Choosing A Plastic Surgeon
Who can perform plastic surgery?
This is a very interesting question because, truthfully only plastic surgeons can perform plastic surgery. Many times cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is considered part of plastic surgery and many people claim to be plastic surgeons. So you really need to make sure that it is an actual plastic surgeon who is performing plastic surgery.
How do I find a reputable plastic surgeon?
The best way to start looking for a plastic surgeon is to go online and check the Internet. There are a variety of good websites that will include plastic surgeons and their Board certification and any malpractice or other issues your plastic surgeon is involved in. There is no reason you shouldn't be able to do enough research to find a good plastic surgeon. The other thing to do when seeking out a plastic surgeon is ask a friend or see somebody who has had plastic surgery and ask them who they might recommend.
What does "board certified" mean?
Board certified can mean almost anything. When going for plastic surgery, what you really want is a board certified plastic surgeon. That means they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I think, if you go to see a doctor and they say they are board certified, I would always ask, "What are you board certified in?" If they say, radiology, internal medicine, or urology, that's probably not a good person to see. It's very important that you make sure you have a board certified plastic surgeon.
What is the "American Board of Medical Specialties" or "ABMS"?
The ABMS is short for the American Board of Medical Specialties. This is the national organization that determines which specialties exist in the entire medical field. For example, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Radiologists are examples of accepted, accredited, board certified specialties. It's important that whatever board we're talking about is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
What is the "American Board of Plastic Surgery" or "ABPS"?
The ABPS is short for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the accrediting agency for all plastic surgeons in this country. Being a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery usually requires doing a plastic surgery residency or fellowship, which at a minimum requires six years. For most surgeons, we've done a lot of work to become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It's important that the ABPS is recognized when you're doing your research for a plastic surgeon.
What is the "American Society for Plastic Surgeons" or "ASPS"?
The ASPS is short for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It's been shortened. It used to be the ASPRS, or the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, but in the last couple of years that's been shortened. It is the society of plastic surgeons. It does not board certify anybody, but only plastic surgeons who are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery may be members of the ASPS. It's really the umbrella organizational group for plastic surgeons.
