- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- the ability to work well with your hands
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of biology
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- assessing patients’ reasons for choosing to have surgery
- explaining treatment choices and risks to patients
- operating on emergency and scheduled cases
- carrying out cosmetic treatments like facelifts, implants and liposuction
- restoring tissue, skin and limb function, using plastic surgery methods
- checking patients’ progress after surgery
- working closely with other medical and nursing staff
- updating patient records
- teaching trainee surgeons
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
You could work in an NHS or private hospital.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You could specialise in particular forms of surgery, for example dealing with burns or scarring. With experience, you could apply for senior or consultant roles, leading a team of surgeons or managing a hospital surgery department.
You could also move into teaching and training student surgeons, or set up your own private practice, offering cosmetic procedures.
You can find out more about how to become a cosmetic or plastic surgeon from the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons.
