Plastic Surgery Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s aesthetics-focused world, the demand for plastic surgery assistants is growing significantly.

As the field of cosmetic surgery evolves, the need for skilled professionals who can assist, support, and ensure the success of surgical procedures becomes more critical.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a plastic surgery assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core duties of this role,
• A hiring manager shaping up the perfect profile,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of plastic surgery,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable plastic surgery assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Plastic Surgery Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Plastic Surgery Assistants play a vital role in supporting plastic surgeons before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Their tasks often involve direct patient care and surgical assistance, as well as administrative duties.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assisting the surgeon during consultations by taking patient histories and discussing treatment options
• Preparing patients for surgery, which includes explaining pre-surgery instructions and answering any questions they may have
• Assisting surgeons during procedures, including passing instruments, suturing, and applying dressings
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs and health conditions during surgery
• Performing post-operative duties, such as dressing changes, wound care, and suture removal
• Managing the sterilization of surgical instruments and ensuring the surgical suite is stocked and ready for surgery
• Documenting patient information, surgical procedures, and post-operative care in patient records
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals like anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technicians for patient care
• Communicating with patients and their families, providing emotional support and understanding

 

Plastic Surgery Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Plastic Surgery Assistant to join our team.

As a Plastic Surgery Assistant, you will be responsible for assisting plastic surgeons during cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, preparing patients for procedures, and ensuring a safe and clean environment.

Our ideal candidate has a solid understanding of patient care, surgical procedures, and medical terminology.

The successful candidate should be compassionate, detail-oriented, and able to maintain professionalism under pressure.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist plastic surgeons during surgical procedures.
• Prepare patients for surgery including taking vital signs, and administering necessary medications.
• Maintain a sterile surgical environment.
• Provide pre- and post-operative care to patients.
• Communicate effectively with patients, explaining procedures, and aftercare instructions.
• Maintain patient records and surgical logs.
• Coordinate patient scheduling for surgical procedures.
• Stay informed on the latest trends and advancements in plastic surgery.

 

Qualifications

• Completion of a certified Medical Assistant program, preferably with a specialty in Surgery.
• Proven experience as a Plastic Surgery Assistant or similar role.
• Excellent understanding of medical and surgical terminology.
• Strong knowledge of surgical procedures and patient care.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift heavy objects.
• Current CPR certification.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Plastic Surgery Assistant
• Work Environment: Clinical and surgical environment. Some weekend and evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Plastic Surgeon or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Surgery Assistant Do?

Plastic Surgery Assistants, also known as Plastic Surgeon Assistants, work closely with Plastic Surgeons to provide preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to patients undergoing aesthetic or reconstructive surgeries.

They play a crucial role in patient care, ensuring that patients are properly prepared for surgery.

This can include conducting preoperative assessments, discussing the procedure with patients, and answering any questions they may have.

During surgery, Plastic Surgery Assistants assist the surgeon by sterilizing and preparing instruments, handing the required tools to the surgeon, and helping in the application of dressings.

They may also monitor patient’s vital signs and provide additional support as needed.

After surgery, they provide postoperative care, which might include monitoring patients’ recovery, changing dressings, removing sutures, and providing necessary follow-up care.

In addition, Plastic Surgery Assistants often coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.

They may also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and assisting with billing.

It’s important to note that the scope of a Plastic Surgery Assistant’s role can vary greatly depending on the regulations of the country or state they practice in.

 

Plastic Surgery Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A competent Plastic Surgery Assistant should possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:

• Medical knowledge and understanding of surgical procedures, particularly related to plastic and reconstructive surgeries.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with patients, ensuring their comfort and understanding of surgical procedures, post-surgery care, and recovery process.
• Attention to detail to assist the surgeon during procedures and ensure all surgical instruments are sterilized and ready for use.
• Ability to work in high-stress environments, responding quickly and effectively to any surgical emergencies or unexpected situations that may arise during the procedure.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively between the surgeon and the patient, explaining complex medical procedures in a simple, compassionate manner.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to stand for long periods and assist in precise surgical procedures.
• Understanding and adherence to health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean, sterile environment in the operating room.
• Customer service skills to handle patient inquiries, schedule appointments, and provide excellent patient care before, during, and after the surgical procedures.

