The primary stages to become a liposuction surgeon are based on a strenuous education process which usually includes four years of undergraduate studies at a university, four years in medical school, and four years in a residency program that specializes in liposuction. There are many cosmetic and plastic surgeons that also focus on liposuction throughout his or her schooling and career. In order to become a liposuction surgeon, a student may spend up to fifteen years in school and training. The decision should be well researched based on the amount of time needed, the competitive nature of medical programs, and the strenuous academic workload. Usually, the medical field is considered a life choice as opposed to just a career because of the amount of time invested to reach personal goals.
A person who plans to become a liposuction surgeon should ensure that he or she is familiar with other cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures in order to broaden employment options and increase his or her clientele. Liposuction is a process that removes fat deposits from various locations on the body and was invented in the mid-1970s. At first it was not required for a physician to become a liposuction surgeon, and one of the first doctors to perform such surgery was a gynecologist. The practice was revolutionized later on and the requirements and guidelines for physicians or students was initiated.
Education is a key component to becoming a liposuction surgeon. Undergraduate studies should be heavily focused on sciences such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and some students benefit from courses in psychology. Cosmetic and plastic surgery often requires major decisions from patients to alter his or her appearance, and knowledge of mental health could assist a surgeon in advising the patient. Medical school provides general course work in human anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, and physiology before branching into specialized medicine. The four year program is devised to prepare the student in all aspects of the medical field.
The student must earn a medical degree (MD) before beginning his or her residency, which is extensive hands-on training that is required to become a liposuction surgeon. A minimum of four years is usually assigned, but residency time may vary depending on the country. Although the primary focus of training is on all plastic surgeries, general medicine is also practiced. Continuing education and certification programs are usually required to remain familiar with improvements in the field.
