Pros and Cons of Being a Plastic Surgery Nurse + Steps to Become + Salary


Written By: Jennifer SchletteJennifer Schlette MSN, RN

Jennifer Schlette is a registered nurse in pediatric critical care in New York City. She is the former Director of Undergraduate Nursing at a college located in New York. After obtaining her BSN from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, she went on to complete her MSN. Jennifer also freelances as a fact-checker for a mother’s advice publication. Read Full Bio »»
MSN, RN


If you are like most people, the words "plastic surgery" probably conjure up images of celebrities with unnecessarily swollen lips and duck-like noses. But what you may not know is that plastic surgery nurses are responsible for helping patients through the entire process – from preoperative planning to post-operative care. So, is being a plastic surgery nurse all it is cracked up to be? As with everything in life, there will be pros and cons, but do you know what are the pros and cons of being a plastic surgery nurse?

Below you will find the top 10 pros and cons of being a plastic surgery nurse. These pros and cons will help you decide if being a plastic surgery nurse is a path you should venture down.


What Does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Do?


A plastic surgery nurse is a registered nurse specializing in caring for patients undergoing cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and procedures. These nurses work closely with the surgeon to ensure that the patient is comfortable and safe during the procedure and provide post-operative care.

So, what does a plastic surgery nurse do? Some of their duties include prepping the operating room and ensuring there are sterile instruments, assisting the surgeon during the procedure, providing post-operative care, such as dressing wounds and monitoring the patient's vital signs, and educating patients and their families about the surgery and what to expect during the recovery process.

Other tasks that the plastic surgery nurse will perform if you work in a private office or a Medi-spa are Botox, dermal fillers, non-surgical facelifts using PDO threads, hair restoration, and skin rejuvenation using PRP.

Some other procedures that a plastic surgery nurse will perform are chemical peels, micro-needling, and IV drips. They can also perform procedures such as facial contouring, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, and body contouring. The plastic surgery nurse must be certified in these procedures prior to performing them.


Where Does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Work?


There are various settings that a plastic surgery nurse can work in. The most common environment is a private physician's office. However, some plastic surgery nurses work in outpatient clinics, in-patient settings, Medi-spas, cosmetic companies, and even research facilities.


What are the Typical Working Hours of a Plastic Surgery Nurse?


When deciding on becoming a plastic surgery nurse, knowing the typical working hours is essential. It is common for plastic surgery nurses to work various combinations of hours. It will mainly depend on where you work. If you work in the hospital setting, you may work anywhere from ten to twelve-hour days, three to four days a week.

If you work in the outpatient setting, your hours will be a bit different. Plastic surgery nurses in the outpatient setting tend to work five days a week, eight hours a day. In some instances, you will find plastic surgery nurses working 4 days a week, ten hours a day. It will also depend on the needs of the facility where you work.


What are the Most Important Skills Required to Work as a Plastic Surgery Nurse?


There are essential skills required to work as a plastic surgery nurse. These skills are important to possess in order to be successful in the profession. One quality that a plastic surgery nurse must have is compassion. A successful plastic surgery nurse must be able to empathize with patients who may be going through a difficult time. Remember, not all plastic surgery procedures are for cosmetic purposes.

You must always have patience as a plastic surgery nurse. Plastic surgery procedures can often take several hours, so it is vital for nurses to be able to remain calm and patient throughout.

You must also be able to pay attention to detail. Many plastic surgery procedures require a great deal of precision, so it is crucial for nurses to be able to follow instructions carefully and pay attention to detail.

Good communication skills are also important for plastic surgery nurses. You will need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, doctors, and other members of the healthcare team.

Organizational skills are also necessary. Plastic surgery nurses must be able to keep track of patients' medical records, medications, and appointments.

Finally, plastic surgery nurses need to be able to handle stress. The job can be stressful at times, so it is important for nurses to be able to stay calm under pressure.


How Much Does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Make?


As a plastic surgery nurse, you can expect to earn a good living. The average hourly salary for a plastic surgery nurse is $49.11. The average plastic surgery nurse's salary per month is $8,510 or $102,155 a year.

So, let’s take a closer look at how your years of experience will affect your salary in the long run. As a plastic surgery nurse, you will have an entry-level hourly wage of $32.78. This will be $5,680 a month or $68,190 a year.

