Who is a Plastic Surgeon?

by Dr. Steven Wallach

When it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon for your desired procedure it is important to fully understand what exactly a plastic surgeon is. It is imperative to choose a surgeon who has gone through the required training and can ensure a safe procedure. Read on to learn more.

A plastic surgeon is someone who has been trained to do plastic surgery. This usually entails someone who has gone through four years of medical school. Then, there is the training, which includes the more traditional path of participation in a general surgery program for three to five years and then completing a plastic surgery program for two or three years. In the last several years, programs have become more integrated, where residents come in from their very first year after medical school to go through a program of up to six years to become a plastic surgery trained physician.

Once the residency is completed, the plastic surgeon then has to go through two very arduous tasks of exams, which includes, first, a written exam, and then an oral exam given in front of his peers and experts in the field. Once he has passed these exams, he is then considered a board-certified in plastic surgery by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only recognized board to identify plastic surgeons who can operate on both the face and the body.

Dr. Wallach is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon in New York City. Specializing in an array of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, you can be sure you are in good hands. To schedule a consultation, contact us today at 212-257-3263.