Cosmetic surgeon

To become a cosmetic or plastic surgeon you'll need to complete:

• a 5-year degree in medicine, recognised by the General Medical Council
• a 2-year foundation programme of general training
• 2 years of core surgical training in a hospital
• up to 6 years of specialist training

You may be able to join a 6-year degree course in medicine without A levels or equivalent qualifications in science. The course includes a one-year pre-medical foundation year.

If you already have a first class or upper second class science degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. Some universities will also accept non-science graduates.

When you apply for a course in medicine, you could be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). They test the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.

There's a lot of competition for places on medical degrees. Most university admissions departments will expect you to have done some relevant paid or voluntary experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements
• University Clinical Aptitude Test
• BioMedical Admissions Test

Registration

• you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

Further information

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.

You'll need:

• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• assess patients’ reasons for choosing to have surgery
• explain treatment choices and risks to patients
• operate on emergency and scheduled cases
• carry out cosmetic treatments like facelifts, implants and liposuction
• restore tissue, skin and limb function, using plastic surgery methods
• check patients’ progress after surgery
• work closely with other medical and nursing staff
• update patient records
• teach trainee surgeons

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.