| When you want to find a good plastic surgeon, | | | | If you see a plastic surgery clinic whose prices |
| everybody tells you, "Make sure that they are | | | | are way lower than the rest, this might be a |
| certified." Certification is one of the most | | | | tip-off that they've got a doctor performing |
| important things to look for in a plastic surgeon, | | | | cosmetic procedures, but this doctor may not be |
| but what does it mean? | | | | certified by the American Board of Plastic |
| Most often, you will hear people talk about "board | | | | Surgery. |
| certification." If a doctor is board certified, that | | | | When choosing a plastic surgeon, this is what you |
| means that they are trained to do certain types | | | | should look for. Make sure they are board |
| of procedures. | | | | certified by the American Board of Plastic |
| There is a different board certification for every | | | | Surgery. Otherwise, you might have surgery from |
| type of medical practice, and these have been | | | | someone not trained in that specialty. |
| established by the American Board of Medical | | | | How Do I Find Out If My Surgeon Is Qualified? |
| Specialists (ABMS). | | | | There is an easy way to see where and how |
| For example, there is a board for dermatology, | | | | your cosmetic surgeon is certified. You can call |
| one for OB/GYN, one for pediatrics, and so on. | | | | the American Board of Medical Specialists toll free. |
| Likewise, there is the American Board of Plastic | | | | If you give them the name of the surgeon, they |
| Surgery, and that is what you want to look for. | | | | can tell you when and where they were certified |
| Don't Let A Dermatologist Do Your Plastic | | | | to perform cosmetic surgery. |
| Surgery! | | | | Also, make sure that they are certified by the |
| Here is a warning, the government does not | | | | American Board of Plastic Surgery. They also |
| regulate who can practice cosmetic surgery or | | | | have a toll free number and contact information |
| where they can do it. In other words, all of these | | | | on their web site. |
| certification boards involve certain training | | | | There are other boards, like the Board of Facial |
| programs that ensure the doctor is fully trained in | | | | Cosmetic Surgery, that have not been approved |
| that specialized area. | | | | yet by the ABMS. These boards are far less |
| But, where a board certified doctor can practice is | | | | strict in their training, and in some cases offer |
| not mandated by law. This decision is totally up to | | | | surgeons a less expensive and less intensive way |
| the hospitals and clinics who hire doctors. | | | | to get certified. Until recognized by the ABMS, it's |
| This means that a dermatologist could be working | | | | best to not consider these certificates. |
| in a cosmetic surgery clinic - The dermatologist | | | | If you let an uncertified doctor practice on you, |
| would be "board certified" but certified only in | | | | you may end up with complications after surgery, |
| dermatology unless it specified American Board of | | | | or you may find that the job is lacking the quality |
| Plastic Surgery Certified. | | | | you expected. Make sure that you get the |
| The good news is that no reputable plastic | | | | beautiful cosmetic procedure you want, and check |
| surgery clinic would hire another type of doctor to | | | | to see if the doctor is certified in that specialty. |
| perform their cosmetic surgery work. | | | | |