The Certification Process for Plastic Surgeons

One of the most common misconceptions about cosmetic surgery is that any physician offering cosmetic procedures has been formally approved by the government to offer these same procedures. Actually, this is far from the truth. In this article we will explore the certification process as well as to discuss how to determine whether or not a specific surgeon has been certified by a qualified board.

In choosing to have an elective procedure performed, it is always important to keep in mind that these are medical treatments. As with any medical treatment, cosmetic procedures carry risks and are not always successful at achieving their desired goal. Using a cosmetic surgeon that has been certified by a recognized board can go a long way in ensuring that an aesthetic treatment possesses the minimal possible risk and the maximum likelihood of success.

The mission of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is to formally recognize boards which oversee medical specialties and subspecialties. There are over 145 specialties and subspecialties covered by the ABMS. However, at present, the ABMS recognizes only 24 member boards within this set of specialties and subspecialties.

One purpose of these member boards is to evaluate and certify candidates within the specific medical fields which they oversee. Another function of the member boards is to help to "elevate the standards of graduate medical school education". However, they do not accredit graduate medical school programs. Instead, accreditation is the responsibility of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

The member boards span the spectrum of the medical field. There is one for emergency medicine, dermatology, nuclear medicine and every other possible medical discipline imaginable.

However, there is only one organization representing plastic procedures that is recognized by the ABMS. This is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

Examples of six organizations which specialize in cosmetic procedures but which are not recognized by the ABMS are the societies of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Esthetic Surgery, Dermatologic Surgery and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that your cosmetic procedure is performed by a physician that has been certified by the ABPS. This will help to ensure that your treatment and/or surgery are as safe and as successful as possible.

When considering a particular cosmetic surgeon, ask them if they have been certified by the ABPS. If they haven't been, they are not a board-certified plastic surgeon. You may also verify whether or not they are ABPS certified by calling the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Physicians may join the ASAPS by invitation only and must be ABPS certified.

Yet, another source of information concerning the certification of a particular physician, with respect to cosmetic procedures, is via the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) which was founded in 1931. Only board-certified plastic surgeons can be members of ABPS and ASAPS.

Choosing an ABPS certified plastic surgeon will help to maximize both the safety and success of your procedure. Remember, the issue of your surgeon's certification impacts your health and body. Therefore, it is imperative that one take the time and effort necessary to research the certification of the doctor who will be performing one's cosmetic procedure.

For women in SanDiego, plastic surgery with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon is a must for the utmost in safety and for the most natural-looking results. At La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, all of the cosmetic surgeons are board-certified and have exceptional experience. Visit online at http://www.ljcsc.com/


By Michele Ellingsen