Understanding a Physician's Credentials Before Plastic Surgery

Many doctors advertise they are "board-certified," but understanding what that means can be tricky. Physicians in many specialties can perform cosmetic procedures and be "board-certified" in something, whether it be dermatology,ophthalmology, or podiatry, but that doesn't mean they are trained plastic surgeons. If you are considering any type of plastic surgery, be sure the physician you choose is amply trained in the cosmetic procedure you seek by checking with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a doctor must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency. He or she must also have practiced plastic surgery for two years prior to certification and pass comprehensive oral and written exams. The ABPS also offers the added assurance of requiring re-examination every 10 years.

Another great resource for choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The ASPS required its members to be certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as meet additional requirements, such as operating only in accredited medical facilities, and fulfilling continuing medical education requirements. The ASPS requires six years of general surgery experience instead of the five required by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with three, rather than two years of plastic surgery training.

Another important step in choosing a plastic surgeon is determining what type of plastic surgery they specialize in. If you're seeking breast augmentation, choose a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation rather than rhinoplasty or other facial procedures. Make sure to find out how many procedures like yours they have performed, and view before and after pictures to be sure the surgeon can deliver the results you want.

There are a few more tricks to use to determine whether a surgeon is someone you should trust or run away from. For instance, you should compare the price of the procedure you are considering with prices being charged by other surgeons. If there is sharp disparity, be skeptical. Cosmetic surgeries performed at extremely low prices can have hazardous results. Also check out which hospitals and facilities he or she is allowed to perform surgery in. Even if you are having an office-based procedure it's important to remember, if the hospitals you trust don't allow him or her to operate in their facilities, you certainly don't want them operating on you.