Plastic surgeon
Plastic surgeons perform operations to restore someone's movement or appearance either for personal reasons or following an illness or injury.
In this guide
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a plastic or cosmetic surgeon, you could:
- discuss options with your patients
- restore tissue, skin and limb function
- complete reconstructive surgery after burns or illness
- carry out facelifts, implants and liposuction
- check on progress after surgery
- update records and teach trainee surgeons
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
Career path and progression
You could:
- specialise in a certain type of surgery, for example burns or scars
- become a senior surgeon, leading a team or department
- move into teaching student surgeons
- set up your own private practice
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- the ability to work well with your hands
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of biology
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
Related subjects
Most relevant
- Biology - Plastic surgeons need a deep understanding of human anatomy, tissue structure, and how the body heals. This knowledge is essential when planning operations to restore skin, muscle, and limb function, and when predicting how patients will recover after surgery.
- Chemistry - Plastic surgeons rely on chemistry to understand how drugs, anaesthetics, and medications interact with the body. Knowledge of biochemistry also underpins their understanding of wound healing, infection control, and the materials used in implants and reconstructive procedures.
- Mathematics - Plastic surgeons use precise measurements and calculations when planning surgical procedures – for example, determining the exact dimensions of tissue flaps or implants. They also interpret statistical data from clinical research to guide treatment decisions.
Also relevant
- Physics - Plastic surgeons use technologies like lasers, imaging equipment, and electrosurgical tools that rely on principles of physics. Understanding how energy, light, and forces interact with human tissue helps them use these tools safely and effectively during procedures.
- Psychology - Plastic surgeons discuss sensitive topics with patients about their appearance and expectations, which requires a strong understanding of how people think and feel. Recognising the psychological impact of disfigurement or body image concerns helps them support patients and make appropriate treatment decisions.
- Design and Technology - Plastic surgeons need excellent manual dexterity and spatial awareness to carry out intricate surgical procedures. The practical, hands-on problem-solving skills developed in design and technology – such as working precisely with tools and materials – mirror the fine motor skills needed in the operating theatre.
- English Language - Plastic surgeons explain complex procedures and risks to patients in clear, accessible language, and must write detailed medical records and surgical reports. Strong communication skills are also vital when teaching trainee surgeons and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Art and Design - Plastic surgeons draw on a strong sense of proportion, symmetry, and aesthetics when reconstructing or reshaping parts of the body. Visualising the desired outcome and planning how to achieve a natural-looking result involves the same spatial and visual awareness developed in art and design.
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
To become a plastic or cosmetic surgeon you'll need to complete:
- a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
- a 2-year foundation programme of general training
- core surgical training in a hospital which takes 2 years
- specialist training which can take up to 6 years
A medical degree normally takes 5 years to complete. Some courses have the option to include an extra year if you want to study a subject further. This is called an intercalated year.
You might be able to study a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances or if you have not studied enough sciences. Check with the admissions department where you want to study.
If you already have a degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. There’s lots of competition and entry requirements vary, so check with the admissions department where you want to study.
Entry tests
When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
It tests the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.
Work experience
Medical schools will also expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
More Information
You might be able to do a doctor degree apprenticeship which will take around 5 years to complete.
The apprenticeship is recognised by the General Medical Council.
You could then progress to the foundation course of general training before completing the specialist training.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
You can gain valuable caring skills from volunteering in education, health, charity or social care settings. You could:
- get work experience in healthcare before you apply for jobs or training
- find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT
Registration
- you'll need to register with the General Medical Council
Career tips
The General Medical Council has a guide on what it means to be a good doctor. You might find this useful when preparing for medical school interviews.
You can use online resources to find out more about the types of interviews you can expect to get into for medical school.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the British Medical Association for professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about how to become a cosmetic or plastic surgeon from the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
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