Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Ask our expert about choosing a plastic surgeon
- How do I choose the right plastic surgeon?
- How can I tell who has the right experience?
- What does board-certified mean?
- How are doctors certified by the ABPS?
- What sorts of skills or knowledge does the ABPS-certified plastic surgeon have that others don't?
- How important is it to have my surgery in an accredited facility?
Q: How do I choose the right plastic surgeon?
A. Choosing the right surgeon is a big decision, so you should do careful research before you make your final decision. Here are some questions you should be asking your prospective surgeon:
- Are you board-certified or board-eligible in plastic surgery?
- What qualifications/training do you have to perform this procedure?
- How many of these procedures have you performed in your career? Each year?
- Have you had many problems or complications with this procedure?
- Where do you have hospital privileges?
Most importantly, you need to feel comfortable with the surgeon, so you can get the best results and care before, during and after your surgery.
Q: How can I tell who has the right experience?
A: As plastic surgery becomes increasingly popular, more providers from many different medical specialties are offering cosmetic procedures. These providers can range from spa personnel with no medical training, to physicians educated and board-certified in their area of expertise (for example, internal medicine or family medicine), but not board-certified in plastic surgery. You should look for a physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Q: What does board-certified mean?
A: Board certification is voluntary. It is an additional credential a physician chooses to obtain after medical school and residency training. Board certification is considered the gold standard when you’re comparing the credentials of a physician because it assures you that your doctor has a certain amount of education in his or her specialty field—and has proven that training and knowledge by passing an examination. If you are seeking a plastic surgeon, you want someone who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS), which is overseen by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This is the only ABMS board that certifies in the full spectrum of the plastic surgery specialty, including plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, trunk and extremities.
Q: How are doctors certified by the ABPS?
A: There are several goals that must be met after medical school before a physician can take the examinations to become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. First, a three-year general surgery residency training program must be completed. Then, a three-year plastic surgery residency training program must be completed. Once residents are finished with training they may sit for the written exam; if they pass that, they may sit for the oral exam. Certification is awarded upon successful completion of both the written and oral examinations. Doctors who have passed both exams are board-certified. Doctors who have passed the written exam and who are preparing for the oral exam may use the term “board eligible.”
Q: What sorts of skills or knowledge does the ABPS-certified plastic surgeon have that others don't?
A: Doctors certified by the ABPS can perform plastic and reconstructive surgery of the entire body. They are also up-to-date with new technologies, new approaches to treatment and new surgical techniques because they need to take continuing education classes to maintain their certification.
Q: How important is it to have my surgery in an accredited facility?
A: Like board certification, facility accreditation is a voluntary process. Facilities accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities have met strict requirements for all aspects of surgery.
This page last updated 10/20/09 12:17 PM
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