Once you have been working for one to four years as a plastic surgery nurse, you will earn an annual salary of $78,690 a year. This salary will break down to $37.83 an hour or $6,560 a year.

After five to nine years of experience, you will be earning $46.24 an hour or $8,020 a month. This translates to $96,180 a year.

Those with ten to nineteen years of experience can expect an annual salary of $119,490. This means you will be earning $57.45 an hour or $9,960 a month.

Once you have gained 20 or more years of experience, you will jump to earning $148,400 a year. A salary of this caliber will break down to $71.35 an hour or $12,370 a month.

Level of Experience HourlyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level $32.78$5,680$68,190
1-4 Years of Experience $37.83$6,560$78,690
5-9 Years of Experience $46.24$8,020$96,180
10-19 Years of Experience $57.45$9,960$119,490
20 Years or More Experience $71.35$12,370$148,400
Average Salary$49.11$8,510$102,155


Is There a Demand for Plastic Surgery Nurses?


When you decide to pursue a career, it is important to ensure that there is a demand for the profession. This is not any different when you are deciding on becoming a plastic surgery nurse. Rest assured, plastic surgery nurses are in demand.

One reason there is a demand for plastic surgery nurses is that more and more people are electing to have cosmetic surgery. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2018, there were 17.7 million surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. This is a 3% increase from the procedures performed in 2017.

Another reason plastic surgery nurses are in high demand is that the population is aging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2015, there were 46.2 million Americans aged 65 and older. This number is expected to increase to 98 million by 2060. As people age, they may elect to have surgery to correct physical features that have changed with age, such as drooping eyelids or a sagging neck.

The aging population is not the only group of people that are seeking out plastic surgery procedures. Millennials, defined as people born between 1981 and 1996, are also increasingly interested in plastic surgery. In fact, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, millennials make up 31 percent of all patients seeking cosmetic surgery procedures. There are several reasons why millennials are interested in plastic surgery. Many millennials grew up during the rise of social media. As a result, they are very aware of how they look online. In addition, many millennials have seen their parents or other adults get plastic surgery, increasing the demand for plastic surgery nurses.


10 Steps to Becoming a Plastic Surgery Nurse


1. The first step to becoming a plastic surgery nurse is to become a nurse. There are two paths you can choose. One is the associate's degree in nursing, and the other is the bachelor's degree in nursing. Keep in mind that many plastic surgery offices and hospitals will only hire those nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

2. Next, you will need to pass the National Certification Licensure Exam (NCLEX).

3. You must then apply for your state license in the state you plan on practicing in.

4. You will then need to gain experience working as a nurse for at least two to three years.

5. Next, you will need to gain experience as a plastic surgery nurse. This is an important step prior to sitting for certification.

6. Although it is not required but becoming a Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) is sought after by many employers. This is done through The American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN). In order to be eligible to sit for this exam, you must be an RN and have at least two years of experience in a plastic surgery department.

7. You may also want to consider becoming a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS). Many employers wish their plastic surgery nurses to possess this certification because it demonstrates their ability to perform cosmetic procedures. You can obtain this certification through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB).

8. If you choose to become a Certified Aesthetic Nurses Specialist, you will need to maintain your certification by retaking your credentialing exam every three years.

9. You will need to earn certification in any procedures you will perform as a plastic surgery nurse, such as injecting fillers and botox.

10. Finally, you can start applying for plastic surgery nursing jobs!



Top Cons of Being a Plastic Surgery Nurse

(The following are the top 10 disadvantages of being a Plastic Surgery Nurse.)


1. You may get sued

One of the top cons of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you may get sued. You are constantly dealing with people's appearance, and sometimes they are unhappy with the results. If a patient is not happy with their results, they may sue you or the doctor. This can be a very stressful situation to deal with.

You may also work in a role where you perform injectors such as botox or fillers. What happens if you inject in the wrong place, or your patient has an allergic reaction? These sorts of accidents do occur from time to time and can result in a lawsuit.

If you are considering becoming a plastic surgery nurse, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks. This is not to say that you will definitely get sued, but it is something that you should be mindful of.

2. You cannot open your own practice on your own.

As a plastic surgery nurse, you cannot open your own practice. You must work under the supervision of a licensed physician. This is because you do not possess the credentials to perform surgeries or procedures independently. You may, however, work in a plastic surgery office or clinic where you can assist in pre and post-operative care. You can also perform non-invasive procedures once the physician has determined it necessary and writes the orders. So, if your dream is to own your own practice, you will need to beef up your education for that.

