A cosmetic surgeon is a surgeon who specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery, which is a type of surgery that aims to improve a patient’s appearance. To become a cosmetic surgeon, a doctor must complete a five- to seven-year residency in plastic surgery, with optional additional training in subspecialties. Cosmetic surgeons work in both hospitals and clinics, offering a variety of procedures to their patients.
There are two types of plastic surgery: cosmetic and reconstructive. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery have been practiced for thousands of years, with records of basic cosmetic procedures dating back thousands of years. Cosmetic surgeons today have access to far more sophisticated equipment and procedures for addressing aesthetic concerns.
When a patient makes an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon to request a procedure, the surgeon meets with the patient to discuss the procedure. During the consultation, the surgeon will determine whether or not the patient is a good candidate for the procedure, discuss the procedure’s risks, and discuss the patient’s options. An appointment for surgery will be scheduled once the surgeon and the patient have agreed on the procedure.
Depending on the procedure, cosmetic surgeons use fully anesthetized patients, sedated patients, and patients with local anesthesia. Surgical nurses and anesthesiologists usually assist them, ensuring that the surgery goes as smoothly as possible. Breast augmentation, abdominal sculpting, liposuction, cheek implants, skin resurfacing, and facelifts are some of the procedures that a cosmetic surgeon can perform.
Cosmetic surgeons can earn a lot of money, especially if they live in an area where cosmetic procedures are in high demand. Cosmetic procedures are not required in an emergency, so these surgical professionals can set their own schedules and never have to worry about being on call. A cosmetic surgeon also has the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients and face a variety of surgical challenges.
Although cosmetic surgeons do not perform reconstructive surgery to repair trauma or defects, they do occasionally consult on or assist with reconstructive procedures. Some cosmetic surgeons also volunteer with international organizations that provide free cosmetic procedures to people in developing countries, with the goal of improving the quality of life for people with disfigurements who would otherwise be unable to afford such a procedure.