Do Your Homework Before Choosing a Plastic Surgeon: Why Board Certification Matters

The popularity of plastic surgery is increasing every year, and it is more important than ever that the public knows how to find safe, experienced surgeons. As a board certified plastic surgeon dedicated to providing patients with safe, effective treatment, I cannot stress enough the importance of choosing a surgeon who is properly trained and experienced.

I implore anyone considering aesthetic surgery to do their homework and fully research any doctor they are considering. Look for the American Board of Plastic Surgery insignia. Ask if they are members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

What to look for (and what to avoid)

Did you know that, legally, any physician can perform cosmetic surgery? Essentially, this means that your gynecologist could be performing breast augmentation or liposuction, right in their office. This is because the scope of practice laws set by states are rarely adequate, and do not prevent any medical doctor from performing procedures they themselves feel qualified to perform. Thus under-qualified physicians, lured by the revenue associated with elective procedures, can start performing procedures with little or no training in them.

Sounds scary, right? It is. Surgery of any kind requires a unique skill set, and cosmetic plastic surgery in particular needs an expert touch to ensure not only that your procedure is performed safely, but also that your results will look great.

So, how do you discern a properly trained surgeon from a physician who may be performing procedures without the proper training and experience? Look for the following:

• Plastic surgery board certification. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is only certifying board dedicated to training and examining surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery. With incredibly high standards for safety, ethics, and efficacious treatment, the ABPS certifies surgeons who have met specific and strict educational, training, and professional requirements. Your surgeon should list their ABPS certification on their website, though if you are unsure, remember to ask for their credentials during consultation.

• Safe, accredited operating environment. Surgical procedures should always be performed in a hospital or accredited surgery center. Reputable plastic surgeons will have hospital privileges or access to an appropriately accredited and maintained surgical suite. Invasive procedures should not be performed in an office environment!

• Additional cosmetic surgery training. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) offers additional fellowship training to board certified plastic surgeons. This training is solely focused on cosmetic procedures, and surgeon who have dedicated their practice to aesthetic medicine should be a member of the society.

• Open, honest communication about experience and training. If you meet with a surgeon who will not directly answer your questions about their education, training, or experience with cosmetic plastic surgery, that is a red flag. Surgeons who have followed the appropriate education and training path spend years honing their skills, and they are proud of the credentials and certifications they have received. Board certification in plastic surgery reflects these years of hard work and commitment, and a reputable surgeon will gladly display the ABPS insignia or discuss their experience.

Your safety comes first

There are too many stories of procedures gone wrong at the hands of under-qualified physicians. Unfortunately, the responsibility of finding and choosing the best surgeon for you is yours alone. Plastic surgery is an incredibly personal decision, and the research process can feel overwhelming. When you begin searching for a great, board certified surgeon, be sure to follow these 2 tips:

1. Visit the surgeon’s website to read reviews, learn more about the surgeon’s qualifications, and view the before and after gallery to see past patient results.
2. Verify your potential surgeon’s board certification on the ABPS website.They have a surgeon directory tool that makes confirming board certification quick and easy.
3. Don’t go for the “budget option.” Your safety is of paramount importance, and you cannot put a dollar value on your health. There are a multitude of financing options available that can help ease the burden of cost for surgery so you do not have to compromise on your results.
4. Ask your surgeon about OR staff and who will be administering anesthesia. It’s important to work with a board certified anesthesiologist and properly trained and licensed operating room nurses.
5. Don’t feel obligated to commit to a surgeon or a procedure. If you do not feel ready to move forward, your surgeon should not pressure you. Your plastic surgeon should absolutely make expert recommendations for treatment based on your concerns, but if he or she is pushing a specific product or procedure that you are uncomfortable with, that surgeon may not be right for you.

If you are considering an elective cosmetic procedure, please take the above advice to heart; it may just save your life.

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