ABPS Plastic Surgery study plan
ABPS Plastic Surgery · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Plastic Surgery (general content; not enumerated in source) & Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Content (not enumerated in source)
Map the exam blueprint to identify high-yield topics within each domain
Create a weekly study calendar allocating 3 hours to Domain 1 and 3 hours to Domain 2
Compile a list of core plastic surgery references and resources
Set up a note-taking system for tracking progress and weak areas
Your checkpoint
A written study plan with topic checklist and resource list
Plastic Surgery (general content; not enumerated in source)
Review fundamental principles of wound healing and skin anatomy
Outline key concepts in cosmetic surgery procedures
Identify common complications and their management
Practice 20 board-style questions on Domain 1 topics
Your checkpoint
A summary sheet of wound healing stages and cosmetic surgery principles
Plastic Surgery (general content; not enumerated in source)
Compare techniques in breast surgery (augmentation, reduction, reconstruction)
Explain principles of body contouring and liposuction
List indications and contraindications for common aesthetic procedures
Complete 30 practice questions and review incorrect answers
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of breast surgery techniques with indications
Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Content (not enumerated in source)
Describe reconstructive ladder and flap classification
Review head and neck reconstruction principles
Outline hand surgery anatomy and common procedures
Practice 30 board-style questions on reconstructive topics
Your checkpoint
A flowchart of the reconstructive ladder and flap types
Plastic Surgery (general content; not enumerated in source) & Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Content (not enumerated in source)
Integrate knowledge of cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery
Review pediatric plastic surgery (cleft lip/palate, craniofacial)
Explain burn management and skin grafting techniques
Complete 40 mixed practice questions under timed conditions
Your checkpoint
A one-page integrated summary of breast and pediatric plastic surgery
Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Content (not enumerated in source)
Review microsurgery principles and common free flaps
Outline trunk and lower extremity reconstruction
Describe aesthetic surgery of the face (rhytidectomy, blepharoplasty)
Practice 30 board-style questions on advanced reconstructive topics
Your checkpoint
A table of free flap options with their vascular pedicles and indications
Plastic Surgery (general content; not enumerated in source) & Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Content (not enumerated in source)
Identify and fill knowledge gaps using practice test results
Review high-yield topics from both domains
Complete 60 mixed practice questions under timed conditions
Create flashcards for frequently missed concepts
Your checkpoint
A personalized list of weak areas with targeted review notes
Plastic Surgery (general content; not enumerated in source) & Comprehensive Plastic Surgery Content (not enumerated in source)
Take a full-length practice exam simulating test conditions
Review all incorrect answers and reinforce key concepts
Finalize summary sheets and flashcards for rapid review
Practice relaxation and time-management strategies for exam day
Your checkpoint
A full-length practice exam score report with a review log
Milestones
Week 2: Complete at least 50 practice questions with 60% accuracy
Week 4: Complete at least 100 practice questions with 65% accuracy
Week 6: Complete at least 150 practice questions with 70% accuracy
Week 8: Score at least 75% on a full-length practice exam