Plastic Surgery
Most plastic surgeons do not concentrate solely on cosmetic surgery. Their work involves the repair and correction of congenital defects, trauma surgery, and cancer reconstruction. In many cases the aim is to restore physical function as well as physical appearance.
You found your specialty, now plan the rest of your path.
From specialty exploration to school discovery, interview preparation, and debt planning, all part of the SDN Schools Database.
Key Facts
Core Focus: Reconstruction and aesthetic enhancement of body structures
Number of Physicians: Moderate (~7,000)
Training Length: 6 years integrated residency or 3 general + 3 plastic
Subspecialties: Hand surgery, craniofacial, aesthetic surgery
Job Progression: Cosmetic specialist, academic surgeon, clinic owner
Gender Distribution: 20% female, 80% male
Job Outlook: Growing
Work Environment: Hospitals, private practices, surgery centers
Patient Relationship: Long-term for reconstruction, short-term cosmetic
Schedule: Variable, includes elective and emergent cases
Common Procedures: Reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery
Residency Length: 6 years
Fellowship Required: No
Average Annual Income: ~$544,000 - $621,000
Average Weekly Hours: 55 hours/week
Burnout Percentage: 43%
Match Competitiveness: Extremely High
Common Work Settings: Hospitals, private practices, surgical centers
❤️ Values and Personality Comparison
Plastic Surgery Top Values
- Creativity
- Independence
- Working with my hands
- Working with people
Plastic Surgery Do Not Value
- Feedback from others
- Prestige
- Security
- Sufficient time off
🧠 Plastic Surgery Personality Traits
- Pay attention to details
- Look for possibilities
- Want to help people
- Need to see tangible results of their efforts quickly
- Seek approval
- Be adventurous / like challenges
- Be energetic / have a high energy level
- Be perfectionistic
- Have manual dexterity
- Value independence highly
🔗 Links
- The American Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- SDN Plastic Surgery Forum
Has any information changed? Click here to report an update.