15 Best Plastic Surgery Schools & Residency Programs – 2025
February 9, 2025
If you’re looking into plastic surgery schools and plastic surgery residency programs, you’re hooked on Botched or you’re ready to take the next step towards your medical career dreams. For those thinking about a career in plastic surgery, there are many good reasons to consider the specialization: according to recent data, plastic surgeons are among the most highly paid in the medical profession, have extremely high job satisfaction, and are able to lend their skills to a variety of services, from reconstructive surgeries for victims of violence or trauma to those looking to start a new chapter with an improved appearance. To start a career in plastic surgery and get ready for your applications, you’ll need to make sure you’re up to date on the best plastic surgery schools and are aware of the programs you might want to prioritize when it’s time for your residency.
Best Plastic Surgery Schools — What Kind of Program Should I Choose?
Before we look at the best plastic surgery schools, we need to talk about the two types of training to become a plastic surgeon. The difference between the two types has to do with when and how a medical resident learns about the specifics of practicing plastic surgery. In the first model, called the independent model, students learn the basics (prerequisites) of surgery outside of a plastic surgery residency and then undertake a plastic surgery residency to learn the specifics of plastic surgery. In the integrated model, residents complete both kinds of training in the same program. Medical students get to decide which pathway to take depending on their interests, goals, and lifestyle, but the integrated program offers a more straightforward and easily navigated process. For this article, all of the plastic surgery schools listed offer integrated programs but it is noted when an independent program is also offered.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery School?
The rankings below are based on a variety of sources, including the Doximity Residency Navigator. Rankings are based on the academic rigor of the program, the presence of the program’s faculty on the boards of medical journals, and the impact rating of faculty members’ articles. Remember, there is no perfect program — only a perfect program for your unique needs. Use this list as a jumping-off point to explore programs — size, location, and the interests of the faculty. The majority of the programs last 6 years and the typical cohort is under 5 residents per year.
The 15 Best Plastic Surgery Schools & Residency Programs in the U.S.
*School has both integrated and independent plastic surgery programs.
1) Harvard University*
- Boston, Massachusetts
You’ve probably all heard of Harvard, the oldest and most prestigious school in the U.S., but did you know it’s renowned for its plastic surgery school? The school offers residents the opportunity to experience unique rotations in other specialties and to train in four affiliated hospitals in the Boston area.
- 6-year program
- 30+ faculty members
- 24 total residents
- Residents experience rotations in plastic surgery-related areas like anesthesia, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and dermatology
2) Stanford University
- Stanford, California
Another big name in United States schools, Stanford’s plastic surgery program ranks highly for its commitment to continued educational experiences for residents, including conferences and research projects.
- 7-year program
- 25 faculty members
- 27 total residents
- Strong focus on humanitarian aid and giving back
3) University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
You might know UMich for its maize and blue sports community, but it also houses a plastic surgery school with a strong focus on clinical research.
- 6-year program (with one additional year for independent research)
- 25+ faculty members
- 25+ residents
- Residents spend a year without clinical responsibilities meant specifically for research and academic development
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4) University of California, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, California
Thinking of being a plastic surgeon to the stars? Maybe UCLA is the right place to do your plastic surgery training. This program is affiliated with eight training hospitals and prioritizes clinical experience along with curriculum.
- 6-year program
- 15+ faculty members
- 18 total residents (3 per year)
- Program offers a variety of conferences and lecture opportunities
5) University of Pennsylvania*
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UPenn’s integrated plastic surgery program offers the opportunity to engage in training in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and prioritizes the growth of residents’ leadership and management skills. Maybe while you’re in Philly, you’ll meet Taylor Swift’s boyfriend’s brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce!
- 6-year program
- 20+ faculty members
- 18 residents (3 per year)
- All final-year residents spend four months as Executive Chief Residents and run the cosmetic surgery practice out of UPenn Medicine, gaining skills for independent practice
6) Washington University in St. Louis
- St. Louis, Missouri
WashU’s plastic surgery program is based out of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, one of the United States’ best hospitals. This program is a match for you if you value technological and research advancement, specialized research topics, and mentorship.
