Is my plastic surgeon board certified? Here's how to find out

When undergoing a significant cosmetic procedure, such as plastic surgery, it is essential to research the person performing the surgery. They need to be board-certified at a minimum, which means they completed medical school and passed written and oral examinations. 

Americans spent over $8.7 billion on aesthetic surgical procedures in the first six months of 2021, according to PR Newswire. When you spend that kind of money, you want to get the best board-certified surgeon on the job. 

Board-certified isn't just a title. It's a key indicator of training, safety, and professional standards. Do not assume that every plastic surgeon you meet has these qualifications from the get-go. Too many people make that mistake, resulting in the gruesome results of plastic surgery that inundate the Internet every year. 

How do you determine that, and what does it even mean? People interested in plastic surgery must spend some time and resources researching their chosen plastic surgeon to ensure they are making the best choice. 

What Does Board-Certified Really Mean?

Board certification means that the plastic surgeon has completed rigorous, standardized training in a specific medical specialty. They have also passed comprehensive examinations administered by an accredited medical board. 

For plastic surgery, true board certification typically includes:

• Completion of medical school
• Several years of accredited residency training in plastic surgery
• Passing written and oral board examinations
• Ongoing education and recertification

This process ensures that the surgeon meets nationally recognized standards for knowledge, skill, and ethics. You want this kind of knowledge and skill on your side when you are getting any kind of surgery done, since there are risks associated with any kind of surgery, and you want to be as protected as possible. 

Why Board-Certified Matters in Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgery involves highly complex procedures that involve both appearance and health; one doesn't go without the other. Ideally, you want board-certified surgeons who are trained not only in the aesthetic aspect of plastic surgery, getting you that nose you want, but also in patient anatomy, safety, and managing complications. 

This will give you the best possible results in the surgery that you've chosen. 

Choosing a board-certified surgeon helps ensure:

• Proper surgical training and experience
• Adherence to ethical and safety standards in plastic surgery
• Accountability to a governing medical board

Of course, keep in mind that board certification doesn't mean that you are going to be protected from all risks, and that your results are guaranteed. There's no way to ensure that. It does significantly reduce risk, which is a very important thing to have in your corner. 

Common Misleading Titles to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, there are many ways that non-board-certified surgeons will try to fool you into believing they are qualified enough. Don't let them deceive you. 

They might use titles that sound impresssive but you know better than that now. Titles like "Aesthetic Specialist" should be considered red flags. 

Also, when they say they are certified by an international board, you need to be wary of that as well. Only trust highly trained certified plastic surgeons from clinics like Beverly Hills Physicians. 

How to Check If a Surgeon Is Board-Certified?

There are some steps you might have to take if you wish to certify that your plastic surgeon is certified and someone you can trust with your aesthetic surgery experience. 

Ask Your Surgeon About Their Certifications

Of course, you can verify surgeon credentials by asking them what their certifications are. Many plastic surgeons have their certifications and qualifications right on their website or on their walls, displayed for the world to see. It's something to be proud of, and it shows. 

A surgeon qualification check is an important step for you to take. 

Qualified surgeons will welcome such questions about their qualifications and will tell you about their certifications gladly. If they don't, or if they deflect, that's a red flag. 

Check the Certifying Plastic Surgery Board

In the United States, the most widely recognized credential is certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is part of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Go to their website, and you will be able to search for your plastic surgeon by their full name and see their certification status and any subspecialties. 

This public, searchable database is useful for you when conducting your research. Use it wisely. 

Check the State Medical Board

You can also check the state medical board for any disciplinary actions and their practice history. You want a surgeon without any blemishes on their record. A valid, unrestricted license is crucial when choosing a plastic surgeon. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Red Flags to Be Aware Of?

Any time a surgeon is not forthcoming about their certification information or any other qualifications, diverting you from the question, or telling you that it's not important, that is a major red flag. Also, any surgeon who focuses heavily on discounts over safety is a red flag, and you should run away from such surgeons. 

Why You Should Do Your Own Research?

No matter if your aunt's cousin's daughter had a great experience with a particular plastic surgeon, it is important for you to do your own research. Things change over time, and you don't know if that particular surgeon now has disciplinary action going on against them.

By doing your own research, you can be sure that you are choosing the best surgeon to do your aesthetic surgical procedure. You can protect your face, your body, and your mind in this fashion. There's no greater peace than that. 

Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon 

You might be eager to get your surgical procedures done so you can get that look you have been dreaming of, but it's important to take a deep breath, a step back, and do your research on finding a board-certified plastic surgeon first. It will protect you from a host of worries and issues down the road. 

Please read through related articles on our website so you can stay informed on a wide variety of topics. 

This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.