We have Articles, Videos & Advice
Labiaplasty / Vaginal Rejuvenation Articles
11.11.07
Plastic Surgeon Qualifications
Plastic surgery deals with reconstruction, repair or replacement of physical defects on various parts of the body. A plastic surgeon needs to be competent, highly skilled and knowledgeable in order to deal with complex wounds or handling of implantable materials. Surgical judgment, ethics and interpersonal skills are expected because of the intricacy of the practice.
Sometimes distinguishing the differences between primary care physicians and specialists is a little difficult. Even though the training involved and the skills between the two are radically different, the distinction is still blurry. It is important to know that a surgeon is Board Certified and has the appropriate training and skills.
When a physician asks for plastic surgery privileges, it is important for them to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Surgeons who meet the eligibility requirements of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are awarded board certification.
The American Board of Medical Specialties defines that the purpose of the certification process is to:
“To provide assurance that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and an evaluation including an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skill requisite to the provision of high quality patient care in that specialty.”
The American Board of Plastic Surgery:
- Establishes requirements for applicants who request to be qualified with a certificate.
- Performs examinations of the approved candidates
- Issue certificates to applicants who meet requirements and pass the examinations
It is important to understand that the American Board of Plastic Surgery is not for educational purposes. The certificates issued by them are not degrees and do not give anyone legal qualifications, privileges or special licenses. Having a Board certificate does not qualify anyone for practice privileges or limit professional activities. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is only one of 24 accredited specialty boards under the American Board of Medical Specialties.
When a physician is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it means they have met the educational and plastic surgery training requirements, especially in these areas:
- Congenital defects (head and neck, lip and palate and craniofacial surgery)
- Neoplasms of the head and neck (oropharynx and endoscopy)
- Crania-maxillofacial trauma (fractures of mandible and maxilla)
- Cosmetic surgery of the head and neck (including trunk and extremities)
- Cosmetic surgery of the breast, upper and lower extremities and genitalia
- Burn reconstruction
- Microsurgical techniques
- Benign and malignant lesions of the skin
Here are some reasons why it is important for your plastic surgeon to be qualified:
- Qualified plastic surgeons are trained for surgery
- Plastic surgeons are experts in procedures regarding the face and body
- Board-certified surgeons complete 5 years of training minimum and have completed residency in plastic surgery
- Plastic surgeons are trained to handle emergencies effectively
- Any licensed physician can call him/herself a “plastic surgeon” even if they have completed no surgical training at all. That’s why it is important for patients to select doctors carefully.
Knowing who your plastic surgeon is and what background he/she is coming from can help your mind be at ease about your decision to undergo plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have gone through meticulous training and are prepared for a variety of procedures and even emergencies that may arise during surgery.
1800mySurgeon is a free consumer service dedicated to patients interested in elective surgery. The service helps patients find qualified Board-Certified Surgeons in their area, as well as information on a surgeon’s board records, credentials, experiences and specialty areas. Call our patient coordinators toll free at 1-800-my-Surgeon (1-800-697-8743) or visit our website at 1800mySurgeon.com to learn more about surgery and access patient resources.
