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Plastic Surgery is a broad surgical specialty involving both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to improve appearance, form and function. It involves manipulation, repair and reconstruction of the skin, soft tissue and bone, and is not restricted to one organ or tissue type. It studies anatomy, surgical techniques, clinical care, pathophysiology and other surgical sciences. Specialised practice includes reconstructive surgery for burns and injuries, and correction of congenital defects such as cleft palates. It involves emergency care, microsurgery, surgical oncology and other cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries on the hand and upper lip, genitalia, breasts and cranio-maxillofacial structure. This field integrates new technologies and advancing techniques, and has a team approach towards patient care, working interdependently with other medical specialties to improve surgical and health outcomes.

Plastic Surgery Jobs

Plastic Surgeons have a broad scope of practice involving cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures and the delivery of specialised medical care. They work in outpatient settings in private clinics and hospitals, as well as in acute settings, like the emergency department. They perform a wide range of surgeries which improve function and form and correct bodily abnormalities which may be caused by injury, disease, birth defects, or aging. They often subspecialise in a particular area of Plastic Surgery such as aesthetic surgery, including breast surgery or rhinoplasty, emergency plastic surgery, burn trauma, head and neck cancer, lower limb trauma, microsurgery, hand surgery or craniofacial surgery. They collaborate with other medical specialists to provide quality patient care, and work within multidisciplinary teams to provide integrated and follow-up health services. Plastic Surgeons provide clinical leadership in their area of expertise, train registrars and junior doctors, and contribute to education and research activities. To pursue a career as a Plastic Surgeon, doctors complete training in Plastic Surgery, which can be entered at ST1, or ST3 following foundation and core surgical training. This takes an indicative time of 6-8 years, and leads to a CCT and specialty registration with the GMC.