Plastic Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of aesthetic enhancement, the focus on plastic surgeons has never been more pronounced.

As beauty standards evolve, so does the need for skilled surgeons who can sculpt, refine, and preserve our physical appearances.

But let’s go beneath the surface: What’s truly expected from a plastic surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of plastic surgery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable plastic surgeon job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Plastic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Plastic Surgeons are highly specialized medical doctors who perform various surgical and non-surgical procedures to reconstruct or modify the physical appearance of a patient.

These procedures can be cosmetic for aesthetic enhancement or reconstructive to treat injuries or deformities.

Their primary responsibilities and duties include:

• Consulting with patients to understand their medical history and desired outcomes from the surgery
• Examining patients and determining the feasibility of the requested procedure
• Preparing patients for surgeries and explaining the risks involved
• Performing surgical and non-surgical cosmetic and reconstructive procedures
• Using surgical instruments and medical equipment skillfully to ensure precision and minimize complications
• Monitoring patient’s recovery and providing post-operative care advice
• Documenting each aspect of the surgical procedure for future reference and legal compliance
• Staying abreast with the latest developments in plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Collaborating with other medical professionals such as anesthesiologists and nurses for comprehensive patient care

 

Plastic Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Plastic Surgeon to join our dynamic medical team.

The Plastic Surgeon will specialize in restoring, reconstructing, or altering the human body to improve aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall quality of life.

The job responsibilities include conducting patient consultations, determining surgical possibilities, performing surgical procedures, overseeing recovery, and providing suitable aftercare.

Our ideal candidate is an empathetic, meticulous professional who is committed to exceptional patient care and is up-to-date with the latest surgical procedures and practices.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient consultations and explain the potential aesthetic and corrective benefits of different types of surgery.
• Examine patients and determine if they are suitable candidates for surgical procedures.
• Perform surgical procedures aimed at improving patients’ appearance or reconstructing damaged areas of the body.
• Adhere to all relevant medical protocols and procedures.
• Supervise the postoperative recovery of patients and provide suitable aftercare instructions.
• Document treatments and maintain detailed patient records.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in the field of plastic surgery.
• Provide a high standard of care to patients at all times.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Plastic Surgeon.
• Board certification in Plastic Surgery.
• Strong understanding of the principles of plastic surgery and aesthetic judgement.
• Excellent surgical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate with good bedside manners.
• Good decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• MD degree and valid license to practice medicine.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Malpractice Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Plastic Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. Some on-call duties may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Surgery or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $300,000 minimum to $500,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Plastic Surgeon Do?

Plastic Surgeons are specialized medical professionals who perform surgeries aimed at improving a person’s appearance, repairing body defects or injuries, or restoring normal function.

They work closely with patients to understand their aesthetic or reconstructive needs and discuss the possible outcomes and potential risks of the surgery.

Their work often involves operating on different parts of the body, such as the skin, face, hands, breasts, or other parts, depending on the patient’s needs.

They may perform various types of procedures like breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, or burn repair surgery.

Plastic Surgeons are also responsible for post-operative patient care, which includes monitoring healing and helping to manage any pain or discomfort.

They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

Apart from surgery, Plastic Surgeons may also use non-surgical methods such as Botox or filler injections to enhance a patient’s appearance.

They must stay updated with the latest advancements in their field to provide the best possible care to their patients.

They also need to have excellent manual dexterity, precision, and attention to detail as the success of their procedures heavily relies on these skills.

 

Plastic Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A competent Plastic Surgeon should possess the qualifications and skills that align with the requirements of the role, such as:

• Extensive medical knowledge and experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery to provide safe and effective surgical care to patients.
• Strong surgical skills to conduct complex procedures with precision and accuracy.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Strong communication skills to explain surgical procedures, risks, and benefits to patients and to collaborate effectively with medical staff.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and respond to patients’ needs and concerns.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction during and after surgical procedures.
• Ability to keep up-to-date with advances in surgical techniques and technologies.
• Physical stamina to perform long, complex surgical procedures.
• Good organizational skills to manage patient records, appointments, and surgical schedules efficiently.

 

Plastic Surgeon Experience Requirements

Plastic Surgeons undergo extensive education and training before achieving board certification.

This journey begins with an undergraduate degree, followed by a medical degree, and a residency in general surgery or otolaryngology.

