11 Jul What does it mean to be a “Board Certified” Plastic Surgeon?

Board certification was initially developed in order that patients might know that their doctor has met a certain level of training and expertise, has the base knowledge that is needed, and has passed exams, both written and face-to-face with other physicians in their specialty.

Plastic Surgery is so popular, encouraged so much by the media and celebrities, and can be done in a physician’s office or private operating room, that many doctors try to “become” plastic surgeons to reap those benefits.  True Plastic Surgery training encompasses one of the longest and most difficult training programs of any specialty of physician.  Many times, this additional training will last 7 years or more after completing medical school.  Many physicians, with shorter training programs, or less difficult training programs, will try to advertise themselves as “Plastic Surgeons”, or “Cosmetic Surgeons” without having to go through all those years of training.  They become board certified in their own field, then start doing plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery, and refer to themselves as “Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeons”.  We have a number of physicians, that advertise in this area that do that.  Your question to them should be, “Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery”?  If not, then you may want to question their training or abilities.  You can also go to www.plasticsurgery.org, which is the official website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  There they will only admit and list True Plastic Surgeons.

Going to a True Board-Certified Plastic Surgery greatly increases your chances for a good result from your Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery.