Plastic Surgery Nurse

Last Updated On Aug 21, 2024

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

8 Min Read

What is a Plastic Surgery Nurse?

Plastic surgery nursing is a specialty that focuses on improving the appearance of a part of the body or face. This can be accomplished using invasive (i.e. surgery, lasers, injections) or non-invasive (chemical peel, microdermabrasion, medication) procedures. This role can be similar to an aesthetic/cosmetic nurse, but typically leans more on the side of surgical procedures and solutions than on injectables/fillers and other in-office cosmetic treatments.

Plastic surgery nurses specialize in caring for patients who undergo cosmetic surgical procedures, including:

Liposuction
Breast augmentation/reduction/reconstruction
Body lifts/contouring
Abdominoplasty
Face/neck lift
Hair transplant
May include gender reassignment procedures

As stated above, this role is similar to an aesthetic nurse, though the aesthetic nurse is typically more involved with non-invasive, in-office cosmetic treatments rather than surgical procedures. Here is a table that compares the two:

Aspect	Cosmetic/Aesthetic Nurse	Plastic Surgery Nurse
Primary Role	Enhancing appearance through non-surgical treatments	Assisting in surgical procedures to reconstruct or alter body
Typical Workplace	Med spas, dermatology clinics, cosmetic surgery centers	Hospitals, surgical centers, plastic surgery clinics
Common Procedures	Botox, fillers, chemical peels, laser treatments, skincare	Assisting in surgeries like rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction
Required Education	RN or BSN, additional certification in aesthetic procedures	RN or BSN, specialized training in plastic surgery nursing
Certification	Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS)	Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse (CPSN)
Focus	Cosmetic improvements, anti-aging treatments	Functional and aesthetic surgical outcomes
Patient Outcomes	Non-surgical enhancements, improved skin appearance	Surgical alterations, recovery from reconstructive procedures

How to Become a Plastic Surgery Nurse

Plastic surgery can be a rewarding field. Patients seeking changes in their appearance may be depressed or have low self-esteem. Nurses are often involved in pre-op and post-op care and witness a patient’s transformation as they achieve the appearance they desire.

Plastic surgery is not only about "nip/tucks"- many plastic surgery cases are patients needing reconstructive surgery after accidents or the removal of cancer. For example, many breast cancer patients need reconstruction after a mastectomy, or patients with traumatic injuries may undergo procedures to reduce scarring or disfigurement. Plastic surgery nurses are there to help those patients resume a sense of normalcy after life-changing events.

Those interested in plastic surgery nursing should desire to help patients improve their self-perception and foster a positive body self-image. Nurses should be able to communicate in a nonjudgmental and respectful manner, as body image can be a sensitive issue for patients.

What Are the Schooling Requirements?

Those interested in the field of plastic surgery should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required. Some organizations and private medical offices prefer a BSN-prepared RN. Nurses are encouraged to check the requirements in their specialty of choice.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for RN licensure.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) offers certifications in the field of plastic surgery. The Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) certification includes completing an application, reviewing a self-study textbook, and completing the examination process. Eligibility for certification includes the following:

Have a current RN license
Have a minimum of two years of plastic surgical nursing experience as an RN within the last three years
Have spent at least 1,000 practice hours in plastic surgical nursing during two of the last three years prior to applying for certification

The CPSN certification is valid for three years and can be renewed via continuing nursing education credits.

The PSNCB also offers a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) certification. The process is similar to the CPSN certification process. Eligibility requirements include:

Have a current RN license
Work with physician(s) that are board-certified in either Plastic/Aesthetic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, or Facial Plastic Surgery
Have a minimum of two years of nursing experience as an RN in one of the specialties listed above (as a staff nurse, or in an administrative role, teaching role, or researcher) within the prior three years
Have worked at least 1,000 practice hours within the specialties listed above in the prior two years
Have a supervising physician endorse the application

Certification is also valid for three years and can be renewed via continuing nursing education credits.

Depending on the organization, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and sedation certification may be required in addition to the certifications listed above.

What Does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Do?

Plastic surgery nurses work alongside surgeons and support staff to assist patients in achieving their desired results. Specific duties may include:

Screening patients for surgery
Reviewing medical and surgical history
Administering treatments such as chemical peels, Botox, or light and laser treatments
Preparing the procedure/operating room
Monitoring patients during and after procedures
Educating patients on specific procedures and what to expect before, during, and after
Following up with patients after procedures to ensure healing
Wound care/surgical site care

Where Do Plastic Surgery Nurses Work?

Plastic surgery nurses can work in private medical offices, hospitals (operating rooms), and outpatient clinics. Specific outpatient clinics can include:

Dermatology
Head and Neck (ENT)
Outpatient surgery clinics

What Are the Roles & Duties of a Plastic Surgery Nurse?

Plastic surgery nurses have many duties and roles, as they are involved with patients before, during, and after surgery. Plastic surgery nurses are responsible for:

Collaborating with physicians regarding possible barriers to surgery
Educating patients and families on post-op expectations and healing
Providing support to patients and families while promoting a positive self-image
Providing a sensitive, non-biased, nonjudgmental environment for patients undergoing cosmetic procedures
Remaining up-to-date with current cosmetic surgery procedures, standards of care, and practice
Ensuring a safe, aseptic environment to avoid post-op infection/complications
Working with the entire care team to ensure physical, mental, and psychosocial needs are met

Plastic Surgery Nurse Salary & Employment

Plastic surgery is a competitive field of medicine. Many elective procedures are not covered by insurance and can be costly. This can benefit nurses looking for a career opportunity in this field, as providers are opening private practices and need nurses to assist.

While there is no data specifically for plastic surgery nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for registered nurses, in general, is expected to grow 7% by 2032, and the median income is $86,070. Salary is dependent on city, state, degrees/certifications held, and organization of employment. As stated earlier, there are many cosmetic surgery clinics, many of which are a private practice. Therefore, competitive wages may be offered.