A plastic surgeon is a recognized specialist who undertakes a minimum of six years training and recognised exams. Specialisation in plastic surgery begins upon completion of the medical degree and the licence to practice as a doctor. During specialization the doctor has to perform around 600 operations solo, while under the supervision of an experienced plastic surgeon. After this practical experience combined with theory study, the doctor has to sit the specialist exams required by the German medical qualifications authority ‘Landesärztekammer’. Upon successful completion of this process, the doctor gains the title ‘Specialist in Plastic Surgery’. This title gives patients the security of knowing the doctor has also been well trained in the areas related to plastic surgery. It should be mentioned that only the title, ‘Specialist in Plastic Surgery’ is officially protected. Other designations such as ‘Cosmetic Surgeon’, Beauty Surgeon’ or ‘Aesthetic Surgeon’ are not protected titles and can be adopted by any doctor without informing you of their training or experience.
Aesthetic Surgery
’Aesthetic Surgery’ is integrated with, and part of, the specialization in plastic surgery and it is ‘plastic surgery’ that has its own recognized training program including theory exams.