Training to Become a Plastic Surgeon

Becoming a plastic surgeon requires medical education and supervised surgical training. In the United States, integrated and independent residency pathways lead toward eligibility for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They are different sequences of training, not shortcuts around surgical education.

The integrated pathway

An integrated plastic surgery residency begins after medical school. The ABPS training requirements specify a minimum of six years for an integrated program. Training develops across surgical care and plastic surgery, with increasing responsibility under supervision.

The independent pathway

The independent pathway follows qualifying prior surgical training and includes a minimum of three years of plastic surgery training. The board defines the accepted prerequisites and program requirements. Applicants should use the current board rules and individual program information rather than a general blog description for eligibility decisions.

What residents learn

Plastic surgery training includes evaluation, operative planning, tissue handling, wound care, reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, and management of complications. Residents also learn to make decisions before and after an operation, communicate with patients, and assess clinical evidence. The work is broader than learning a set of cosmetic techniques.

Residency completion and certification are separate

Completing a residency does not automatically establish board certification. The ABPS describes its written and oral examination process. Patients can check an individual surgeon's credential through the board and ask about current experience with the procedure they are considering.

Read what training means when choosing a surgeon, or learn about Dr. Borsting's background. Her medical school, residency, and certification are described separately so the stages are clear.