While considering plastic surgery, you’ve probably heard that it’s important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board certification is a process where written and oral exams are given by an organization to evaluate a surgeon’s knowledge and mastery, hands-on experience, and ongoing education in the field of plastic surgery.
The Goal of Board Certification
In the field of plastic surgery, this rigorous screening process is provided by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The organization aims to maintain a gold standard of safe, ethical, and effective plastic surgery procedures in the field.
The process of board certification proves that the plastic surgeon is equipped with the technical skills and experience required to make sure that their procedures are safe and offer predictable results. This certification also proves that the surgeon is qualified to manage unexpected complications during procedures, keeping the patient’s overall health in good condition while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Mastery of Plastic Surgery
The written and oral examinations given during the board-certification process are designed to measure the surgeon’s knowledge of plastic surgery. From basic to advanced information and comprehension of procedures, protocols, and ethics, The American Board of Plastic Surgery will evaluate if a plastic surgeon can deliver outstanding results.
Hands-On Experience in Surgical Procedures
The American Board of Plastic Surgery has strict qualifications before surgeons can be approved for certification. Candidates must complete at least six years of residency covering all areas of surgery. Three years of residency solely in plastic surgery is required.
This practical experience ensures that a plastic surgeon has had numerous opportunities to put their knowledge to the test with a variety of patients.
Education in the Latest Advances
After board certification, the American Board of Plastic Surgery requires its physicians to undergo a continuing process to assess their knowledge and skills. This process is called Maintenance of Certification (MOC). MOC ensures that physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are maintaining their education and are up to date on the latest advances in the field of plastic surgery.
You can count on a board-certified plastic surgeon to continuously learn, practice, and keep up with the advancement of technology in their field. Professional research also gives the opportunity to develop new strategies for minimizing downtime and maximizing results.
A board-certified plastic surgeon is highly qualified to provide a highly individualized procedure for each patient. Years of learning and experience guide each board-certified plastic surgeon in recommending the best procedure for your situation and goals.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons vs. Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons
There are major differences between board-certified cosmetic surgeons and board-certified plastic surgeons, and knowing these differences is crucial.
Any practicing physician specialized in generalized medicine or emergency medicine can legally perform rhinoplasty or breast augmentation. These doctors can be certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Although this certification is also a screening process of skills, training, and education, it is not nearly as rigorous, and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not acknowledged by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Additionally, surgeons who are board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery do not require Maintenance of Certification. This means that they are not required to maintain their education on the latest techniques and technology.
Surgeons who are certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are considered the best when it comes to plastic surgery procedures.
You can search for a surgeon’s ABPS board-certification status on the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s website.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you want to learn more about what it means to be a board-certified plastic surgeon, contact Marietta Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation. Our team is comprised of trusted board-certified plastic surgeons with years of experience.