Picking a Plastic Surgeon

Got ABPS? (American Board of Plastic Surgery)

Now that you have decided to have plastic surgery, understand that your result, and ultimate safety, may depend on the skill and training of the plastic surgeon that you choose. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), established in 1941, qualifies each member by requiring rigorous training and maintaining the highest standard of care. It is one of 24 medical specialty boards certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. When searching for an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon, this is a great place to start, and in our opinion, a MUST! And one sure way to know is by visiting www.certificationmatters.org and entering in your doctor's information.

Look for Logos! Two Other Resources

There are two main societies that help to serve, educate and promote the field of plastic surgery and its board-certified members. Participation in these societies is voluntary but to be a member of them, you MUST be board certified by – you guessed it – the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means that plastic surgeons who are members of these organizations have been vetted and are members in good standing with the Board. Only members of the ASPS have the privilege to exhibit this logo. It represents membership in a society whose goal is to organize, protect, promote and provide education in all aspects relating to the field of plastic surgery, involving both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. It also provides the public with educational tools and up to date information about treatments and procedures. The annual meeting is usually held in the fall and plastic surgeons from around the globe convene to learn the latest in techniques and research and to serve as a platform to continually hone their surgical skills.