- 6-year program
- 15+ faculty members
- 3-4 residents per year
- Post-residency fellowship opportunities for specialized areas of plastic surgery in hand surgery, microsurgery, and peripheral nerves
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7) New York University*
- New York City, New York
Ah, the city that never sleeps. Although, you’ll need your rest to succeed in this highly ranked program. With an emphasis on research, this program offers a well-rounded curriculum designed to get you comfortable with a variety of areas of surgery.
- 6-year program
- 15+ faculty members
- 4 residents per year
- 15 months of core surgery rotations (breast and oncologic, abdominal and alimentary, pediatric, vascular, cardiothoracic and more), 9 months of rotations defined as “strongly recommended” (anesthesia, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, and more), and 12 months of plastic and hand surgery rotations
8) Johns Hopkins University*
- Baltimore, Maryland
This school, halfway between D.C. and Philadelphia, offers more than the opportunity to eat Maryland crab. A newer program, this residency could be a match if you hope to be a leader in plastic surgery.
- 6-year program (with one additional research year)
- 4-6 residents per year
- Includes a dedicated research year and training at 5 affiliated hospitals
9) University of Pittsburgh*
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pitt’s plastic surgery residency program is known for its rigorous self-evaluation, leading to changes and improvements in the program. For example, residents are evaluated based on their skills versus the time spent in the program due to the school’s focus on “competency-based” training.
- 6-year program (with optional research year)
- 25+ faculty members
- 3-5 residents per year
- Cutting-edge laboratories and optional research year in the middle of the program
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10) Duke University
- Durham, North Carolina
This program, one of the oldest in the country, has a focus on diversity and elite training in a welcoming community.
- 6-year program
- 3-4 residents per year
- 20+ faculty members
- Opportunity to work within trauma care at Duke University Hospital, a Level One Trauma Center
11) Ohio State University*
- Columbus, Ohio
With strong foundational surgical training and rotations in four medical settings, this program offers an excellent plastic surgery residency program right in the heart of Ohio! (Go Buckeyes!)
- 6-year program
- 4 residents per year
- 20+ faculty members
- Rotations last four weeks and cover all areas of plastic surgery
12) University of Cincinnati*
- Cincinnati, Ohio
This Ohio school is known for its commitment to teamwork and community, with an individualized focus that tailors the program to each resident. 50% of residents continue their educations with fellowships following their completion of the program.
- 6-year program
- About 10 total residents (very small program)
- Focus on simulated surgery technology for training
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13) University of California San Francisco
- San Francisco, California
If a plastic surgery residency program in the rolling hills of Northern California appeals to you, you might consider UC San Francisco.
- 6-year program (with one additional research year)
- 3 residents per year
- 15+ faculty members
- Academic development and research year between third and fourth clinical years and training at 8 affiliated sites
14) Emory University*
- Atlanta, Georgia
Emory takes Southern hospitality seriously, and even its plastic surgery school is focused on community and friendliness. Seven affiliated medical sites offer broad opportunities for training.
- 6-year program
- 2-4 residents per year
- 10+ faculty members
- Focus on innovative surgical techniques
15) Cleveland Clinic*
- Cleveland, Ohio
You might only know the Cleveland Clinic from your Google search about your mysterious medical symptoms, but this is a renowned medical facility offering more than just articles diagnosing you with potential illnesses. Cleveland Clinic is known for its innovation (a face transplant!) and technological advancements.
- 6-year program
- 4-5 residents per year
- 15+ faculty members
- Ideal for residents interested in advancing medical care in innovative ways and who may want to pursue teaching themselves
*School has both integrated and independent plastic surgery programs.
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Plastic Surgery Schools & Residency Programs – Final Thoughts
As you work to further your interests in plastic surgery, remember that this is not an exhaustive list of elite plastic surgery schools. Programs are ranked for different reasons and it’s important to keep in mind what is most appealing to you in a residency program. And remember—the road to becoming a plastic surgeon (or any kind of doctor!) is a long and competitive one.
Many of the schools on this list are affiliated with world-renowned teaching hospitals and are home to some of the best surgeons in the world. Specializing in plastic surgery offers a unique chance to get involved in cutting-edge research and technology, to help people of all ages overcome personal challenges, and to be part of an emerging field that has cross-over with many other areas of medicine. Your journey in plastic surgery is sure to be exciting. From emergency medicine and reconstructive surgery to pediatric care and cosmetic services, the possibilities are endless!
Want to more about medical schools? Check out the links below.
