St. George’s University Unpacks the Allure of Plastic Surgery and the Road to Becoming a Surgeon

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2025 – According to The Korea Times, plastic surgery in South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for medical tourists worldwide, with over 100,000 tourists opting for surgery in the country.

Plastic surgery is commonly associated with aesthetic procedures like facelifts or non-surgical treatments, but this perception is not entirely accurate. In reality, this specialty helps patients recover from injury or illness. St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, highlights the appeal of plastic surgery and the journey to becoming a fully qualified surgeon in South Korea.

The appeal of plastic surgery

Plastic surgery does more than enhance beauty and confidence. It also restores physical function and transforms lives, making the specialty an attractive career path for aspiring doctors.

Plastic surgery encompasses a diverse range of procedures, from intricate microsurgery to optional cosmetic improvements. Working in this specialty provides opportunities to collaborate with specialists from other fields, including general surgery, gynecology, and neurosurgery.

Plastic surgery also makes a profound impact on a patient’s life physically and emotionally. These procedures can help patients regain their appearance, sense of identity, confidence, and overall well-being.

Plastic surgeons are ranked among the highest-paying medical specialties, requiring years of training and extensive surgical expertise. While financial incentives are not the sole reason physicians choose this path, they can certainly align with a genuine passion for solving complex problems and making a visible, lasting impact on patients’ lives. For many plastic surgeons, the field offers a combination of professional fulfillment and financial stability.

The path to becoming a plastic surgeon

The path to becoming a plastic surgeon starts with earning a medical degree from an accredited institution. This typically involves 4–6 years of study, including pre-clinical studies and hospital-based clinical training, depending on students’ academic backgrounds. After graduation, aspiring doctors must pass national licensing examinations to practice medicine.

Following licensure, doctors typically enter a residency program. Depending on the country’s training structure, this may be in general surgery first or directly in plastic surgery. Residency usually spans five to seven years, offering extensive hands-on surgical training. Upon completion, candidates must pass board or specialty certification examinations administered by relevant professional bodies to become fully qualified plastic surgeons. For example, in Thailand, this process is overseen by the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand, whereas in South Korea, it’s regulated by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

For more information on how SGU School of Medicine can prepare aspiring Thai and South Korean doctors, visit SGU’s website.

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About St. George’s University School of Medicine

Founded in 1976, St. George’s University (SGU) is a center for academic excellence worldwide. With students and faculty drawn from more than 150 countries, SGU is truly an international institution, with a uniquely global perspective. The SGU School of Medicine is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council which has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). The school offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. Students can also enter the MD degree program from many education systems around the world via the five-, six-, or seven-year tracks. SGU has a large network of 75+ affiliated hospitals and health centers in the US and UK, with the unique opportunity for students to begin their medical career in Grenada or the UK.