<h2><strong>Introduction / Overview</strong></h2><p>If you are searching for a plastic surgeon in Ireland, you may be considering surgery to restore function, correct a physical concern, or improve your appearance. Plastic surgeons are medically trained specialists who perform both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, often combining technical surgical expertise with a detailed understanding of anatomy and aesthetics.</p><p>In Ireland, plastic surgeons work in public hospitals, private hospitals and specialist clinics. Some procedures are medically necessary and carried out as part of public healthcare, while others are elective cosmetic procedures accessed privately. Whether you are seeking reconstructive surgery after injury or illness, or exploring cosmetic surgery options, choosing the right plastic surgeon is essential for safety, outcomes and long-term satisfaction.</p><p>This page explains what a plastic surgeon is, what plastic surgeons do, how they are trained in Ireland, when you might need to see one, and how to find a qualified plastic surgeon for your needs.</p><h2><strong>What is a Plastic Surgeon?</strong></h2><p>A plastic surgeon is a medical doctor who has completed extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgeons specialise in procedures involving the skin, soft tissue, muscle, bone and nerves, with the goal of restoring function, correcting defects or enhancing appearance.</p><p>Plastic surgeons perform both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery addresses physical abnormalities caused by congenital conditions, trauma, burns, cancer or disease. Cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on improving appearance through elective procedures such as facelifts, breast surgery or body contouring. What distinguishes plastic surgeons is their ability to manage complex surgical problems while also achieving balanced, natural-looking results.</p><h2><strong>What Does One Study to Become a Plastic Surgeon?</strong></h2><p>Becoming a plastic surgeon in Ireland involves one of the longest and most demanding training pathways in medicine. The journey begins with completing a medical degree, which typically takes five to six years and includes academic study alongside clinical training in hospitals.</p><p>After medical school, doctors must complete basic and higher surgical training. This includes several years of general surgery experience followed by specialist training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Specialist plastic surgery training focuses on both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, microsurgery, trauma management and complex wound care.</p><p>Many plastic surgeons also pursue additional fellowship training in areas such as aesthetic surgery, breast reconstruction, craniofacial surgery or hand surgery. In total, it can take twelve to fifteen years of education and clinical training to qualify as a consultant plastic surgeon in Ireland. Plastic surgeons are required to maintain their skills through ongoing professional development and specialist registration.</p><h2><strong>Are There Different Types of Plastic Surgeons?</strong></h2><p>While all plastic surgeons share a core foundation in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, many develop specific areas of expertise. Some focus primarily on reconstructive surgery, treating patients with injuries, burns, congenital differences or cancer-related defects. Others specialise in cosmetic surgery, offering procedures designed to enhance facial features or body shape.</p><p>Some plastic surgeons work closely with other specialists such as dermatologists, oncologists or maxillofacial surgeons, particularly in complex reconstructive cases. Others practise mainly in private cosmetic clinics. The type of plastic surgeon you need depends on the reason you are seeking care and the procedure being considered.</p><h2><strong>How Does One Become a Plastic Surgeon in Ireland?</strong></h2><p>To become a plastic surgeon in Ireland, a doctor must first qualify in medicine and then complete recognised surgical training. This includes registration with the Irish Medical Council and acceptance into accredited plastic surgery training programmes.</p><p>Plastic surgeons must demonstrate technical competence, clinical judgement and ethical practice throughout their training. Even after qualification, plastic surgeons continue to update their skills through ongoing education, training courses and peer review to ensure they meet evolving standards of care.</p><h2><strong>Do You Need a Doctor Referral for a Plastic Surgeon?</strong></h2><p>Whether you need a referral depends on the type of procedure you are seeking. For reconstructive plastic surgery carried out in public hospitals, a referral from a GP or specialist is usually required. These procedures are often medically necessary and may be covered through public healthcare pathways.</p><p>For cosmetic plastic surgery, referrals are generally not required. Patients usually contact a plastic surgeon directly for a consultation. The surgeon will assess suitability for surgery, review medical history and discuss risks, benefits and expected outcomes before proceeding.</p><h2><strong>What Does a Plastic Surgeon Do Exactly?</strong></h2><p>Plastic surgeons assess patients to understand both medical needs and aesthetic goals. They examine anatomy, review medical history and recommend surgical or non-surgical options tailored to the individual.</p><p>Plastic surgeons perform procedures ranging from reconstructive surgery after trauma or cancer to elective cosmetic procedures. They are responsible for preoperative planning, performing surgery, managing recovery and monitoring long-term outcomes. Their role includes ensuring patient safety, managing complications and helping patients achieve realistic and sustainable results.</p><h2><strong>Plastic Surgery and Patient Safety</strong></h2><p>Patient safety is central to plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons are trained to evaluate surgical risk, manage complex anatomy and respond to complications. They carefully assess whether surgery is appropriate and may advise against procedures if risks outweigh potential benefits.</p><p>Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon with appropriate training and experience is one of the most important factors in achieving safe outcomes. Clear communication, informed consent and realistic expectations are essential parts of the surgical process.</p><h2><strong>How to Find a Good Plastic Surgeon in Ireland</strong></h2><p>Finding a good plastic surgeon involves checking qualifications, specialist training and experience with the procedure you are considering. A reputable plastic surgeon should be fully qualified, registered and transparent about their background and clinical experience.</p><p>MeTime helps users find and compare plastic surgeons in Ireland and internationally by providing access to verified provider profiles. Through MeTime, you can explore surgeons’ training, areas of expertise and clinic information, making it easier to choose a trusted plastic surgeon and book with confidence.</p><h2><strong>The Patient Journey: Consultation to Recovery</strong></h2><p>The patient journey typically begins with a consultation where the plastic surgeon discusses goals, examines anatomy and explains available options. Imaging or photographs may be used to support planning and discussion.</p><p>If surgery is agreed, the surgeon provides detailed preoperative instructions and explains the recovery process. After surgery, follow-up care is essential to monitor healing, manage discomfort and address any concerns. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, with some surgeries requiring weeks or months for full healing.</p><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2><h3><strong>Are plastic surgeons medically qualified doctors?</strong></h3><p>Yes. Plastic surgeons are fully qualified medical doctors who have completed extensive surgical training and specialist education in plastic and reconstructive surgery.</p><h3><strong>What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery?</strong></h3><p>Reconstructive surgery focuses on restoring function and appearance after injury, illness or congenital conditions. Cosmetic surgery is elective and aims to enhance appearance in otherwise healthy individuals.</p><h3><strong>When should I see a plastic surgeon?</strong></h3><p>You may see a plastic surgeon for reconstructive needs, such as after trauma or cancer treatment, or if you are considering cosmetic surgery to change or improve a physical feature.</p><h3><strong>Is plastic surgery only cosmetic?</strong></h3><p>No. Many plastic surgery procedures are reconstructive and medically necessary. Cosmetic surgery is only one part of the specialty.</p><h3><strong>How do I know if a plastic surgeon is right for me?</strong></h3><p>A good plastic surgeon should be qualified, experienced, transparent and willing to answer questions. Feeling comfortable and informed during consultation is an important part of choosing the right provider.</p>

