The incomes of plastic surgeons are higher than those of any other specialty. Many (but not all) plastic surgeons earn a combination of base pay and additional compensation. Bonuses aren't guaranteed, and if a surgeon doesn't get a bonus in a given year, their total compensation will be lower. To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Between Botox parties, the appearance of beauty bars across the country, and social media influencers speaking more openly about their plastic surgery, there can be some confusion about what constitutes plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery is consistently ranked among the highest-paid medical specialties in the United States. Within states, plastic surgeons' compensation can vary between areas with a high cost of living and areas with a lower cost of living. Of the plastic surgeons who responded to Medscape's annual survey, 40% say they would accept a salary reduction in exchange for a better work-life balance and personal.
ASPS member surgeons must not only be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or, in Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, but they must also complete at least six years of surgical training after medical school with a minimum of three years of residency in plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is a lot like reconstructive surgery, and some plastic surgeons perform head-to-toe reconstructions, whether on the face, hands, or even feet. Let's face it, when most people think of plastic surgery, they think of procedures like Botox and breast augmentation. Or maybe you're a cosmetic surgery patient who's simply curious to know how much your own cosmetic surgeon earns.
Risks increase when people choose to look for people who are not board certified to perform their elective procedures, because every time they choose to go to someone who lacks experience, training and knowledge, they are basically taking their lives into their own hands, said Dr. Aviva Preminger, a board-certified plastic surgeon. You're not alone if you're confused about the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. The same applies to surgeons who, mainly, perform less invasive and demanding procedures, such as thread stretching in the shape of a cat's eye.
Before it was accepted that plastic surgeons worked 100 hours a week, had an unsatisfactory marriage and missed all their children's sports games, now surgeons are rejecting that idea of the plastic surgery lifestyle. Since there is no legal limitation on who can call themselves a plastic surgeon, it can be difficult to determine who is truly qualified to perform plastic surgery. And becoming a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons requires even more extensive training. Nearly half of plastic surgeons report feeling exhausted, disproportionately affecting women female surgeons.
