Board certification is a term which many patients are familiar with. However, few know the actual meaning. Patients should seek a physician that is board certified in the specific specialty they practice. This is particularly important in the area of cosmetic surgery where unqualified physicians may be performing procedures they were not formally trained in. There is a misunderstanding as to what the term"board certified" means and what is signifies. It is important to understand this terminology in order to best protect yourself and ensure that your surgeon is fully qualified.

The American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) is the body which oversees the requirements and certification of the different specialty boards in medicine. The boards recognized under this agency have met strict educational and examination guidelines.  Requirements to obtain these boards not only include the completion of an accredited medical or surgical training program, but also certifying examinations after completion of such program. For most surgical boards, these examinations include a written, as well as an oral exam which the candidates take after the completion of their training. In the past board certification was life-long. Currently most board certifications are limited to ten years. A recertification exam must be completed at that time in order for the physician to remain board certified.

The specialties recognized by the ABMS are as follows:

In order for a surgeon to be board certified in plastic surgery, he or she must have completed a plastic surgery residency after the equired training in either general surgery, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, orthopedics, or oral-maxillofacial surgery. A board certified lastic surgeon has passed both oral and written plastic surgery boards as well as thorough review of the surgical cases completed during his first years in practice. Surgeons who have completed their educational training, but have not yet completed the examination process are said to be board eligible. Although the ABMS is the only official medical board agency, there are other entities that grant board certification.

The requirements for these other boards however, might not be as stringent. Some of the boards not approved by the ABMS include:

In order to find out whether your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery, you may call the ABMS (1-866-275-2267) and inquire as to your surgeon's board certification status. Another way to protect yourself is to contact the hospital where your surgeon has privileges. Inquire if the hospital has granted him or her privileges to perform the proposed procedure. The surgeon should only perform procedures (either in the hospital, surgery-center, or office ) for which he was granted hospital privileges for.

When considering surgery, it is important that you discuss with your surgeon all aspects of the proposed procedure.  In that discussion, it is the patient's obligation to inquire information regarding the surgeon's qualifications.  Although complications can always occur, ensuring that your surgeon is board certified by the ABMS in a certain specialty offers you added protection and peace of mind.

The information provided above is for educational purposes only.  Individual results may vary.  A personal consultation with your plastic surgeon is the best way to gain information about your particular complaint, and about potential treatment options to address the same.