Study Plastic Surgery
The Plastic Surgery has very specific aesthetic parameters such as pursuing perfection as an essential characteristic, here we tell you more about this specialty.
Reasons to study the Plastic Surgery specialty
There are those who, throughout their university degrees, seek motivation in what will be their future as professionals. Medicine is a degree that offers a multiplicity of branches to which the graduated professional can dedicate themselves and among them is Plastic Surgery, what many call an art.
This branch of medicine not only gives people the possibility of looking more rejuvenated and more beautiful, but also many times through repair, a favorable aesthetic can be achieved in a patient who has gone through a traumatic situation or an accident at some point in their life.
Does the degree have the same name in all countries?
This specialty, like the vast majority of those that are part of the medicine degree, has the same name in the different countries that offer it. Students may find that some educational institutions offer a more complete degree such as Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, or a postgraduate degree can be completed in a specific area of the body about which they want to learn in greater depth, which is how you can find specializations in Hand Plastic Surgery, for example.
What is studied in Plastic Surgery?
Some of the subjects covered throughout the course of the specialization in Plastic Surgery are related to skin issues, where you can find subjects such as reconstructive microsurgery, as well as traumatology, facial fractures and maxillary development, facial reconstructive surgeries, pediatric plastic surgery, the different types of burns and how to reconstruct those areas. The course also provides concepts of rejuvenation, aesthetics of the nose and breasts, body contouring surgeries, professional ethics and legal regulations for plastic surgery cases.
What tasks does a Medical Specialist in Plastic Surgery perform?
The tasks performed by a plastic surgeon must align with the skills they must demonstrate when assisting in surgery, as well as in the pre- and post-surgery guidance.
They must be aware of the patient's need for the surgery and the risks involved, developing a strategy for each particular case on how to approach the surgery, as it is important for the professional to explain to the patient the potential side effects of the surgeries, as well as the possible complications that may arise both in the operating room and during the post-operative period.
What jobs does a Plastic Surgeon do?
A surgeon can perform everything from the reconstruction of a specific area of the body where the patient has suffered an issue, to aesthetically correcting a particular feature that a person may see as a flaw. This may be related to a trait they were born with that they are not fond of or that affects their daily life, such as moles, jaw problems, cleft lips, among others.
Additionally, the surgeon can focus directly on cosmetic surgery, which includes breast implants, facial changes, and liposuctions on different parts of the body.
Some surgeons have also dedicated themselves to the area of research, while others complement their work with teaching.
The field of practice can be broad, as they can work independently or hold a position in private clinics or hospitals while also attending to patients in public hospitals.
What professionals does a Plastic Surgeon interact with?
A plastic surgeon regularly interacts with a wide range of medical professionals and other specialists. These include anesthesiologists, who work closely during surgeries to ensure patient comfort and safety. General surgeons may also be involved, especially in complex cases requiring multiple types of intervention.
Dermatologists often collaborate in treating skin conditions that may require surgery, while oncologists may be consulted in cases of reconstructive surgery after tumor removal. Orthopedists and traumatologists are other specialists who might collaborate in cases involving musculoskeletal reconstruction or traumatic injuries.
Outside the operating room, nurses and medical assistants provide pre- and postoperative care, while nutritionists can offer guidance on the best diet for recovery. Physiotherapists may be involved in the recovery phase, helping the patient regain mobility and function after certain procedures.
Psychiatrists or psychologists can play a key role in assessing the patient's mental and emotional readiness for surgery, especially for procedures that will have a significant impact on the patient's appearance or function.
There may also be interaction with image consultants and cosmetologists to discuss the patient's expectations regarding aesthetic results. In the legal and administrative field, lawyers, hospital and clinic administrators, and health insurance advisors may be consulted for matters related to informed consent, insurance coverage, and other legal and ethical responsibilities.
Plastic surgeons can also work in multidisciplinary teams for cases requiring a variety of medical interventions, highlighting the importance of teamwork and effective communication in this field.
Advantages of studying Plastic Surgery
The advantages that can be observed in this specialty are related to the economic and professional area. In this sense, if the surgeon is truly interested in being a perfectionist and an artist of aesthetics, they can build a more than important career and receive their monetary benefits at the end of each operation. It is a specialization that offers interesting job opportunities and provides a good economic position.
