Plastic Surgery Specialist

Plastic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities There are many differences betweenthe two plastics specialties—from training and research to medical philosophies and goals—butcosmetic and reconstructive surgeons do share a common set of day-to-day responsibilities. Some of those duties include: Assess Patients Plastic surgeons always hold consultations prior to treatment. These appointments are used to assess a patient’s needs, review medical histories and pre-existing conditions, and discuss surgical risks. Frank and thorough assessments help plastic surgeons choose treatment plans that best suit their patients. Perform Surgical and Non-Surgical Operations A plastic surgeon’s primary responsibility is performing surgical and non-surgical procedures, and they use a variety of reparative and reconstructive techniques to get the job done. Cosmetic plastic surgeons commonly perform breast augmentations and reductions, liposuction, and facelifts. Reconstructive plastic surgeonsuse craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and other techniques to repair injuries. Prescribe Medication Depending on the procedure, patients might need prescription medication before or after surgery. Plastic surgeons must stay up-to-date on the latest drugs and their associated risks. Painkillers are commonly prescribed, as are sedatives and antibiotics that help prevent infections after surgery. Patient Follow-ups A plastic surgeon’s responsibility to their patients continues even after surgery. They schedule follow-up examsto check that wounds and incisions are healing properly. These appointments are also used to remove stitches, teach patients how to ensure continued health and wellness, and address any lingering questions or concerns. Administrative Duties Recording a patient’s medical history and updating their records with any services performed is another key responsibility. These are sensitive documents, so plastic surgeons must abide by any record-keeping policies or regulations to protect patient confidentially.