About Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is the field of medicine that is concerned with the modification, beautification and enhancement of the physical features of the client. A cosmetic surgeon needs to listen to each client properly and understand what their requirements are and cater to each client’s needs.

　　This field of study is practicum intensive. Students will perform surgery on model patients, once there theoretical understanding is sound, under the supervision of a professor. Cosmetic Surgery classes tend to be small due to the competitive track.

　　Cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more common nowadays with newer and simpler procedures carried out for beautification purposes. Non-surgical procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers are often carried out to relax or fill crease lines to make the skin look younger.

　　Cosmetic surgery is not to be confused with plastic surgery. These terms are not interchangeable. A cosmetic surgery training focuses on the aesthetic procedures whereas plastic surgery focuses on procedures that restores body’s normal function and appearance.

　　

Is Cosmetic Surgery right for me?

Cosmetic Surgery requires sharp observation skills coupled with meticulous attention to detail.

　　A cosmetic surgeon goes through comprehensive training to attain the level of surgical skill the profession demands. Students must not only be passionate about surgery but must be highly disciplined to learn vast amounts of information needed to become a cosmetic surgeon.

　　In this field each client has his own unique set of expectations, and it is the responsibility of the cosmetic surgeon to be adaptable and creative to cater to every need of the client. If you enjoy testing your limits and like a challenge to yourself, then this field is a good fit for you.

　　

Cosmetic Surgery study options and costs

　　If you plan on pursuing cosmetic surgery as a career, it is recommended to opt for bachelor’s biology or science related subject. A bachelor’s degree usually take 3 to 4 years to complete.

　　Aspiring cosmetic surgeons complete 4 years of schooling in Cosmetic Surgery, followed by a residency. For students studying in the US, they are required to clear U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to qualify for state licensure in order to practice Cosmetic Surgery professionally.

　　

Future outlook

Social media and hyperconnectivity has led to a rise in unachievable beauty standards. This in turn has led to an increase in cosmetic surgeries to help fit the extreme beauty standards.

　　Cosmetic Surgery is one of the highest paying careers in medicine with plenty of career opportunities worldwide! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected growth of 3% in the employment of surgeons by year 2030. It is also estimated that there will be 24,800 job openings for surgeons by 2030. Cosmetic surgeons are one of the top earners in the field of medicine globally. There is a large demand for skilled cosmetic surgeons, which is currently not being met. Thus, Cosmetic Surgery provides one of the best future outlooks in the field of medicine.

　　

Career pathways for Cosmetic Surgery graduates

　　

Cosmetic Nurse

　　A cosmetic nurse provide clients with the pre-surgery and post-surgery care. Their key responsibility is to assist surgeons in performing cosmetic surgery procedures. They supply instruments to the surgeons and also monitor patient vitals during the surgery. After the procedure is completed, the nurse is responsible for changing bandages, administering doctor prescribed medications and informing the client about precautions they must take during post-operative downtime.

　　

Anaesthesiologist

　　Any field which comprises surgical procedures, require an anesthesiologist. In cosmetic surgery field, anaesthesiologist take up a large portion of the job market. Their core duties include administering anesthesia and pain medications provided to the patient prior to the procedure. Anaesthesiologists stay during the cosmetic surgery and keep an eye on the patient’s vitals and see if they require more anesthesia. They are also responsible for prescribing pain medication to the patients after the procedure is completed to help the patient heal effectively.

　　

Esthetician

　　An esthetician is a professional who deals with skincare and related procedures. As an esthetician, you are responsible for helping the clients maintain their personal appearance through the application of different treatments such as facials, hair removal procedures, skin peels and other therapeutic treatments.

　　

Cosmetic Surgeon

　　Cosmetic surgeons enhance the physical appearance of their clients using a variety of surgical and non-surgical methods. Some common surgeries that a cosmetic surgeon performs include rhinoplasty (nose remodelling), rhytidectomy (face lifts), blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) and mammoplasty (breast modification).