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Aesthetic plastic surgeon

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Psychotherapist

Sleep physician/physiologist

Couples or relationship counselling

Online coaching

An incision is made immediately under the nose to hide the scar, and a variable amount of skin is removed. When the incision is closed with stitches, the lip elevates, resulting in a more youthful or rejuvenated appearance. The surgical lip lift can also evert the upper lip, making it appear fuller. Stitches are removed after approximately one week. Variations in the shape of the incision are designed to lift the lip in different ways, such as defining the cupid’s bow.

Surgical lip lift

Crowns are coverings, usually made of ceramic or alloy, used to cap or cover teeth than have been damaged or require restoration. The tooth is first reduced to allow the crown to be attached using cement. Bridges consist of more than one crown fused together and may be used to replace a missing tooth or teeth by using existing teeth as anchors.

Crowns & bridges

Counselling & psychotherapy

This refers to the heating and destroying of unwanted veins by passing a special probe up through the vessel, either using radiofrequency or a laser. The procedure is often performed using ultrasound to visualise the vein, and can be performed under local anaesthesia. Vascular surgeons use endovascular ablation to treat varicose veins.

Endovenous ablation

Consultation

Clinical nutrition & supplementation

One way to permanently reduce frown lines is to surgically cut the muscles in the frown area. The corrugator muscles lie beneath the inside of the brows, and they can be accessed through an incision that is made during an upper blepharoplasty, to treat hooded eyes. This procedure is much less commonly performed (and more invasive) compared to muscle relaxing injections with botulinum toxin.

