Most cosmetic surgeries aren’t thought of as medically necessary, but they are usually serious surgeries that can have severe consequences if they go wrong. That’s why it’s essential to check if the plastic surgeon in Dallas has board certification in plastic surgery.
If you’re considering any plastic surgery, such as a mommy makeover or Brazilan butt lift, below is vital information to know about board certification.
Board Certification in Plastic Surgery Overview
A board-certified plastic surgeon has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the sole board that the American Board of Medical Specialties recognizes to certify physicians in reconstructive and plastic procedures.
For a surgeon to obtain certification by the ABPS, the doctor needs to have a minimum of five years of surgical training. This must include a plastic surgery residency. Also, the doctor is required to pass extensive written and oral examinations in plastic surgery.
Consumers need to know that some doctors have been trained in another medical specialty call themselves ‘plastic surgeons,’ even if they didn’t have specific training in the field.
Plastic surgeons have been trained to do surgery and have a complete education in physiology and anatomy. This extensive training and education give the plastic surgeon a comprehensive understanding of every body system, including circulation, ventilation, electrolyte, and fluid balance.
All of these are critical for your safety during any cosmetic surgery procedure, whether you are having a rhinoplasty, liposuction, or another procedure.
More Board Certification Requirements
After the plastic surgeon is board-certified, they must maintain their certification by taking regular continuing education courses and examinations. They can also perform surgeries in accredited medical facilities and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
However, most states currently allow any physician to call themselves a ‘plastic surgeon’ even if they didn’t receive specific training in plastic surgery. Some doctors who refer to themselves as cosmetic or plastic surgeons have never been trained to do surgeries at all.
Why Would A Plastic Surgeon Not Have Board Certification?
Board certification in plastic surgery isn’t easy. If a surgeon isn’t, there are a few possibilities.
They Couldn’t Pass
About 15% of plastic surgeons who take the written examination don’t pass, and about 20% fail the oral test. So, many doctors out there may work in the field who couldn’t handle the exams.
They Didn’t Devote The Time To Get Certified
The process to get board certification in the field takes years and requires much effort. That’s why some doctors decide to skip the process and just say they’re plastic surgeons. Many patients never ask about it, anyway.
Because of the time and effort involved in the process, it’s becoming more common for some doctors to take the easy way out.
They Aren’t Truly A Plastic Surgeon
A new trend in physician marketing is for those who aren’t plastic surgeons to say they are and then claim they have board certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. There’s no question there are excellent doctors who work in cosmetic surgery, but they are not plastic surgeons.
They haven’t completed their formal training in plastic surgery or just never tried to get board certified. It takes a lot of time and effort, and many doctors know they can still earn a good living without going to the trouble.
Some Physicians Are Excellent At Marketing
If you look around online, you can find many highly visible ‘cosmetic surgeons.’ They may have a big name because they’ve spent a lot of money on effective marketing. Just because their name is everywhere doesn’t mean they are skilled, highly trained, or board-certified in plastic surgery.
Many board-certified plastic surgeons have repaired poor jobs done by unqualified physicians who had little training in the procedure they performed. Taking a three-day course in a cosmetic procedure is a poor substitute for years of training and experience required for board certification.
How Can You Tell If Your Surgeon Is Board Certified?
It’s essential to ask your doctor plenty of questions before you have them perform a procedure on you. Make sure you ask if they are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Also, you should ask to see many before, and after pictures of patients the doctor did surgery on so you know the results to expect. Further, inquire where they do their operations. Only a board-certified plastic surgeon can do surgeries in state-licensed, accredited surgical centers.
Remember, when you select your plastic surgeon, your decision can affect your health and appearance for many years. So, it’s critical not to make a decision based on price alone. It can cost you far more to fix a poor result than it does to have the procedure done the first time correctly.
How To Find A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Now that you know how vital board certification is, here are some simple tips for finding the right surgeon:
- Board certified plastic surgeon lookup: You can find a lot about a doctor by researching the Internet. You can learn where they trained and what their board certification status is. It’s simple to check if the surgeon is certified by checking the American Board of Plastic Surgery verification website.
- Ask your physician if they know of board-certified plastic surgeons experienced in the procedure you want. Other doctors often know who has a good reputation and who doesn’t.
- Always ask for recommendations from other patients.
The best bet in plastic surgery is to always bet on board certification and experience in the procedure in which you’re interested.
References
- The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/the-importance-of-choosing-a-board-certified-plastic-surgeon