What does it really take to become a plastic surgeon and what actually happens behind the scenes?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace speaks to Shan Shan about building a career in plastic surgery, from trauma reconstruction to cosmetic work, and the years of training, discipline, and resilience it takes to get there.

Shan Shan breaks down:

• What plastic surgery actually involves beyond the TV stereotype
• The difference between reconstructive and cosmetic work
• Why so much of her role is about service, precision, and patient care
• How plastic surgery can improve both function and confidence
• She also shares:
• Growing up in a family of doctors and academics
• How her creativity showed up early through art and doodling
• Why she chose to explore charity missions in Africa
• The long and demanding training pathway to becoming a plastic surgeon

Plus, we get into:

• Working across the NHS and private cosmetic care
• Why some procedures once funded by the NHS now end up in cosmetic practice
• How she approaches surgery with empathy and careful planning
• Why honesty, trust, and patient education matter so much
• If you’re interested in:
• Medicine and surgical careers
• Plastic surgery and reconstruction
• Cosmetic surgery explained
• Medical training in the UK
• Female doctors and career journeys

This episode is a fascinating look at one of the most demanding and rewarding careers in medicine and the human stories behind it.

@drshanshanjing

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

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