Modernization and changes in the lifestyles of people have completely transformed the thought process of people toward the need for self-improvement. Especially people working in the entertainment industry are obsessed with their looks and want to make them better and enhance their features and personality. People affected due to illness, diseases and birth defects like cleft lip also want to look normal. These factors have powered up Cosmetic Surgery.
Cosmetic or Aesthetic Surgery is the use of surgical techniques providing people an opportunity to alter or improve their personality and physical appearances.
Who are Cosmetic Surgeons?
They are the specialized surgeons and experts in the cosmetic industry who treat people who opt to correct or modify their physical features. They also repair the damaged tissues due to illness or injury, acid attacks, fire accidents etc. They perform reconstructive surgeries for people with abnormalities in the face and body that can be caused by birth defects, ageing or diseases.
Responsibilities
- Molding and reshape certain parts of the body like ears, nose or face for functional effect or enhancement.
- Working on congenital problems like malformed bone structures of hands and feet and repairing them.
- Adopt reconstructive surgery for damaged body parts due to terrible accidents, illness and malformation.
- Find out the patient’s reason to have a specific surgery, explain the best treatment options and risks to patients.
- Perform required tests before surgery and follow-up care to the patient after surgery.
- Carry out cosmetic treatments like implants, nose jobs, facelifts and liposuctions.
Required Education and eligibility
- Complete 10+2 in BPC (Biology, Physics and Chemistry) stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate from a recognized board.
- Qualify for the NEET exam and get admission in an Undergraduate MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) of minimum.
- Undergo internship of 1-year duration.
- Candidates who have registered as themselves permanently with the Medical Council of India or any other state medical council are eligible for MS.
- To get enrolled in Post-graduate courses, qualify NEET – Post-graduate entrance exam and pursue Master of Surgery (M.S) in General Surgery or DNB General Surgery.
- Qualify NEET- Super Specialty Entrance Exam for admission in post-doctorate courses for M.Ch Plastic Surgery (Master of Chirurgie) or DNB Plastic Surgery.
Skills required for successful cosmetic surgeon
- Should be excellent and possess good aptitude in science.
- Excellent vision capability with good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Pay attention to minute details and be patient.
- Responsible and empathetic to patients and take timely and quick decisions.
- Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical terms and procedures to patients.
- Excellent team-work and good problem-solving skills.
- Computer Literacy and usage of software packages effectively.
Top Institutes to study Cosmetic Surgery
The well-known institutes and study centers in India that are offering cosmetic surgery courses. Some of them are:
- The Cosmetic Surgery Institute (Mumbai & Goa),
- Center for Cosmetic, Reconstructive & Laser Surgery (Chandigarh) and
- Institute of Cosmetology & Laser Science (Mumbai).
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.
- Armed Forces Medical College (Pune).
- Christian Medical College (Vellore).
- King Georges Medical University (Lucknow).
Common procedures in Cosmetic Surgery
The following are some of the techniques in Cosmetic Surgery that a surgeon should be expertise in:
- Abdominoplasty,
- Mammoplasty,
- Chemical peel,
- Labiaplasty,
- Rhinoplasty,
- Otoplasty,
- Rhytidectomy,
- Suction-assisted lipectomy,
- Chin and Cheek augmentation,
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Cleft Lip rectification.
Support staff in Cosmetic Surgeon’s Office
Though these surgeons are central in the cosmetic field, they can’t work alone and need a team of support staff to develop a successful practice.
The required support staff is:
- Surgical Nurses.
- Physician Assistant.
- Esthetician
- Nurse’s Aide.
- Front Desk and Billing Specialists.
- Cosmetic Dentists, Hygienists and Dental Assistants.
Salary and Career Prospects
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for Cosmetic surgeons is $ 218,850 in 2020 for all physicians and surgeons. The projected job growth through 2019 and 2029 is 4%.
They earn much better than general surgeons. In India, the average salary for these surgeons ranges from INR 1 LPA -1.5 LPA based on factors like location, specialization, experience and expertise.
LifeStyle changes and modernization have made people extremely conscious about their physical appearance and personality than ever before. Most of the people in the entertainment industry are always on the lookout for some modifications to their personalities. An increasing number of accidents and acid attacks are also some of the reasons for the increased demand for Plastic Surgeons. The job outlook for these surgeons is good not only in the Government sector but also in private hospitals and Plastic surgery centres too.
– Samiya Firdous
