In the realm of plastic surgery, selecting the right surgeon is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your overall experience and results. One key criterion that stands out is choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, particularly one certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Here are 8 compelling reasons why opting for an ABPS-certified professional is essential.
1. Rigorous Training and Education:
Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo extensive education and training to meet the high standards set by the ABPS. This rigorous process ensures that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform a wide range of plastic surgery procedures.
2. Specialized Expertise:
ABPS certification signifies specialized expertise in plastic surgery. These surgeons have focused their training on the intricacies of both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, allowing them to deliver comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.
3. Commitment to Ethical Standards:
The ABPS upholds strict ethical standards, and board-certified plastic surgeons adhere to a code of ethics that prioritizes patient safety, confidentiality, and overall well-being. Choosing an ABPS-certified surgeon provides reassurance that your healthcare provider is committed to these principles.
4. Continuous Professional Development:
To maintain certification, surgeons must engage in ongoing education and stay abreast of the latest advancements in their field. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that board-certified plastic surgeons are well-versed in the latest techniques and technologies.
5. Verified Competence:
ABPS certification involves written and oral examinations to assess a surgeon’s competence. By choosing a board-certified professional, patients can be confident that their surgeon has passed these stringent assessments and demonstrated a high level of skill and proficiency.
6. Focus on Patient Safety:
Patient safety is paramount in plastic surgery. ABPS-certified surgeons prioritize safety protocols, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a smoother recovery process for patients.
7. Recognition by Peers:
Board certification by the ABPS is widely recognized and respected within the medical community. In fact, the ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Opting for a surgeon with this certification means choosing a professional acknowledged for their expertise and commitment to excellence.
8. Comprehensive Assessment of Credentials:
The ABPS thoroughly reviews a surgeon’s credentials, including their education, training, and experience. This meticulous evaluation process adds an extra layer of assurance for patients seeking reliable and qualified plastic surgeons.
How Do I Check Whether a Plastic Surgeon Is Board-Certified?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery has an online search tool that allows you to search for a provider and verify their credentials. ABPS certification needs to be renewed every 10 years, so it is always helpful to make sure that a provider’s certification is still in date.
How Should I Choose a Plastic Surgeon?
In addition to ensuring that a provider is board-certified, prospective patients should consider other factors in their search. Memberships in professional and specialist societies, such as The Aesthetic Society, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and The Rhinoplasty Society, also reflect that a surgeon’s expertise and talent have been recognized by national and international bodies.
Choosing a provider with FACS after their name is another mark of excellence. Short for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, FACS is only awarded to surgeons who meet stringent criteria. Prospective patients should also read real patient reviews to see how other people felt about their plastic surgery experience.
On a similar note, reviewing a surgeon’s before-and-after photos is critical to making an informed decision. Prospective patients can set realistic expectations about what can be achieved in that surgery, how incisions may look, and how closely aligned the surgeon’s skill and aesthetic sensibility is with the patient’s cosmetic goals.
Lastly, scheduling a consultation and meeting with the provider in person is often the deciding factor. How comfortable you feel, how much you trust the surgeon to take care of you and deliver your desired results, and what their plan is for your procedure can help guide you to the right person.
Trust Your Surgery to an Expert
Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a decision rooted in a commitment to excellence, safety, and specialized expertise. As you embark on your plastic surgery journey, prioritizing ABPS certification ensures that you are in the capable hands of a surgeon dedicated to delivering outstanding results with the utmost care and professionalism.
To schedule a consultation with a double board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), request a consultation online or call (214) 225-7271 to get started.
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