 

Plastic Surgery Assistant Experience Requirements

Plastic Surgery Assistants typically have a medical background and should have completed a certified program in Medical Assisting.

They are often required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting, preferably within a surgical environment.

Hands-on experience with preoperative and postoperative care, wound care, administering injections, and preparing patients for surgery is often sought out by employers.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience in plastic surgery assisting or related roles like Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner are more desirable as they have likely honed their knowledge and skills in plastic surgery procedures and patient care.

Plastic Surgery Assistants with over 5 years of experience may have assumed additional responsibilities such as managing clinic operations, supervising junior staff or coordinating with insurance providers.

These candidates may be ready for a managerial role within a plastic surgery practice.

Furthermore, experience with specific plastic surgery procedures, knowledge of sterilization techniques, and familiarity with medical software are also beneficial for this role.

Continued education and participating in relevant workshops can further enhance the experience of a Plastic Surgery Assistant.

 

Plastic Surgery Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Plastic Surgery Assistants typically require a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field such as nursing, biology or pre-med studies.

In addition to this, they should complete a certified program for physician assistants, which includes classroom and clinical instruction in areas like pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and medical ethics.

After completing their education, they should pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to become a certified PA.

Some may also choose to complete a postgraduate residency program in surgery or a related field to gain specialized knowledge in plastic surgery.

Plastic Surgery Assistants also need to be licensed to practice in the state they work in.

This generally requires passing an exam, such as the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) exam.

Continuing education is important in this role to keep up with advances in the medical field.

Many Plastic Surgery Assistants opt for advanced courses or additional certifications in specific areas of plastic surgery to enhance their skills and expertise.

 

Plastic Surgery Assistant Salary Expectations

A Plastic Surgery Assistant earns an average salary of $93,670 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can differ based on factors such as experience, certifications, the complexity of the surgical procedures they assist with, and the geographical location of the practice.

 

Plastic Surgery Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Plastic Surgery Assistant need?

A Plastic Surgery Assistant needs to have strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and the surgical team.

They also need to be detail-oriented and have good manual dexterity for assisting in surgeries.

Basic knowledge of surgical procedures and patient care is essential.

They should also have the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and efficiently.

 

Do Plastic Surgery Assistants need a degree?

Most Plastic Surgery Assistants require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a certified surgical technologist or a surgical assistant program.

These programs typically require a diploma or an associate degree.

Additionally, all states require Plastic Surgery Assistants to be licensed or certified in some way.

 

What should you look for in a Plastic Surgery Assistant resume?

A Plastic Surgery Assistant’s resume should include their education, licensing or certification details, and any relevant experience in the healthcare or surgical field.

Look for experience in plastic surgery settings or with tasks such as patient care, surgical assistance, and equipment sterilization.

Any additional skills such as wound care, suture removal, or patient education should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Plastic Surgery Assistant?

A good Plastic Surgery Assistant is compassionate, understanding, and able to put patients at ease before and after surgery.

They should also be detail-oriented and meticulous, as they will often assist in complex surgical procedures.

Good stamina is also important, as the role often involves long hours standing during surgeries.

Moreover, they should be able to work as part of a team, as they’ll need to coordinate with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

 

Is it difficult to hire Plastic Surgery Assistants?

The difficulty in hiring Plastic Surgery Assistants can vary based on location and the specific requirements of the role.

In areas with a high concentration of medical facilities, competition for experienced candidates can be high.

Therefore, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for professional development can be crucial in attracting top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the reality of what it means to be a plastic surgery assistant.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about assisting in surgeries.

It’s about sculpting perfection and reconstructing hope, one procedure at a time.

Armed with our reliable plastic surgery assistant job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why not go the extra mile?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every procedure contributes to the overall transformation.

Let’s shape those dreams. Together.