EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 6 | Page 12

CO U R S E S & C A REERS
Do I have what it takes?
Certain skills or traits are imperative for success as a
plastic surgeon. First, you must have a technical mind and
problem-solving skills. You will need to be patient; the
duration of a surgical procedure can sometimes take more
than 10 hours, depending on the severity and complexity,
during which time you will have to remain focused, alert
and – literally – on your feet. Having a steady hand is critical
as a surgeon as you’re dealing with delicate tissues. Equally
important would be your ability to stay calm, think quick
and lead a team of assistants effectively. If you have an eye
for aesthetics to critically and subjectively advise patients on
how to improve their looks, it’s definitely a big bonus.
Last but not least, critical communication skills combined
with empathy is useful as you’ll need to interact well with
patients and their family members, if necessary. For some
patients, it may be the first time receiving such surgery
which can be scary; therefore, being the voice of clarity and
calm to these patients will be a necessary trait to succeed in
this career.
Still think you have what it takes?

Trauma surgery
This would include working
with patients who have been
injured or disfigured as a result
of traumatic incidents such as car
accidents, fires and wars. When
treating burns, the surgery
may be immediate and
ongoing.

Microsurgery
Consists of moving
and replacing tissue in
the body; for example,
with cancer patients who
require breast, facial or
neck reconstruction.

So what’s
the difference
between plastic and
cosmetic surgery?
Plastic surgery is defined, in the Oxford
Dictionary as “the process of reconstructing or
repairing parts of the body by the transfer of
tissue, either in the treatment of injury or for
cosmetic reasons”. Cosmetic surgery is just one
of the many subspecialties of surgery that a
plastic surgeon will be trained in. If you
pursue this career, here are some of
the areas you may choose to
specialise in:

Cosmetic surgery
Patients have chosen to
enhance their appearance simply
to improve aesthetics or for selfimage and confidence. You may have
to work with a variety of patients,
many in perfect health but also
some with psychological issues
such as body dysmorphic
disorder (BDD).

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easyuni Guide 2015

Issue 6

Craniofacial surgery
This involves helping those
with hereditary disorders and
repairing congenital defects,
most commonly cleft palates. As
you would be working with both
children and adults, extra training
is required due to the different
facial construction needs.