3. No overtime

Another con of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you will not make overtime. This is because most plastic surgery procedures are elective. They are scheduled in advance and are not emergency cases. So, if you were counting on making some extra cash by picking up some overtime, you might be out of luck.

4. You will need to be certified in multiple procedures to work.

As a plastic surgery nurse, you will need to be certified in multiple procedures to work. You will not be able to perform procedures such as botox injection of micro-needling if you are not certified. Not having these certifications can undoubtedly cut down on the number of procedures you are able to do and your paycheck.

5. You may not get a matched retirement from your employer or health benefits depending on where you work.

If you work in a private office, one of the biggest disadvantages of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you may not get a matched retirement from your employer. You also may not get health benefits unless you purchase them yourself. Both factors should be considered when thinking about becoming a plastic surgery nurse.

6. You will have to work pretty hard to build up your clientele.

Another one of the disadvantages of being a plastic surgery nurse, primarily if you work in a private setting Medi-spa, is that you will have to work for your patients. In some private settings, you will have to build up your own clientele. You will not be handed patients by the office. You will have to work hard to attract and retain them. You will have to build your own client list. This can be a difficult task.

7. You will have to do work after hours.

You will be spending long hours on social media to promote yourself in order to build up your client list. You will also spend time emailing current and potential clients in order to further build your client list. You will not be paid for all this work. This is something that you will have to do on your own time. It can be challenging to find the time to market yourself to do this when you are also working full time.

8. You will be at the beck and call of your patients.

Once you build a client list, you will have to work hard to keep them coming back to you for their services. This may mean that you will be at your client’s beck and call should they have a problem or a question. If your client has a question about swelling at 11 pm at night after a procedure you performed, well, it looks like you will have to get up and answer their question.

If you have a client concerned about drainage after a procedure you performed on Christmas day, well, it looks like you will have to get back to them right away. You will need to keep them happy, or else they will go somewhere else for their procedures, and you will lose a client and money. I would also like to mention that being at your client’s beck and call is all done at no charge.

9. You do not qualify for public service loan forgiveness for nurses if you do not work in a hospital setting.

One of the cons of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you do not qualify for public service loan forgiveness if you work in a private setting. This is because you do not work for a nonprofit in this circumstance. One of the qualifications that you must meet to qualify is that you must work for a government agency, non-profit hospital, or a nonprofit public health service organization. Working in a private plastic surgeon's office is a profit organization. This means you will need to work extremely hard to pay off your loans.

10. You will not have the same privileges in every state.

Depending on the state in which you practice, your scope of practice as a plastic surgery nurse may vary. In some states, you may be able to perform specific procedures, while in others, you may not. It is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations governing plastic surgery nurses in your state in order to ensure that you are practicing within your scope.



Top Pros of Being a Plastic Surgery Nurse

(The following are the top 10 advantages of being a Plastic Surgery Nurse.)


1. You can earn a great living.

One of the biggest advantages of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you can earn a great living. Your earning potential will only increase with the number of years you have been working. As your experience and expertise grow, you will be able to command higher salaries.

Earning such a good living will afford you the finer things in life. You will be able to travel, buy a comfortable home, and maintain a luxurious lifestyle. Not everyone has the opportunity to do this, but as a plastic surgery nurse, you certainly do.

2. If you earn your Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN), you may be able to leverage a higher wage.

As a plastic surgery nurse, if you earn your Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN), you may be able to leverage a higher wage. This is due to the specialized skills and knowledge you will have acquired through your certification. Your CPSN will also set you apart from other nurses who do not have this credential, making you more attractive to potential employers.

3. You can work in various settings.

One of the pros of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you can work in various settings. For example, you could choose to work in a hospital, an outpatient facility, or even a private practice. This means that you have many options when it comes to your career, and you can find a setting that best suits your needs.

4. You may be able to get a discount on your own procedures and treatments.

As a plastic surgery nurse, you may be able to get a discount on your own procedures and treatments. This is one of the perks of the job. Many plastic surgery nurses are able to get free or discounted treatments. So, if you are thinking about a career as a plastic surgery nurse, be sure to ask about discounts on procedures and treatments.

