When looking for the right person to perform a cosmetic procedure, you will likely find many doctors offering cosmetic surgery. But did you know that not all of those doctors are plastic surgeons?
In the state of California, there is no law restricting doctors in other specialties from performing cosmetic surgery procedures. You may find that your local gynecologist or internal medicine doctor offers procedures such as liposuction or breast augmentation, often referring to themselves as “cosmetic surgeons.”
Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon: Certification Matters
Many patients go to these other specialists unaware of the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a board certified plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon undergoes 6-8 years of surgical training in plastic surgery.
There are specific training requirements that must be obtained prior to board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), including rigorous testing and review of the surgeon’s safety and experience.
Cosmetic surgeons from other specialties have met no such similar plastic surgery requirements and many learned the techniques by attending lectures and training courses that could be as brief as a weekend.
Plastic Surgeon vs Cosmetic Surgeon
The training obtained by a board certified plastic surgeon not only teaches surgical techniques, but also how to avoid and manage complications. Any surgery has inherent risks and it is important to research the surgeon to whom you entrust your health and aesthetic outcome.
There are many boards of cosmetic surgery, but the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). When seeking a plastic surgeon, be sure to check if they are board certified in plastic surgery. Please visit the following website for more information.
www.certificationmatters.org/abms-member-boards/plastic-surgery.aspx
Add new comment