During the residency, which typically lasts 5-7 years, surgeons gain significant practical experience in a wide range of surgical procedures.

This stage is crucial in shaping the surgeon’s technical skills, critical thinking, and patient care.

To specialize in plastic surgery, the surgeon then completes a fellowship, which lasts 2-3 years.

This fellowship provides advanced training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, offering the surgeon hands-on experience in complex surgical procedures and patient management.

Once the fellowship is completed, the surgeon may choose to gain additional experience in specific areas of plastic surgery, such as facial reconstruction or breast augmentation.

This usually requires further fellowships or job roles under the mentorship of a seasoned plastic surgeon.

Having more than 5 years of experience post-fellowship often suggests the surgeon is skilled in multiple areas of plastic surgery and is capable of handling more complex procedures.

This level of experience may also indicate readiness for leadership roles within a hospital or private practice.

Finally, board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Surgeons for those in the UK, requires a minimum number of years of practice, successful completion of written and oral exams, and peer review of the surgeon’s cases.

This certification is a testament to the surgeon’s comprehensive training and experience.

 

Plastic Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a plastic surgeon requires extensive education and training.

The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree, usually with a heavy emphasis on biological and physical sciences.

Following this, aspiring plastic surgeons must complete a four-year medical school program to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.

During medical school, they learn about general medical concepts and engage in practical clinical rotations.

After obtaining a medical degree, individuals must then complete a 5-7 year general surgery residency program.

This gives them essential experience in various surgical procedures and patient care.

Upon successful completion of a general surgery residency, they must further specialize in plastic surgery through a 2-3 year plastic surgery residency program.

This specialized program provides in-depth training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

After all the residency programs, plastic surgeons often complete fellowships in their areas of interest, such as hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, or aesthetic surgery.

Finally, plastic surgeons need to be licensed to practice in their state, which requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

Additionally, most surgeons choose to become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which demonstrates their competence and commitment to the field.

Continuing education is crucial for plastic surgeons to stay updated with the latest surgical techniques and advancements in the field.

This can be achieved through attending workshops, conferences, and completing further courses.

 

Plastic Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Plastic Surgeon can expect an average salary of $409,665 (USD) per year.

However, the compensation varies greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, skills, geographical location, and the facility where they practice.

Surgeons with more experience and those practicing in metropolitan areas can often command higher salaries.

 

Plastic Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a plastic surgeon need?

Plastic surgeons must have a bachelor’s degree, followed by a medical degree from an accredited medical school.

They are also required to complete a residency in plastic surgery, which usually takes 6-8 years.

Afterwards, they may choose to complete a fellowship for specialized training in a specific area of plastic surgery.

All plastic surgeons must be licensed to practice medicine in their state.

 

What are the typical duties of a plastic surgeon?

Plastic surgeons perform surgical procedures to correct or restore physical form and function.

This could include reconstructive surgery after accidents or disease, cosmetic enhancements, and corrective surgeries for birth defects.

They also counsel patients on potential risks and outcomes of surgery and follow up on patient recovery post-surgery.

 

What should you look for in a plastic surgeon’s resume?

A qualified plastic surgeon’s resume should include details of their medical degree, residency, and any specialized fellowships.

It’s also important to look at their experience, particularly in the type of plastic surgery you require.

Memberships in professional organizations, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and ongoing professional development also demonstrate a commitment to quality and standards in the field.

 

What qualities make a good plastic surgeon?

A good plastic surgeon should have exceptional manual dexterity and physical stamina, as surgeries can be lengthy and complex.

They should also have excellent visual acuity and depth perception to perform delicate procedures.

Good plastic surgeons are empathetic, understanding, and able to help patients feel at ease.

Furthermore, they should possess strong communication skills to explain procedures and potential risks to patients effectively.

 

Is it difficult to hire a plastic surgeon?

Hiring a plastic surgeon can be challenging, given the high level of specialized training and experience required.

There’s also a high demand for plastic surgeons, especially those with a strong reputation or specialized skills.

Hence, it may require competitive compensation packages and robust support systems to attract and retain the best talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the real essence of being a plastic surgeon.

And you know what?

It’s not just about aesthetic enhancement.

It’s about sculpting a better future, one procedure at a time.

With our definitive plastic surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every surgical procedure is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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