More people than ever are seeking cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance. The growth of this field of surgery has not only attracted patients, but also some medical practitioners who haven’t necessarily been trained and/or credentialed in the specialty of plastic surgery. If you are searching for a plastic surgeon, research their credentials first.
A surgeon’s credentials are not only a sign of accomplishment but also serve as a source of information for patients. A surgeon’s credentials serve to document his or her academic accomplishments and qualifications. Display of these credentials offers assurance to patients as to the surgeon’s authenticity.
Credentials include diplomas or certifications documenting completion of medical school, residency training program(s), specialty board certificate(s), and professional memberships. This information should be readily available from the surgeon’s office, from local hospitals where he or she practices and from one’s county or state medical board. Internet sites for lay person access are now available and serve as an additional avenue to gain vital information regarding your potential plastic surgeon.
Among medical doctors (MD’s), as opposed to osteopathic doctors (DO’s), plastic surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only “board” recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties as that representative of complete training in plastic surgery.
Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery must first successfully complete four years of medical school and three to six years of general, orthopedic or ENT surgery residency. Following this extensive period of the “basics”, one must then complete an additional two to three years of specific training in a recognized and approved plastic surgery residency program. After completion of this ten to twelve year period of post-graduate preparation, the surgeon must then be in practice for two years prior to being allowed to take an extensive written exam in plastic surgery. First the applicant passes this exam, and then he or she can be invited to participate in a half-day in person oral examination given by nationally recognized plastic surgeons who make up the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Failure rates on the written and oral exams range twelve to twenty percent on each yearly.
Following certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon can then, over time and with documented surgical experience, apply for membership in prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (A.S.P.S.) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (A.S.A.P.S.).
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