Plastic surgery is an intricate surgical science that involves
careful attention to detail. The surgery is often very creative and
innovative so this is an exciting field in which to work.
You need to be committed to striving for the best possible results,
which may mean re-operating two or three times on one patient.
Excellent technical abilities are important. You need to be creative
and be able to appreciate physical appearance and how to improve it.
Most days commence at 7.30am and finish somewhere between 7.00pm and
8.00pm. The work involves a combination of consultations and time
spent in the operating room.
Other surgical specialties are beginning to take over some of the
techniques and operations of plastic and reconstructive surgery, so
the specialty will need to improve standards even further and
continue to develop new and innovative methods for dealing with
problems.
Other surgical specialties are beginning to take over some of the
techniques and operations of plastic and reconstructive surgery, so
the specialty will need to improve standards even further and
continue to develop new and innovative methods for dealing with
problems.
One contributor commented that as long as plastic surgeons continue
to have good imaginations and innovative approaches, there is no
limit to the scope of opportunities in this field.
The specialty has become a bit of a ‘dumping ground’ for minor
problems (such as skin cancers, leg ulcers and pressure sores) that
other specialties do not wish to deal with. At this stage there is
little demonstrated commitment from some of the smaller but
significant hospitals in New Zealand to establish posts for
consultants. Centres like Whangarei, Tauranga, New Plymouth,
Gisbourne, Napier, Hastings, Nelson, Invercargill and Dunedin should
all have consultant posts established in this field.
