Plastic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery that improves a person's appearance, surgery for a birth defect such as cleft palate, or surgery following an injury or the removal of cancer, such as breast implant surgery after breast removal (mastectomy).

Plastic surgeons can further specialize in hand surgery.

Plastic surgeons can be board-certified through the Board of Plastic Surgery, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.