Disadvantages of studying Plastic Surgery
The disadvantage of the Plastic Surgery career is linked to the aesthetic factor. Many people undergo this type of operation trying to follow certain beauty standards, but surgeries do not always achieve ideal results for those who sought them, and that is when legal issues begin to appear in the plastic surgeon's office.
How many years of university are required to become a plastic surgeon?
Becoming a plastic surgeon can take approximately 14 years of training. It begins with a Bachelor's in Medicine (at least 5 years), then Hospital Residency which can take up to 5 years, and finally the specialty, which in the case of Plastic Surgery can last up to 4 years.
Where to study Plastic Surgery?
Study Plastic Surgery in Argentina:
The Universidad de Buenos Aires offers the specialty in Plastic Surgery, it has a three-year program and the requirement of having graduated as a national physician and having completed the residency in general surgery.
Study Plastic Surgery in Brazil:
To practice Plastic Surgery you must first enroll in the two-year specialization in general surgery, and then complete the three-year program in the plastic specialization. This can be done at the Fundación Técnico Educacional Souza Marques.
At the instituto de Cirurgia Plastica do Prof. Ivo Pitanguy they accept physicians as a medical residency in General Surgery from any country (minimum 2 years).
The Sociedad Brasilera de Medicina Estética offers the Postgraduate course in Aesthetic Medicine at the Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa Científica da SBME Rio de Janeiro, with a duration of 2 years and aimed specifically at medicine graduates.
Currently for foreigners it is not necessary to validate the diploma, only for Brazilians with studies outside Brazil. The residency for foreigners is not paid, foreigners have to cover the cost of the course and their stay. In no Hospital in Brazil are foreign physicians paid for doing a residency. Foreigners can complete the specialization or Post-Graduate program by paying the costs.
Study Plastic Surgery in Chile:
The Universidad de Chile offers the Academic Degree in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile with a duration of 2 years and with a cost of Tuition $4,700,000. Enrollment: $120,000.- (approx.), the figures are from 2014.
Study Plastic Surgery in Colombia:
The Universidad El Bosque offers the specialization in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, with a program duration of eight semesters.
The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá) offers the Specialization in Plastic Surgery, with a duration of 4 years, Tuition fee: $14,154,000 (The tuition fee corresponds to the cost per period set for the year 2015, which will be increased annually in accordance with the provisions of the University and authorization of the Ministerio de Educación Nacional.)
Study Plastic Surgery in Spain
You can take the specialty as a Master's in Aesthetic Surgery at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, with a duration of nine months.
The Universidad de las Islas Baleares offers the University Master's in Aesthetic Medicine, intended for Medicine graduates.
The Universidad Complutense de Madrid offers the specialty in Aesthetic Medicine, approximate price: €2400 and a total of 300 hours.
The Universidad de Córdoba offers the Master's in Aesthetic Medicine.
Note: The most requested Hospitals: El 12 de Octubre, La Paz, Gregorio Marañón, el Valle Hebrón,el Hospital Universitario La Fe, Ramón y Cajal, Clínic de Barcelona y Virgen del Rocío.
Study Plastic Surgery in Mexico
The Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León offers as a doctorate the Specialization in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, lasting six semesters.
The Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM) Offers the program in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with Recognition of Official Validity of Studies (RVOE) granted by the Secretaría de Educación Pública under agreement 20110457 of September 1, 2009. The specialization lasts 3 years.
Study Plastic Surgery in Venezuela
The Universidad del Zulia offers the specialty in plastic and reconstructive surgery in 3 years. (Campus Costa Oriental del Lago).
The specialty in Plastic Surgery is a unique field that combines technical precision with an artistic eye to improve or restore both form and function. A wide range of opportunities is offered, from reconstructive surgery for trauma victims to purely aesthetic procedures.
While there are both professional and financial rewards, plastic surgeons also face ethical and legal challenges, especially when results do not meet patient expectations. Collaboration with other medical professionals is crucial for a comprehensive approach to patient care, underscoring the importance of teamwork and effective communication.
Ultimately, plastic surgery is a specialty that demands a high degree of skill, empathy, and adaptability, offering in return the chance to make a significant impact on people's quality of life. It is a specialty that can be highly rewarding for those willing to commit to the rigors of training and constant practice.