Would you go to an obstetrician to have a breast augmentation? How about a general surgeon for a facelift? Should an ear, nose, and throat doctor perform your tummy tuck? If you think these questions are ridiculous, think again. Every day in Arizona, non-plastic surgeons are performing these procedures.
The number of doctors providing cosmetic procedures and treatments in the Phoenix area who are not board certified plastic surgeons continues to increase. I am writing this article to help patients who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery understand which types of certifications to check for prior to consulting with a particular doctor.
Many patients who see me for a second opinion after disappointing results from surgery done elsewhere tell me they spent a lot of time researching doctors before they chose their surgeon. Unfortunately, in Arizona, there are no scope-of-practice laws. These laws prevent doctors from performing procedures and treatments outside of the specialty they were trained in. Because these laws are not in effect in our state (or in most states, for that matter,) the surprising scenarios described at the beginning of this article, happen every day.
So what does board certification actually mean and how do you make sure you are seeing the right specialist for the procedure you are considering? It gets a little complicated, so bear with me. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognizes 24 different medical specialty areas that they deem have well-developed training programs and exams that lead to legitimate board certification. Plastic surgery is one of the specialties they recognize. Cosmetic surgery is not. So if a doctor tells you they are board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, dig deeper.
The cosmetic surgery”board” accepts dermatologists, general surgeons, and obstetricians as applicants. Their members have not completed a residency training program in plastic surgery. In contradistinction, board certified plastic surgeons have completed such a residency and are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). To become certified by the ABPS, a doctor must complete at least a three-year preliminary residency in general, orthopedic, or ear, nose, and throat surgery, followed by a two-to-three-year plastic surgery residency.
Plastic surgeons who are board certified by the ABPS are board certified for a ten-year period. This is referred to as a time-limited certification. They are then required to take another written exam to maintain their board certification. It is also required that six months of surgical cases are submitted for review. Board certified plastic surgeons are commonly also members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS). Being a member in this society requires the plastic surgeon to take 150 hours of continuing medical education activities every three years.
A board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery can also apply to join the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). To qualify for membership, a plastic surgeon must be board certified by the ABPS, submit a large number of cosmetic cases for review, be nominated by two existing members, approved by the membership, and maintain continuing medical education in cosmetic surgery. ASAPS also offers a Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery, which requires 150 hours of continuing medical education in the field of aesthetic surgery, earned over a three-year period.
When searching for a plastic surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery, both ASPS and ASAPS have website tools that are helpful. These sites have a great deal of information on new and existing procedures as well. The ASPS site is at plasticsurgery.org, and the ASAPS site is at surgery.org.
Patients frequently ask me about my training and background when I meet with them in consultation. I welcome these questions. I completed a five-year residency in general surgery, followed by a two-year plastic surgery residency to become board certified in plastic surgery. I am a member of both ASPS and ASAPS. I hold a Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery.
Before you pursue any cosmetic surgery, ask the doctors you consult with, “Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?” If the answer is anything other than a brisk “Yes I am,” keep researching and consulting with others.
- To read more about Dr. Flint’s experience and board certification, please”Meet Dr. Flint.”
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