What should I include on a plastic surgeon resume?

A strong plastic surgeon resume should include a targeted summary, relevant skills section with industry keywords, quantified experience bullets showing measurable impact, and education or certifications. Focus on results and metrics rather than just listing responsibilities.

How do I make my plastic surgeon resume ATS-friendly?

Use a clean, single-column format with standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills). Include keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume. Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual fonts. Use a standard file format like PDF and ensure your contact information is in plain text.

What are the most important skills for a plastic surgeon resume?

The most important skills vary by specific role and employer. Review the job description carefully and match your skills section to the required qualifications. Include both technical/hard skills and relevant soft skills. Use the exact terminology from the job posting to pass ATS keyword filters.

Plastic Surgeon Resume Example (2026)

Adriana Reyes-Castillo

Miami, FL | [email protected] | (555) 742-1908 | linkedin.com/in/adrianareyes

Summary

Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with 8 years of experience in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and aesthetic procedures. Performed 4,200+ surgical cases with a 98.8% flap survival rate in microsurgical reconstruction. Named in the top 5% of patient satisfaction scores across a 12-surgeon department.

Technical Skills

Reconstructive: Microsurgery (DIEP, ALT, Fibula Free Flap), Breast Reconstruction, Hand Surgery, Burn Reconstruction
Aesthetic: Rhinoplasty, Abdominoplasty, Blepharoplasty, Facelift, Body Contouring, Injectables
Technology: Indocyanine Green Angiography, 3D Surgical Planning, Epic EMR, Vectra 3D Imaging
Skills: Microsurgical Technique, Wound Management, Craniofacial Surgery, Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Experience

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon - University of Miami Health System Sep 2020 – Present

Performed 700+ surgical cases annually across reconstructive and aesthetic procedures with a return-to-OR rate of 2.1%, below the department average of 4.5%

Achieved a 98.8% free flap survival rate across 350+ microsurgical breast reconstructions using DIEP and ALT techniques

Grew the aesthetic surgery practice by 55%, generating $1.2M in additional annual revenue through patient referral programs and outcomes marketing

Published 11 peer-reviewed articles on immediate breast reconstruction timing, influencing protocol changes at 3 partner institutions

Plastic Surgery Resident and Microsurgery Fellow - Cleveland Clinic Jul 2014 – Aug 2020

Completed 3,500+ surgical cases across a 6-year integrated plastic surgery residency and 1-year microsurgery fellowship

Reduced wound infection rate by 28% through implementation of a standardized perioperative antibiotic protocol across 400+ cases annually

Trained in craniofacial surgery with 150+ pediatric cases including cleft lip and palate repair with a 95% single-stage success rate

Received the program's Outstanding Resident Research Award for a study on lymphedema microsurgery outcomes in 60 patients

Education

M.D., Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency, Microsurgery Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine 2020

Why This Resume Works

Flap survival rate is the gold standard

98.8% free flap survival across 350+ cases is the single most important metric in microsurgical practice.

Reconstructive and aesthetic balance

Showing both academic reconstructive work and practice-building aesthetic growth appeals to diverse employers.

Return-to-OR rate benchmarked

Comparing revision rates to departmental averages proves surgical quality in a specialty where revisions are common.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Lead with surgical volume and flap survival rates. Mention both reconstructive and aesthetic expertise.

Skills

Separate reconstructive from aesthetic procedures. Include microsurgical techniques and imaging technology by name.

Experience

Flap survival, return-to-OR rates, and patient satisfaction scores are the metrics that differentiate plastic surgeons.

Education

Specify integrated vs independent residency track and any fellowship. Microsurgery fellowships carry significant weight.

Key Skills for Plastic Surgeon Resumes

Based on analysis of thousands of job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:

Microsurgery Breast Reconstruction DIEP Flap Rhinoplasty Aesthetic Surgery Hand Surgery Burn Reconstruction 3D Surgical Planning Craniofacial Surgery Wound Management ICG Angiography Body Contouring Injectables Epic EMR Clinical Research Patient Satisfaction

Common Mistakes on Plastic Surgeon Resumes

⚠No flap survival data - Microsurgeons must include flap survival rates with case counts. This is the most scrutinized metric in the field.
⚠Hiding aesthetic experience - Even in academic settings, aesthetic case volume and patient satisfaction matter. Include revenue growth if applicable.
⚠Missing complication and revision rates - Return-to-OR and infection rates show transparency and quality. Include them with departmental or national benchmarks.
⚠No technology differentiation - ICG angiography, 3D planning, and Vectra imaging show modern surgical practice. List specific platforms used.
⚠Ignoring craniofacial or hand surgery - Breadth across reconstructive subspecialties strengthens academic applications. Include case counts for each area.

Plastic Surgeon
Resume Example

Adriana Reyes-Castillo

Why This Resume Works

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Skills

Experience

Education

Key Skills for Plastic Surgeon Resumes

Common Mistakes on Plastic Surgeon Resumes

Related Guides

Ready to build yours?

More Resume Examples