Corrugator muscle resection

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

A peeling treatment that uses lasers, such as carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, to remove the outer skin layers precisely. The type of laser and settings used determine how the skin peels and heals. Laser skin resurfacing is used to reduce sun damage, pigmentation, and fine wrinkles. The treatment usually requires some form of anaesthesia and special skin care during the healing period after the treatment.

Laser skin resurfacing

Strengthening the chin with fillers can improve facial proportions and angles by forward-projection on the profile view. Usually non-permanent fillers are placed using a needle or cannula on the bone or under the skin. For fine lines on the chin and dimpling, fillers are injected in the skin or botox is used to relax the underlying muscles. The results of contouring the chin with fillers can last over a year.

Chin fillers

Sleep studies (polysomnography)

Structured exercise programme

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Liposuction of the calves is a delicate procedure that requires an experienced surgeon to carefully remove fat in the lower legs and around the ankles. It can be used to treat lipoedema or for purely aesthetic reasons to improve contours. Compression garments are typically required for a period of weeks after the procedure, and final results can take several months. Unlike non-invasive fat reduction liposuction of this area is definitive and effective.

Calves liposuction

A skin resurfacing or peeling treatment that uses chemicals, usually special acids, to remove the top layer of skin. A chemical peel is indicated to treat pigmentation, sun damage, acne, or fine wrinkles. The depth of peel, results, and recovery period depend on which chemical is used during the peel. Chemical peels can be superficial, medium depth, or deep peels. Peeling agents include salicylic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).

Chemical peel

CO2 laser resurfacing

Erbium laser resurfacing

Biofeedback

Sleeve gastrectomy

Lasers are powerful devices that emit light at certain wavelengths in order to have an effect on tissues in the skin or body. Ablative lasers vaporise or peel skin. Non-ablative lasers usually heat skin without peeling. Lasers can heat collagen effectively, causing improvement in texture, tightness and pores. Lasers can be used to rejuvenate by treating blood vessels, removing hair, stimulating biological processes or peeling the outer, unwanted layers of skin or tissue.

Laser rejuvenation

Mindfulness-based therapy

SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy)

This procedure helps improve under-eye bulges or bags as well as loose skin. The incision used is either just under the eyelashes in the skin (transcutaneous) or on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival). Variations in lower blepharoplasty include trimming away excess bulging fat, repositioning this fat to reduce under-eye hollows, and supporting the outer lower eyelid with fine stitches to prevent it from sagging and improve the shape of the lower eyelid.

Lower blepharoplasty

Fat is taken (harvested) from different parts of the body, such as the thighs or tummy, using liposuction and injected into the breast area. Breast fat grafting is used to add volume to the breasts, correct symmetry, or during breast reconstruction. Once fat is collected, it is usually treated to clean and purify it. The fat is prepared in syringes and injected carefully above and below the breast gland using a special technique in order to help the fat cells survive in their new position.

Breast fat grafting

Liposuction of the arms slims the arms through removal of fat from the front, back, or even circumferentially. Small incisions are made to access the fat with blunt-tipped cannulas. The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Depending on the skin quality, devices designed to heat and tighten the skin may be used together with the suction during the procedure. Usually compression garments must be worn during the healing phase.

Arms liposuction

Hormone evaluation & replacement

Weight loss injectables

A series of small injections of a purified neurotoxin that temporarily blocks nerve impulses to muscles or other tissues, causing the muscles to relax.  When muscles relax, the overlying skin moves less, effectively reducing wrinkles.  Botulinum toxin injections can be strategically placed for various other indications, including rejuvenation of the upper and lower face, reducing sweating, and medical conditions such as migraine. The effects usually wear off after a few months.

Botox

Strength & conditioning

Braces are small mechanical devices made of metal, ceramic or plastic, used in orthodontics to straighten teeth. Braces are positioned, adjusted and tightened over time in order to move the teeth. They are used to improve the appearance and function of teeth when there are crooked teeth, gaps, or problems with the bite such as overbite or underbite.

Braces

Breast implant change, or revision, is a surgical procedure to replace or remove existing breast implants. This is often done to alter size or shape, address complications like implant rupture or capsular contracture, or update with newer implant types. The surgery involves incisions, typically using previous scar sites, for implant exchange or removal. Recovery and risks are similar to initial augmentation. It's sought by those wanting updated aesthetics, comfort, or to resolve medical issues with their current implants.

