Cosmetic surgery is any surgery that is performed with the intention of improving the appearance of the patient. As such, every surgery performed under the name of cosmetic surgery has some purpose in improving the cosmetic appearance of the patient. However, the methods and techniques for performing these surgeries vary widely and depend on the specific nature of each operation. Depending on the specific type of surgery being discussed, the training and education required to become a certified cosmetic surgeon may vary. Some cosmetic surgery specialties require only a bachelor’s degree in related fields while others require a medical doctorate (M.D.) or medical doctorate with a specialty in cosmetic surgery. The following descriptions of each specialty explain what each level of training entails.

General Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery that is not related to a specific aesthetic specialty is referred to as general cosmetic surgery. General cosmetic surgery encompasses all other types of cosmetic surgery. General cosmetic surgery is typically performed by general surgeons, who are trained to perform operations on all areas of the body. However, some general surgeons may choose to specialize in aesthetic surgery. General surgeons are required to complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year medical degree. After completing both undergraduate and medical school, general surgeons may choose to complete a one-year residency program in a hospital-based surgery center. Once the general surgeon has completed their residency, they are eligible to apply for board certification.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a branch of surgery that focuses on the repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged or missing tissues. Some of the more common plastic surgery procedures include breast reconstruction after mastectomy, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and liposuction. These surgeries are performed by plastic surgeons, who are trained to perform operations that focus on the repair and restoration of damaged or missing tissues. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry, as well as a four-year medical degree, plastic surgeons may choose to complete a one-year residency program in a hospital-based surgery center. Once the plastic surgeon has completed their residency, they are eligible to apply for board certification.

Oculoplastic Surgery

Oculoplastic surgery, also known as eye plastic surgery, is a branch of plastic surgery that focuses on the repair and restoration of the eye. Some of the more common oculoplastic surgery procedures include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), browlift, and orbital surgery. These surgeries are performed by oculoplastic surgeons who are trained to perform operations that focus on the repair and restoration of the eye. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry, as well as a four-year medical degree, oculoplastic surgeons may choose to complete a three-year residency program in a hospital-based surgery center. Once the oculoplastic surgeon has completed their residency, they are eligible to apply for board certification.

Dermatologic Surgery

Dermatologic surgery is a branch of plastic surgery that focuses on the repair and restoration of skin. Some of the more common dermatologic surgery procedures include breast reduction, breast reconstruction, tummy tuck, and liposuction. These surgeries are performed by dermatologic surgeons, who are trained to perform operations that focus on the repair and restoration of skin. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry, as well as a four-year medical degree, dermatologic surgeons may choose to complete a three-year residency program in a hospital-based surgery center. Once the dermatologic surgeon has completed their residency, they are eligible to apply for board certification.

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a branch of surgery that focuses on the repair and restoration of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Some of the more common neurosurgery procedures include brain surgery, spine surgery, and spinal cord injury repair. These surgeries are performed by neurosurgeons, who are trained to perform operations that focus on the repair and restoration of the nervous system. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry, as well as a four-year medical degree, neurosurgeons may choose to complete a four-year residency program in a hospital-based surgery center. Once the neurosurgeon has completed their residency, they are eligible to apply for board certification.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health of women during pregnancy and childbirth. Some of the more common obstetrics procedures include cesarean section, tubal ligation, and episiotomy repair. These surgeries are performed by ob/gyns, who are trained to perform operations related to the health of the pregnant woman. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as biology or chemistry, as well as a four-year medical degree, ob/gyns may choose to complete a four-year residency program in a hospital-based surgery center. Once the ob/gyn has completed their residency, they are eligible to apply for board certification.

Conclusion

Cosmetic surgery is any surgery that is performed with the intention of improving the appearance of the patient. As such, every surgery performed under the name of cosmetic surgery has some purpose in improving the cosmetic appearance of the patient. However, the methods and techniques for performing these surgeries vary widely and depend on the specific nature of each operation. Depending on the specific type of surgery being discussed, the training and education required to become a certified cosmetic surgeon may vary. Some cosmetic surgery specialties require only a bachelor’s degree in related fields while others require a medical doctorate (M.D.) or medical doctorate with a specialty in cosmetic surgery. The following descriptions of each specialty explain what each level of training entails.