A plastic surgeon is a specialist doctor who works to reconstruct and repair different areas of the body, whether it is the reshaping of a person’s nose or a tummy tuck. A plastic surgeon will deal with cases in which people merely want to improve their look, and also, cases in which the patient has suffered a trauma such as burn damage or has a congenital skin problem.
Furthermore, they will treat various forms of cancer such as the removal of malignant tumours. A plastic surgeon will work with several other medical professionals, including dermatologists and other surgeons. Plastic surgery is an ever changing area of medicine, and there is a great level of research being done.
Work activities
Typical work duties a plastic surgeon would need to carry out include:
- A plastic surgeon will deal with a variety of cases, in which the patient may have obvious signs of discomfort or no signs at all.
- Plastic surgery is an area in which innovation is encouraged.
- Diagnose patient conditions and recommend the necessary treatment.
- Discuss surgical methods in order to put the patient at ease.
- Work with a team of medical professionals, including dermatologists and oncologists.
- Typically work the nine to five but may also need to be on call for any emergencies.
- Collate, analyse and update patient records to make sure they receive the best treatment.
- Decide upon the best course of action to treat patients based on physical examinations and other medical tests.
- Work in stressful settings where one mistake can have a major impact.
- Book operation theatres and ensure medical staff are in place to assist.
- Make sure hygiene is maintained.
- Build and maintain an excellent level of rapport with patients to put them at ease.
Essential skills
- Excellent organisation skills.
- Strong professional manner.
- Great level of dexterity and practical skills, which will need to be upheld.
- Desire to change people’s lives for the better.
- Committed to the job and willing to keep learning. Improvements are constantly happening in the industry and professionals need to keep up-to-date.
- Self-motivated.
- Able to work as an individual and as part of a team.
- Ability to work under stressful conditions.
- Extensive knowledge of the sciences and medicine.
- Quick thinking.
- Ability to remain composed during surgeries that can last hours.