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The single most essential part of the
credentials of a plastic surgeon is the status of their
"Board Certification". Unfortunately this can
be confusing and occasionally misleading. Aesthetic part of plastic surgery is one of the few remaining
parts of medicine that is still fee for service. Consequently, many physicians who have limited
or non-existent training in plastic
surgery are engaging in complicated procedures that are
far beyond any formal training that
they have received.
It follows then that the most important part of the credentials
of a plastic surgeon is to make sure that he or she is
certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
This will signify that he or she has undergone rigorous
and standardized training in a qualified institution and
has passed thorough tests that have determined him or
her to be a safe, knowledgeable and competent surgeon.
Most well trained plastic surgeons are also pre trained
in another surgical specialty such as general surgery
and can be certified by that board- i.e. The American
Board of Surgery. Such dual certification is the ultimate
that a plastic surgeon can achieve and means that one
is dealing with seasoned and competent surgeons who truly
understand the diverse aspects of surgery
and plastic surgery.
These boards are not just exams but are indications of
satisfactory completion of more that 15-17 years of premedical,
medical and surgical training and specialization. It is
unfortunate to recognize that currently varieties of other
specialties in medicine are engaging in deliverance of
plastic surgical services with very little training. Boards
such as American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or American
Board of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are not under the umbrella
of nor recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties
that governs 24 established boards such as the American
Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
A comprehensive list of boards that have met the strict
criteria of The American Board of
Medical Specialties is as follows:
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-
Allergy and Immunology
- Anesthesiology
- Colon and Rectal Surgery
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Family Practice
- Internal Medicine
- Medical Genetics
- Neurological Surgery
- Nuclear Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Ophthalmology
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Orthopedic Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Physical Medicine
- Plastic Surgery
- Preventative Medicine
- Psychiatry and Neurology
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Urology |
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Board Certified Plastic Surgeons also have the
opportunity and distinction of being members of
the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS). This is the main governing body that not
only provides plastic surgeons with continued medical education
using a variety of approaches but also educates
the public in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive
surgery. Members of the American
Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
proudly designate and embellish themselves with
these symbols of excellence.
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Another very important aspect that a prospective patient
should determine is the surgeon's
appropriate active privileges at major medical centers
of the region in which he or she
practices. This indicates that they have passed the usual
rigorous credentialing requirements
that are an essential part of seeking appointments to
these institutions.
Embarking on the quest to achieve beauty through plastic
surgery should be undertaken with
confidence and certainty. Be vigilant in requesting the
credentials of your plastic surgeon. You may contact our
office or visit the following links to further understand
these very important and essential facts.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery www.surgery.org/
The American Board of Plastic Surgery www.abplsurg.org
The American Board of Surgery www.absurgery.org
The American College of Surgeons www.facs.org
The American Board of Medical Specialties www.abms.org
The American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org
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