5. No weekends or holidays or nights

One of the top pros of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you will not have to work weekends, holidays, or nights. This is because most plastic surgery procedures are scheduled during regular business hours. So, if you want a job that offers a little more flexibility in terms of your schedule, then this may be the perfect career for you!

6. You will increase somebodies’ self-esteem.

As a plastic surgery nurse, you will be helping to increase somebodies' self-esteem. This is a gratifying profession, as you will be making a difference in someone’s life. You will be helping those who are not confident in their appearance. This can be due to many different reasons, such as birth defects, disfigurement from accidents or burns, or even just because they are not happy with their natural features.

7. You can open up your own Medi-spa.

As a plastic surgery nurse, you can be co-owner of a Medi-spa. You cannot be the sole owner because it is not in your scope of practice. The way you are able to be co-owner is if you team up and have a medical director who is a physician who has 51% ownership of the business. This may be quite lucrative for you.

8. If you advance your degree, you can open up many doors.

If you decide to advance your degree as a plastic surgery nurse, you can become a plastic surgery nurse practitioner. Depending on your state, you may have full practice authority. You may be able to open up your own practice without a physician. You will be your own boss.

9. In private practice, you will have flexible hours.

Another one of the advantages of being a plastic surgery nurse is the flexible schedule. If you work in private practice, you can often dictate your own hours. Remember, you will have your own clientele. This is a great perk if you have other commitments outside of work or if you simply want more free time.

10. You do not have to be on-call

Another one of the pros of being a plastic surgery nurse is that you do not have to be on call. This means that you can have a life outside of work and not have to worry about being called into work at all hours of the night. This can be a great perk for those who want to have a balance between their work and personal life.



Breaking Down the Salary of a Plastic Surgery Nurse


What Is The Starting Salary Of A Plastic Surgery Nurse?


The starting salary of a plastic surgery nurse is $68,190 a year. This will be an hourly wage of $32.78 or a weekly income of $1,311. So, essentially, you will be earning $5,680 a month.

Hourly$32.78
Weekly $1,311
Monthly$5,680
Annual$68,190


What Is The Average Salary Of A Plastic Surgery Nurse?


The average plastic surgery nurse's salary is $102,155 a year. If you were to break that salary down further, you would be earning $8,510 a month or $1,965 a week. If you wanted to take it a step further, you would be earning $49.11 an hour.

Hourly$49.11
Weekly $1,965
Monthly$8,510
Annual$102,155
(Source: Comparably.com)


Plastic Surgery Nurse Salary By State


In the world of plastic surgery nursing, not all states are created equal when it comes to the salary that you will be earning. Some states pay a much higher wage than others for the same exact job. For example, you will be earning $153,930 a year in California, yet, in Alabama, you will only earn $76,900. There is nothing different between these two jobs except for their location.

State Hourly Monthly Annual
Alabama $36.97 $6,410 $76,900
Alaska $58.48 $10,140 $121,640
Arizona $49.34 $8,550 $102,630
Arkansas $39.06 $6,770 $81,250
California $74.00 $12,830 $153,930
Colorado $47.79 $8,280 $99,410
Connecticut $52.08 $9,030 $108,330
Delaware $45.63 $7,910 $94,900
Florida $42.67 $7,400 $88,750
Georgia $43.89 $7,610 $91,300
Hawaii $64.35 $11,150 $133,840
Idaho $43.98 $7,620 $91,470
Illinois $45.77 $7,930 $95,200
Indiana $41.43 $7,180 $86,170
Iowa $38.41 $6,660 $79,890
Kansas $39.41 $6,830 $81,970
Kentucky $39.74 $6,890 $82,650
Louisiana $41.75 $7,240 $86,830
Maine $43.61 $7,560 $90,700
Maryland $50.08 $8,680 $104,170
Massachusetts $59.08 $10,240 $122,890
Michigan $45.41 $7,870 $94,460
Minnesota $49.70 $8,610 $103,370
Mississippi $37.60 $6,520 $78,200
Missouri $40.45 $7,010 $84,140
Montana $43.29 $7,500 $90,050
Nebraska $42.65 $7,390 $88,710
Nevada $55.09 $9,550 $114,590
New Hampshire $46.63 $8,080 $97,000
New Jersey $52.62 $9,120 $109,450
New Mexico $46.47 $8,050 $96,650
New York $55.10 $9,550 $114,600
North Carolina $42.32 $7,340 $88,030
North Dakota $42.74 $7,410 $88,900
Ohio $42.82 $7,420 $89,060
Oklahoma $40.88 $7,090 $85,030
Oregon $59.07 $10,240 $122,860
Pennsylvania $45.53 $7,890 $94,700
Rhode Island $50.82 $8,810 $105,700
South Carolina $41.21 $7,140 $85,720
South Dakota $37.42 $6,490 $77,830
Tennessee $39.36 $6,820 $81,870
Texas $47.14 $8,170 $98,060
Utah $43.20 $7,490 $89,850
Vermont $44.28 $7,680 $92,110
Virginia $45.66 $7,910 $94,970
Washington $56.05 $9,720 $116,580
West Virginia $39.98 $6,930 $83,160
Wisconsin $45.89 $7,950 $95,450
Wyoming $44.56 $7,720 $92,690



Highest Paid Plastic Surgery Nurses


What Are The 10 Highest Paying States For Plastic Surgery Nurses?


So, I am sure I got your attention when you learned that not every state pays the same for plastic surgery nurses. Below you will find the highest paying states for plastic surgery nurses. California is the highest paying state for plastic surgery nurses, with an average annual salary of $153,930. Hawaii is not too far behind, with plastic surgery nurses earning an average of $133,840 a year.

Massachusetts, Oregon, and Alaska will have you earning an average salary in the $120,000 range. Washington, New York, and Nevada will have you earning an average annual salary in the $114,000 range to $116,000 range. In states such as New Jersey and Connecticut, you will earn an average salary in the low $100,000 range as a plastic surgery nurse.

Rank State Average
Annual Salary
1 California $153,930
2 Hawaii $133,840
3 Massachusetts $122,890
4 Oregon $122,860
5 Alaska $121,640
6 Washington $116,580
7 New York $114,600
8 Nevada $114,590
9 New Jersey $109,450
10 Connecticut $108,330


What Are The 10 Highest Paying Metros For Plastic Surgery Nurses?


The highest paying metros for plastic surgery nurses are all located in California. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA is the highest paying metro in the nation for plastic surgery nurses. Here you will be earning $190,500 a year on average. The lowest paying metro out of the highest paying metros is Redding, CA. Here you will not be earning peanuts by any means. Your annual salary will be around $142,820 a year. That is great earning potential.

Rank Metro Average
Annual Salary
1 San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $190,500
2 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $187,520
3 Vallejo-Fairfield, CA $181,480
4 Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA $171,540
5 Salinas, CA $168,740
6 Santa Rosa, CA $159,390
7 Modesto, CA $154,610
8 Stockton-Lodi, CA $147,930
9 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $144,430
10 Redding, CA $142,820


Top Organizations and Associations for Plastic Surgery Nurses


International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses: This organization for plastic surgery nurses provides information to its members regarding certification and education. You will also find scholarships and grants for those who wish to pursue further education.

Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board: The Plastic Surgical Certification Board is the body that certifies plastic surgery nurses. You will also be able to view statistics regarding the number of people who have taken the exams and how many of those candidates passed. Another feature of this organization is that you can verify if a plastic surgery nurse is certified.

American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (AAAMS): This organization is for physicians, plastic surgery nurses, and nurse practitioners. Here medical professionals can receive training in the art of aesthetic and non-invasive cosmetic surgery. Here you will receive hands-on training and courses in order to foster your education.

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) can be used as an educational resource by plastic surgery nurses despite being an organization for plastic surgeons.

American Association of Plastic Surgeons: The American Association of Plastic Surgeons is also an organization geared towards plastic surgeons. Although this organization caters more to the medical model, it is still useful to nurses. As a plastic surgery nurse, you will be able to find educational articles that can keep you up to date with current trends that may be able to be applied to practice.


My Final Thoughts


So, there you have it, the top 10 pros and cons of being a plastic surgery nurse. It is up to you to decide if this is the right career choice for you. I hope I have given you some food for thought. On the plus side, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the most fascinating procedures in all of medicine. You will also be able to help people feel better about themselves and improve their self-esteem. However, there can be downsides as well. It can be challenging to care for patients who are recovering from surgery or procedures. Plus, you may see some pretty gruesome injuries or medical cases.

