cAreers

surgeons choose treatment plans

that best suit their patients.

Recording a patient’s medical

history and updating their records

with any services performed is

another key responsibility. These

are sensitive documents, so plastic

surgeons must abide by any record-

keeping policies or regulations to

protect patient confidentially.

Dr VIBhA gUPTA

P

lastic surgery is really an art, and the body is the

medium to work with. It involves a lot of creativity

and technology. The work result is highly visible,

leading to a high degree of career and personal

satisfaction.

What’s this career about?

Contrary to popular belief, a plastic surgeon does much

more than simple tummy tucks, and facelifts. Plastic

surgery can be divided into two specialties: Cosmetic (or

Aesthetic) Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery. Cosmetic

Surgery is intended to improve the appearance of a

person. Though relatively a small part of the specialty,

it is probably the most visible and perhaps the most

glamorous aspect of plastic surgery. Surgeons use a

variety of equipment ranging from simple forceps and

scissors to most sophisticated microprocessor-controlled

lasers, which can resurface and tighten the skin, remove

hair, and eliminate tiny “spider” veins on the legs and

face.

Reconstructive Surgery repairs or replaces body

parts damaged by accidents, illness or malformation.

It is intended to improve function and mobility and

to restore a patient’s appearance. These surgeons use

craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery,

skin grafting, tissue expansion, flap surgery and other

techniques to repair injuries.

Prior to treatment, surgeons hold consultation with

patients to assess a patient’s needs, review medical

histories and pre-existing conditions, and discuss surgical

risks. Frank and thorough assessments help plastic

Plastic surgeons don’t specialize in a disease like cancer

doctors do, nor do they specialize in a part of the body

like heart surgeons do. They work all over the body on all

kinds of diseases and frequently with other physicians in

a multi-disciplinary group.

How do I get there?

Plastic surgeons are medical doctors trained in patient

interactions, trauma care and basic surgery techniques,

as well as specialized areas, such as tissue transfer, body

contouring and laser surgery.

To become a plastic surgeon, one should first go for

MBBS, a 5½ years’ course. Eligibility for this is 10+2 with

Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Then go for a MS degree

in General Surgery. After that you can specialize in plastic

surgery by doing 3 years M.Ch./DNB in Plastic Surgery. So

it takes about 11-12 years of further study after 10+2.

Do you have these key skills?

Steady hand and an eye for aesthetics.

Driven and focused individuals.

Ability to sustain many years of study and long work hours.

Good communication skills to explain complex

medical terminology and procedures to patients and to

provide emotional support.

Attention to detail and patience is paramount.

Good time management and organizational skills.

Ability to handle stressful situations and remain calm

under pressure.

A Career in