The importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon

In recent years, there have been several reports of unfavorable and adverse events following procedures performed by physicians. Many of these surgeons have not gone through plastic surgery residency, and have not qualified to become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Complications can happen with any type of surgery; however, confirming your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery serves as a warranty for the type of training your surgeon has received and the type of exams he/she needed to successfully pass, in order to receive that certification.

On average, plastic surgery training includes sixteen years of post-high school education, including specific training in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery under direct supervision. Board-certified plastic surgeons have not only met very demanding requirements in order to sit for their boards, but they have also successfully passed a written and a 2-day oral examination, being critically evaluated for their fund of knowledge, their ethical standing and their safe and effective approach to multiple reconstructive and cosmetic challenges.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery aims to produce safe, ethical plastic surgeons with an extensive knowledge of the entire spectrum of plastic surgery, who are able to represent our specialty in the highest standards.

All patients seeking plastic surgery procedures should do their homework before choosing their surgeon. Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a qualification not easily obtained, which demonstrates a high level of training and education, necessary for optimal results and patient satisfaction.

Reviewed by YPS Steering Committee members Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS and Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS