What personality traits should you possess to become a successful plastic surgeon?

Answer 1

What a great question! At least you are concerned about this aspect of possibly becoming a surgeon. I have worked for many surgeons in different areas and one thing 75% of them don't have is a good personality. It's not that they mean to be this way, they are just so into their profession they forget they are talking to a human being. It's an art form and it takes a lot of skill to work on the human body. Plastic surgeons generally are more caring and will take the time to talk to their patients in layman's terms. These are the traits one should possess: * Evaluate the patient and depending on the age (too young) wanting to have breasts enlarged it's a wise surgeon that will tell a too young patient they should wait a bit to have the surgery done and refuse to do it and tell them why. * To sit down with the patient and go every detail as to how they can correct what is wrong with their appearance or if it's to do with weight loss (those flaps that won't go away after) and to show the patient on the computer how they will look when the process is finished. * Be up front about the correct cost of the surgery. If there are any risks involved and to be sure to let the patient know if scarring will be a problem for them. Most plastic surgeons will do their best to hide any light scars in creases of the body. * Don't talk down to your patient, but up; meaning that a surgeon should speak in layman's terms so they understand and then go over it a second time to make sure the patient understands. * Have a pleasant manner and realize this is a scary leap for the patient that will be worrying about healing time and pain and the surgeon should be honest in stating what they plan to do about the pain and how long the stitching will take to heal (swelling of face or any other part of the body.) * Having a good sense of humor without being crude or rude is also helpful. Touching the patient on the shoulder, smiling and letting them know that they will do the best work they can and will be supportive before and after surgery. This gives the patient confidence in the surgeon and lowers the heart rate. * A successful surgeon is not noted for their skills by their pocket book, but by having a caring attitude about their patient and feeling the pain that some people go through if they should have a terrible mark on their face or injuries from an auto accident. Even those that seek the plastic surgeon out for breast enlargement should be treated with respect and told of any risks for the implants. Surgeons in a way are artists and can change many unpleasant aspects on a human body so it's to their best interest to do an excellent job because that patient will be a walking advertisement for that surgeon. Word gets around!