Breast implant change

The Hydrafacial technology uses special tips, vacuum, and boosters to extract impurities, cleanse the skin, and hydrate. For skin that is radiant and glows, regular hydrafacial treatments are ideal and suitable for all skin types. Various boosters can be added to tailor the treatment and specifically target issues such as acne, pigmentation, and visible pores. The treatments take only 30-60 minutes.

Hydrafacial

Jawline liposuction involves gently removing fat from the lower face , above and below the mandible using small thin tubes called cannulas. Often performed under local anaesthesia, jawline liposuction gives the jawline a more defined appearance after all the swelling subsides. Typically, a compression garment must be worn after the procedure. Sometimes other devices are used during jawline liposuction to enhance the skin tightening results, including lasers, plasma, or ultrasound.

Jawline liposuction

The most commonly used fillers today are non-permanent and consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule found in skin, joints and in the eyes.  Several brands of hyaluronic acid filler are available.  They all comprise a clear, soft, sterile gel that is injected into the skin or beneath the skin to soften lines, contour facial features, or add volume.  Fillers may be injected under local anaesthesia, and results can last about 6-18 months.

Fillers

Fat is harvested from elsewhere using a mini-liposuction procedure and injected into different parts of the face to add youthful volume. A special technique using blunt cannulas is used so the fat cells survive where they are placed. Swelling and bruising is common after facial fat grafting. Fat grafting can be performed alone or in combination with other facial procedures such as face lifting to make the results more natural and impressive.

Facial fat grafting

The brow may be lifted or elevated using threads to make the eyes appear more youthful or to improve the aesthetics of the eyebrow shape. The most commonly used threads are filaments made of a dissolvable material, such as PDO, which are inserted into or under the skin under local anaesthesia. Some threads have cogs or cones to grasp the tissue, and they may be anchored to the deeper layers higher at or behind the hairline.

Brow lift with threads

This is used to remove unwanted skin cells by freezing them. The area is sprayed until temperatures are so low that the skin lesion freezes. More than one treatment may be necessary to remove the unwanted cells. Cryotherapy, or therapy that induces very low temperatures in tissues, may also be used to treat unwanted fat. This is called crylipolysis or “fat freezing”.

Cryotherapy

Clear aligners are plastic, removable devices designed to straighten teeth. A mould of the teeth is taken to create the aligner, and computer modelling is used to design subsequent moulds that place pressure on the teeth so that over time the teeth move to the desired, straightened position. Several different aligners are placed every couple of weeks for several months until the final position is reached.

Clear aligners

Various threads are used to lift different parts of the face, or even body. These can be dissolvable or permanent materials, and have different appearances. Some are smooth, some have tiny hooks or barbs, others have cones. A thread lift is usually performed under local anaesthesia as a minimally invasive treatment. The threads may be anchored or ‘free-floating’. Some thread lifts require small incisions whereas others are inserted through punctures without making incisions.

Thread lift

ClearSilk

Intragastric balloon

Gastric bypass

Developed by Sciton, this sophisticated light technology improves the appearance of aging skin on the face, neck and body in most skin types. It addresses concerns such as pigmentation, freckles, redness, acne, texture and age spots. The treatment is fast and non-invasive, with minimal downtime, allowing immediate return to normal activities. BBL brightens and clears skin over a course of treatments, with results typically visible after even one.

Broadband Light (BBL)

Low-level light therapy can be used to reduce fat using special wavelengths of light . The light alters the fat cells without heating them, but through the properties of the light and its effect on the fat cells. Unlike liposuction, fat cells are not physically removed from the body so the results tend to be subtle.

Laser fat reduction

This surgical procedure has been used for many years to improve sagging of the face due to aging. A traditional facelift incision is usually made in front of the ear, along the hairline, and inside the hairline. There are various types of facelift procedures. Drains and bandages may be placed to ensure optimum recovery after surgery. A neck lift is frequently performed at the same time.

Face lift

A material placed over the teeth to improve their appearance. A veneer is usually made of either a composite material or porcelain. A composite veneer may be placed in one visit at a dentist’s office whereas a porcelain veneer usually is fabricated in a dental laboratory and later fitted to the tooth.

