About Certification

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. The 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:

	- 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		- Orthopedic Surgery - Otolaryngology - Pathology - Pediatrics - Physical Medicine - Plastic Surgery - Preventative Medicine - Psychiatry and Neurology - Radiology - Surgery - Thoracic Surgery - Urology
		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.

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