Plastic surgery offices usually include a team of physicians, physician assistants and nurses.
Plastic surgery offices perform medical procedures that improve a person's appearance or restore movement and functionality. The professionals who help patients receive healthcare services in plastic surgery rooms include surgeons, physician assistants and registered nurses. Specialized training and certification are available to physicians and registered nurses who wish to practice or conduct research in plastic surgery.
Plastic Surgeons
Plastic surgeons specialize not only in surgery, but also in the alteration, repair, replacement and reconstruction of skin, tissue, external organs and limbs. These surgeons require specific knowledge and ability in performing skin grafts, tissue transfers and implants. Cosmetic alteration of body parts and facial features -- including face lifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction and tummy tucks -- also fall under a plastic surgeon's expertise. Similar to other M.D.s and D.O.s, plastic surgeons must complete four years of undergraduate work and four years of medical school prior to starting a residency. Medical school graduates typically participate in a three- to eight-year residency or internship that specializes in plastic surgery. The average salary of physician and surgeons in the United States was $173,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition."
Plastic Surgery Physician Assistants
Physician assistants can also specialize in plastic surgery. Unlike medical assistants who focus primarily on administrative functions, physician assistants practice medicine under the direction of a trained doctor or surgeon. Plastic surgery physician assistants are responsible for performing a range of procedures, including assisting during liposuction, skin graft and reconstructive operations. These professionals also help manage office operations such as medical billing. Plastic surgery physician assistants must complete an accredited physician assistant educational program and successfully pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam to practice legally in the U.S. The average annual salary for physician assistants in the U.S. was $84,830, according to a May 2009 BLS report.
Plastic Surgical Nurses
Nurses working in plastic surgery offices perform tasks similar to other medical nurses. However, these nursing professionals work primarily with patients who have undergone plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures. Plastic surgical nurses examine and dress wounds, draw blood, analyze medical tests, and monitor patients' vital signs. They also sterilize equipment and prepare the operating room for surgery. Registered nurses seeking a career in plastic surgery must acquire a bachelor's degree in nursing as well as receive a passing grade on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam and certification with the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board. The May 2009 average annual wage for registered nurses in the United States was $66,530, according to the BLS.
Potential
The job outlook for plastic surgery professionals -- particularly surgeons, registered nurses and physician assistants -- is positive based on the BLS' "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition." Job growth for surgeons and nurses is projected to grow 22 percent through 2018, while physician assistant jobs are expected to increase 39 percent within the same time period. In addition to an increased emphasis on preventative healthcare and technological advancements in medical equipment, the BLS foresees that specialty medical professionals will be in high demand in inner-city and rural areas. Additionally, industry pressures to keep healthcare costs low will cause medical centers to rely more on physician assistants to perform routine procedures normally handled by surgeons and physicians.
