Careers in Cosmetic Surgery: Nurse, Anesthesiologist, Surgeon

Types of Jobs in Cosmetic Surgery

Nurse – Responsibilities include providing pre‑ and post‑operative care, monitoring patient health, changing bandages, administering medications per doctor’s orders, and assisting surgeons by supplying instruments and monitoring patient stability. Registered nurses may work as scrub nurses or first assistants, also assisting the surgeon directly.

Anesthesiologist – Responsible for administering and monitoring anesthesia or pain medication before, during, and after procedures. Remains in the operating room to monitor patient vitals, provide additional medication as needed, and may prescribe or administer pain medication during recovery. Requires completion of medical school and a four‑year residency in anesthesiology; in some countries, anesthesiologist practitioners may provide similar services without a medical degree but require a college degree and training.

Plastic Surgeon – Performs a wide range of procedures, from filler injections to liposuction and augmentations. Surgeons may run their own practice or work in groups. Specialty areas include pediatric plastic surgery, focusing on correcting birth defects or issues in young children, and trauma plastic surgery, providing immediate cosmetic procedures for patients who have had serious accidents. Surgeons also correct deformities or scarring resulting from necessary surgeries.