As you consider your plastic surgery options, you’ll likely encounter the phrase, board-certified plastic surgeon. Although this term is common, it should never be taken lightly. What does board certification mean, and why does it matter? We’ve created this FAQ to help you choose your plastic surgeon wisely.
What Is Board Certification in Plastic Surgery?
Board certification signifies that a plastic surgeon has met the rigorous standards set by a recognized medical board. These standards include extensive training, education, and successful completion of both written and oral examinations to demonstrate surgical proficiency and ability to provide safe, effective, and medically informed care.
Why Is It So Important To Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
Although it may be tempting to choose a surgeon based on cost, you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon gives you the best chance of achieving your aesthetic goals with the least amount of risk to yourself.
A board-certified plastic surgeon offers numerous advantages over other providers, including:
- Specialized knowledge and skills in plastic surgery
- Evidence-based treatments and enhanced safety protocols
- Adherence to a code of ethics that prioritizes patient well-being and informed decision-making
- A commitment to ongoing education
- Superior aesthetic results with minimal complications
How Is a Cosmetic Surgeon Different From a Plastic Surgeon?
“Plastic surgeon” is a specialized term that covers the breadth and depth of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Only surgeons who have completed the required training and have met the stringent medical board standards can call themselves board-certified plastic surgeons.
“Cosmetic surgeon,” on the other hand, is not regulated and refers to someone who only does aesthetic surgery. Any medical provider (even from a different specialty) can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon. You can be a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of surgical specialties, but there’s no such thing as a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Healthline explains the differences between plastic and cosmetic surgery in more depth, but the takeaway is this: Plastic surgeons are better trained and better equipped to handle surgeries that can affect your health and well-being.
How Do I Check If a Plastic Surgeon Is Board Certified?
You can verify a plastic surgeon’s certification using the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s online search tool. In the same way that it is important to look for a plastic surgeon rather than a cosmetic surgeon, the certifying board matters too.
The ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and carries the greatest authority compared to similarly named boards.
You can also search for a plastic surgeon’s membership in prestigious professional organizations such as The Aesthetic Society or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Their membership indicates trustworthiness and expertise, as only ABPS-certified surgeons (or the international equivalent) are accepted as members.
Board Eligible vs. Board Certified: What’s the Difference?
A surgeon who is board eligible has completed the necessary training and education to qualify for board certification but has not yet passed the exams. In other words, they are in the process of becoming board certified.
A board-certified plastic surgeon, by contrast, has already passed the board certification exams and has demonstrated their surgical expertise and commitment to patient safety.
Choose Your Plastic Surgeon Wisely
Selecting the right plastic surgeon is paramount for a successful outcome. By focusing your search on plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you are committing to providers with an established track record of excellence and safety.
In addition to their credentials, be sure to view their before-and-after photo gallery and read their reviews and testimonials. These resources can help you understand the results the surgeon can achieve and what patients thought of their experiences. When you feel comfortable moving forward, take the next step by requesting a consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn more about your treatment options. You can schedule an appointment with me by calling (419) 534-6551 or using our online consultation form.
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