How does one become a plastic surgeon?

In general, it's 4 : Years in college, four years in medical school, 5-6 years of general surgery and 2 or 3 years of plastics. Currently, most plastics programs have tracks that involve a coordinated program of 3 years of general and 2-3 years of plastics. There are many other ways to get there thru other specialties as well.

Many Years of Study: There are several types of plastic surgeons, but to become a general plastic surgeon, it requires at least 3 years of college, followed by acceptance to a medical school for another 4 years. After this, most training programs are 6 years- 3 of general surgery and 3 of plastic surgery, followed by a board certification exam. Only then may a surgeon practice in the community.

Study/apply/training: Many years of study with many intervals of applications/acceptance, training, supervision, graduation and certifications. Typically 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 3-5 years of surgery (ortho, ent, general, etc) then 3-5 years of a plastic surgery training residency programs often followed by 1-2 years of fellowship and then community experience & board/society/hospital applications.