7,480
Plastic Surgeons
100%
Accepting patients
86%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 7,480 plastic surgeons nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (86%). 48% accept Medicare.
Plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face, body, and extremities. Reconstructive procedures restore form and function after injury, cancer surgery, or birth defects. Cosmetic procedures improve appearance. Many plastic surgeons perform both types of surgery.
After medical school, plastic surgeons follow one of two training paths: a six-year integrated plastic surgery residency, or a general surgery residency followed by a two- to three-year plastic surgery fellowship. Additional fellowships are available in hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, and aesthetic surgery. The training encompasses wound healing, tissue transfer, microsurgery, and aesthetic principles.
Reconstructive plastic surgery includes breast reconstruction after mastectomy, skin grafts for burn patients, cleft lip and palate repair, hand surgery for injuries, and tissue flap procedures. These are medically necessary and typically covered by insurance. Cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty, facelifts, and liposuction are elective and generally self-pay.
See a plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery, skin cancer excision and reconstruction, hand injuries (fractures, tendon repair, nerve repair), scar revision after trauma or surgery, burn reconstruction, cleft lip and palate repair, carpal tunnel release, and cosmetic procedures. For cosmetic concerns, consultations are the time to discuss goals, realistic outcomes, and costs.
The consultation includes a physical exam and a candid discussion of your goals. For reconstructive cases, the surgeon reviews your medical history and coordinates with your other physicians. For cosmetic cases, they explain what is achievable, show before-and-after photos of similar cases, discuss technique options, and outline risks. You will receive a detailed cost estimate. Most consultations for cosmetic procedures have a fee ($50 to $200) that may be applied toward surgery.
Consultation: $50-200 · Breast reconstruction: covered by insurance · Rhinoplasty (cosmetic): $5,000-15,000 · Tummy tuck: $6,000-12,000 · Facelift: $7,000-15,000
Insurance covers reconstructive procedures that restore function or correct deformities: breast reconstruction after mastectomy (required by federal law), hand surgery for injuries, repair of birth defects, and reconstruction after trauma or cancer. Cosmetic procedures (facelifts, rhinoplasty for appearance, liposuction) are not covered. The line between reconstructive and cosmetic can be blurry. Your surgeon can help determine what your insurance may cover.
Recovery varies by procedure. Rhinoplasty: one to two weeks of visible swelling, final results at one year. Facelift: two to three weeks of bruising, presentable in three to four weeks. Breast augmentation: one to two weeks off work, six weeks before strenuous activity. Liposuction: one to two weeks off work, compression garment for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide a detailed recovery timeline specific to your procedure.
Look for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for plastic surgery. Check the surgeon's experience with your specific procedure. Review before-and-after photos. Confirm they have hospital privileges. Read patient reviews. Do not choose based solely on cost; the cheapest option is not always the safest.
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Reconstructive plastic surgery is covered by medical insurance when medically necessary. The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act requires insurance to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Cosmetic procedures are self-pay. Many plastic surgery offices offer financing through third-party companies (CareCredit, Prosper Healthcare Lending). Get a written estimate of all costs before proceeding.