Physician / Doctor, Plastic Surgeon Salary

Plastic surgeons help create quality-of-life improvements for patients, generally working within a specialty that focuses on changing the appearance of various body parts or facial features. They work frequently to assist in the long-term care of burn patients and other victims of disfiguring injuries. Some plastic surgeons focus primarily on elective procedures such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation and reduction. They may also work with other specialists to assist in corrective procedures for birth defects or natal injuries. Additionally, plastic surgeons are common consultants for oncologists, as some cancer surgeries may alter the patient's appearance; the plastic surgeon may be able to mitigate these effects.

Plastic surgeons work in a variety of institutions. Some plastic surgeons are on staff of hospitals, serve as on-call physicians, or work as consultant specialists; the need to work on-call shifts occasionally requires work at odd times of day and night at hospitals. Specialists typically work in a private clinical setting; in these cases, the plastic surgeon generally works regular business hours in a smaller clinical environment, offering preoperative consultations, surgical services, and postoperative therapy as needed.

To work as a plastic surgeon or doctor within that specialty, an individual must first complete an undergraduate and then an accredited medical school program, along with residency and internship requirements. Plastic surgeons must usually be board certified, which requires additional training beyond the standard general practitioner education. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Physician / Doctor, Plastic Surgeon Tasks

• Perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
• Participate in patient care panels and meetings.
• Provide follow-up evaluations.
• Evaluate patients and determine appropritae surgery and treatment schedule.

Seattle is home to an above-average pay rate for Plastic Surgeons, 46 percent higher than the national average. Plastic Surgeons will also find cushy salaries in Atlanta (+17 percent). Plastic Surgeons in Miami make 60 percent less than the national average, proving that location is a major factor in pay. Employers also pay below the national average in Houston (53 percent lower) and Chicago (44 percent lower).