Choosing a Surgeon

Can be a confusing process

One way to ensure that your surgeon is appropriately trained for the procedure that you are interested in is to verify that he is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The ABPS is the only board recognized by the prestigious American Board of Medical Specialties for training in Plastic Surgery.

Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) must complete all of the following requirements:

  Graduate from an accredited medical school,

  Complete prerequisite training (typically five years) in an approved surgical residency program,

  Complete two to three years of training in an approved plastic surgery training program,

  Be recommended by their training program chair for ABPS eligibility,

  Pass a comprehensive written examination,

  Submit a detailed list of all operations performed during their first year of practice, which is closely scrutinized by the ABPS,

  Pass a three-day oral examination and

  Meet moral and ethical standards set forth by the ABPS.

There are dozens of "self-designated" boards that are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. While their names may sound impressive, requirements for membership are often scant. Therefore it is important to verify that the surgeon you are considering is certified by the ABPS. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) inducts only plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

To obtain the names of these plastic surgeons in your area, call the ASPS in Chicago at (800) 635-0635 or visit their website at http://www.plasticsurgery.org.

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