Veneers

A few injections typically placed immediately above the upper lip to relax the muscle slightly. A botox lip flip is used alone or in combination with fillers to evert or show more of the top lip, giving a fuller appearance.  Results can take 10-14 days and last 2-4 months.  When the orbicularis oris muscle is relaxed in this way, the appearance of vertical lip lines or “smoker’s lines” may also improve.

Botox lip flip

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

Moxi is a gentle but effective non-ablative laser (1927nm wavelength) that resurfaces the skin and peels away pigmentation. The treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes and the results include brighter, smoother skin that glows. After the treatment, some pinkness is normal, and the skin feels rough to touch for a few days before the results appear. Moxi is suitable for all skin types and those looking for “prejuvenation” and maintenance to keep skin looking healthy. A course of three treatments may be advised for best results.

Moxi laser

Lasers use a specific wavelength of light to exhibit their effects. The wavelength determines the target for that specific laser. Most lasers are designed to heat and destroy a specific target and leave surrounding tissue untouched and undamaged. Lasers can peel skin, remove hair, rejuvenate skin, treat vascular conditions and remove pigmentation and tattoos. Various safety protocols are required when lasers are used, such as eye protection with goggles or eye shields.

Laser

Vascular lasers can treat variety of conditions including dilated or unsightly blood vessels. The lasers employ a specific wavelength of light the targets the blood in blood vessels, heating the vessels and effectively destroying them. Vascular lasers include pulsed-dye lasers and NdYAG lasers.  They can be used for conditions such as leg telangiectasias or “broken veins”.  A number of treatments may be required for optimum results.   

Vascular laser

Surgically improving the appearance of a pre-existing scar using various techniques. The existing scar is often removed using a separate, new incision. The edges of the new wound are brought together in a way that reduces tension on the healing incision, so that the scar becomes less obvious.

Scar revision

Electromagnetic energy in the radiofrequency range that comprise smaller frequencies than other radio waves. The energy delivered by microwave energy devices can penetrate the skin and generate heat in a relatively localised area. Clinically, this has been used to target sweat glands safely. Skin cooling in these devices protects excessive energy delivery to the skin and helps avoid complications.

Microwave energy

Sleep hygiene therapy

Oral devices for sleeping

Unlike non-invasive alternatives, liposuction of the male chest offers an effective way to remove this stubborn fat. Small cannulas are used to suction the fat under the skin to improve the chest contour. Sometimes fat near the armpits must also be addressed. Male chest liposuction is often performed together with gynaecomastia surgery when the gland behind the nipple must be excised. The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia and typically requires postoperative care including compression.

Liposuction male chest

Surgical reconstruction of the belly button to make it appear more beautiful. It may be performed on its own or as part of a tummy tuck. The position, shape, or depth of the belly button may be modified during an umbilicoplasty.

Umbilicoplasty

A surgical procedure that improves the appearance of sagging breasts by elevating them to a higher position. Although different techniques exist, a common method involves an incision around the nipple area, downwards, and underneath the breast. Sometimes the incision is restricted to around the nipple in less extensive lifts. A breast lift can be performed as part of breast augmentation or breast reduction. Breast lift surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia.

Breast lift

Surgical remodelling of the soft tissues or cartilage of the ear to improve shape, symmetry, or projection. Various otoplasty techniques have been described to treat congenital conditions, or changes that have occurred over time or with trauma. A head bandage is usually required after otoplasty surgery.

Otoplasty

The foreskin over the penis is trimmed and removed during this surgical procedure. It may be performed if the skin around the tip of the penis is too tight (phimosis) or for religious or cultural reasons. Circumcision may be performed under local or general anaesthesia.

Circumcision

Surgery to reduce the volume and size of the breasts.  Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia and requires incisions and the removal of tissue.  It may be performed for aesthetic or functional reasons.  During breast reduction surgery, a lift is frequently performed, so the volume and position of the breasts improves.  Drains may be placed following breast reduction for a few days.

Breast reduction

Techniques to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile including surgically cutting muscles that lift the upper lip and cutting away part of the gums that cover the upper teeth. This has the effect of making the teeth appear bigger and improves the proportion of the gums and teeth on smiling.

Gummy smile surgery

Surgery designed to flatten and improve the contours of the male chest due to excessive tissue. There may be excessive gland and fat beneath the skin. The gland can be removed surgically through an incision around the nipples. Since gynaecomastia is often a mixed picture of fat and gland, liposuction is frequently performed to improve results. Gynaecomastia surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. A compression garment is applied after the procedure.