So, is plastic surgery nursing the right choice for you? Only you can answer that question. But hopefully, the pros and cons of being a plastic surgery nurse in this article have given you a better idea of what to expect if you decide to go down this career path.


Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert


1. Is Plastic Surgery Nursing A Good Career?

Yes, being a plastic surgery nurse is a great career. You will make a phenomenal living that will only increase as your time in the profession does. You will have a stable career that is in demand. What more could you ask for.


2. On Average, How Much Does A Plastic Surgery Nurse Make Per Hour?

The average plastic surgery nurse's salary per hour is $49.11. This hourly wage is well above the national average hourly wage.

$49.11


3. How Many Hours A Week Does A Plastic Surgery Nurse Work?

The number of hours that a plastic surgery nurse will work in a week will depend on the type of setting that you work in. You may find some plastic surgery nurses who work five days a week, eight hours a day. Other plastic surgery nurses may work ten to twelve-hour days, three to four days a day.


4. Is Being A Plastic Surgery Nurse Stressful?

Being a plastic surgery nurse can be stressful at times. Granted, you are not dealing with life and death situations on the regular, but you will have stress in a different form. You may find that many of your patients can be demanding. Having challenging patients can bring a different type of stress to your workday.


5. Do I Need To Be Certified To Work As A Plastic Surgery Nurse?

No, you do not need to be certified as a Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse or a Certified Aesthetic Nurse specialist to work as a plastic surgery nurse. It is, however, recommended but not mandatory. However, you need to be certified for each of the cosmetic procedures you will be performing.


6. What Certifications Are Required Or Recommended For A Plastic Surgery Nurse?

Recommended certifications for plastic surgery nurses include the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) and the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS).


7. How Long Does It Take To Become A Plastic Surgery Nurse?

The amount of time it takes to become a plastic surgery nurse will vary. If you choose to pursue an associate's degree in nursing, then you are looking at around four or five years to become a plastic surgery nurse. This is because after you have finished your education, you will need to gain two to three years of experience as a nurse. If you choose to pursue a bachelor's degree, then you are looking at completing your education and clinical experience in about six to seven years.


8. How Much Does It Cost To Become A Plastic Surgery Nurse?

The answer to this question will depend on the type of degree you choose. An associate’s degree in nursing will cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 degree at a public institution. If you decide to attend a private institution, you may pay around 40,000. A bachelor’s degree cost will cost anywhere from $80,000 to $100,000 for your education.


9. What Kind Of Career Advancement Opportunities Are There For Plastic Surgery Nurses?

If you want to advance your career as a plastic surgery nurse, you could advance your career by becoming a plastic surgery nurse practitioner. Another option would be obtaining your master’s in education and teaching the next generation of plastic surgery nurses.


10. What Types Of Treatments And Procedures Are Most Common For Plastic Surgery Nurses?

Plastic surgery nurses can perform Botox, dermal fillers, non-surgical facelifts using PDO threads, hair restoration, and skin rejuvenation using PRP, chemical peels, micro-needling, and IV drips. You can also perform procedures such as facial contouring, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, and body contouring.


11. Can An LPN Become A Plastic Surgery Nurse?

No, an LPN cannot be a plastic surgery nurse. This minimum educational requirement to be a plastic surgery nurse is an associate’s degree in nursing.


12. What Procedures Can A Plastic Surgery Nurse Not Do?

A plastic surgery nurse cannot perform invasive procedures. Some of these procedures include a surgical facelift, a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation. These invasive procedures are reserved for surgeons.


13. Can A Plastic Surgery Nurse Have Their Own Practice?

Plastic surgery nurses cannot have their own practice. However, suppose you earn an advanced practice degree as a nurse practitioner. In that case, you can open your own practice depending on what type of practice authority the state that you wish to practice in has.


14. What Jobs Are Similar To That Of Plastic Surgery Nursing?

Jobs that are similar to a plastic surgery nurse would include all types of operating room nurses. Operating room nurses all have shared tasks such as ensuring the care of the patient during the pre-op and post-op period as well as ensuring the operating room is set up for the surgery.

Although many jobs in the nursing world share similar characteristics. Being a plastic surgery nurse does hold some of these characteristics, but it is essentially a career like no other.


Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN
Jennifer Schlette is a registered nurse in pediatric critical care in New York City. She is the former Director of Undergraduate Nursing at a college located in New York. After obtaining her BSN from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, she went on to complete her MSN.