 and $339,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do plastic surgeons rate their job?
Plastic Surgeon FAQs
Search for plastic surgeon jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
