Plastic surgeon vs vascular surgeon

The differences between plastic surgeons and vascular surgeons can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a plastic surgeon and a vascular surgeon. Additionally, a vascular surgeon has an average salary of $324,217, which is higher than the $172,467 average annual salary of a plastic surgeon.

The top three skills for a plastic surgeon include patients, patient care and hand surgery. The most important skills for a vascular surgeon are patients, patient care, and private practice.

Plastic surgeon vs vascular surgeon overview

	Plastic Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Yearly salary	$172,467	$324,217
Hourly rate	$82.92	$155.87
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	3,906	20,391
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 25%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	6	6

What does a plastic surgeon do?

Plastic surgeons must have skills in hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, organization, communication, and teamwork. This career also requires a bachelor's degree in a premedical major and completion of a four-year M.D. and a surgical residency. Those who choose this career path perform reconstructive plastic surgery in order to restore form and function following illness or trauma and/or perform cosmetic surgery for simple alteration of appearance.

What does a vascular surgeon do?

An avascular surgeon is a medical expert who specializes in treating conditions that affect blood vessels, primarily by performing surgeries. Before conducting surgical procedures, they must study the patients' medical histories, coordinate with staff and other experts, perform tests and examinations, determine surgical risks, and provide patients with consultations. It is also their duty to answer and address the patients' inquiries and concerns, explaining the extent and risks of procedures. Moreover, a vascular surgeon must build positive relationships with patients to help them and their families feel comfortable throughout the process.

Plastic surgeon vs vascular surgeon salary

Plastic surgeons and vascular surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Plastic Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Average salary	$172,467	$324,217
Salary range	Between $87,000 And $339,000	Between $169,000 And $619,000
Highest paying City	Rockville Centre, NY	Eau Claire, WI
Highest paying state	Maine	Maine
Best paying company	MaineGeneral Health	Yuma Regional Medical Center
Best paying industry	Professional	Health Care

Differences between plastic surgeon and vascular surgeon education

There are a few differences between a plastic surgeon and a vascular surgeon in terms of educational background:

	Plastic Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	Bachelor's Degree, 25%
Most common major	Nursing	Medicine
Most common college	Case Western Reserve University	Duke University

Plastic surgeon vs vascular surgeon demographics

Here are the differences between plastic surgeons' and vascular surgeons' demographics:

	Plastic Surgeon	Vascular Surgeon
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 23.6% Female, 76.4%	Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between plastic surgeon and vascular surgeon duties and responsibilities

Plastic surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage insurance authorization and hospital bookings for surgery.
Develop x-rays, foot and ankle therapies, including hydrotherapy, ultrasound and hot wax.
Assist with surgery scheduling, casting/removing, & casting for orthotics.
Check patient in/out, collect co-payments/deductibles that apply for orthotics, enter charges/post payments.
Perform administrative tasks regarding origination paperwork for patients, preoperative paperwork, medical clearance, financing and payment.
Complete knowledge of military and DOD protocols pertaining to network and computer systems.

Vascular surgeon example responsibilities.

Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
Record patients daily vitals, demographics and other medical history into electronic medical records.
Room patients upon their arrival and prepare rooms/patients for physician examination.
Board-Certify dermatologist performing Mohs surgery, advance reconstruction, blepharoplasty, liposuction, cosmetic & medical dermatology.
Generate billing and conduct follow-up calls.

Plastic surgeon vs vascular surgeon skills

Common plastic surgeon skills

Patients, 55%
Patient Care, 9%
Hand Surgery, 6%
Private Practice, 6%
Medical Procedures, 5%
Surgical Procedures, 4%

Common vascular surgeon skills

Patients, 64%
Patient Care, 24%
Private Practice, 9%
Office Locations, 1%
Ablation, 1%
Patient Appointments, 0%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgeon vs Vascular Surgeon

Updated January 8, 2025

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