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What
Is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?
Surgeon selection is perhaps the most important part of having a
safe and aesthetically pleasing plastic surgery procedure. Not every
plastic surgeon has endured the extensive and strenuous training
that a board certified surgeon has, increasing the chance of a less
pleasing experience. Certification by the American Board of Plastic
Surgery (ABPS) can help patients enjoy the benefits of plastic surgery
and be confident that the surgeon chosen has received the strictest
training regimen. Physicians (i.e. dermatologists, otolaryngologists
(ear, nose & throat) and even dentists) are allowed, by the
state, to perform elective plastic surgery procedures after attending
a weekend course. Board certified plastic surgeons have proven their
ability by meeting the following qualifications at an efficient
level:
1. Graduated from an accredited medical school.
2. Completed at least five (5) years of additional residency.
Usually three (3) years of general surgery and two (2) years of
plastic surgery.
3. Actively practice plastic surgery for two (2) years
4. Pass comprehensive written and oral examinations.
WHO IS THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a member board of the American
Board of Medical Specialties. The American Board of Medical Specialties
was created to support the commitment set forth to protect patients,
by regulating the quality of medical education. While the intent
of the American Board of Plastic Surgery is not to designate eligibility
of who may perform plastic surgery procedures, it does resolve to
initiate the qualifying requirements for applicants requesting certification,
regulate comprehensive examinations and present certification to
those who meet the establish requirements. Recognition of the Board's
accreditation is held in the highest regard and once a surgeon completes
the requirements, he/she is referred to as a diplomat of the American
Board of Plastic Surgery. As stated by the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons, these diplomats are recognized to possess extensive skill
in the following areas:
1. Congenital defects of the head and neck, including clefts of
the lip and palate, and craniofacial surgery
2. Neoplasms of the head and neck, including the oropharynx and
training in appropriate edoscopy
3. Crania-maxillofacial trauma, including fractures of the mandible
and maxilla
4. Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery of the head and neck, trunk and
extremities
5. Plastic surgery of the breast
6. Surgery of the hand/upper extremities
7. Plastic surgery of the lower extremities
8. Plastic surgery of congenital and acquired defects of the truck
and genitalia
9. Burn managements, acute and reconstructive
10. Microsurgical techniques applicable to plastic surgery
11. Reconstruction by tissue transfer including flaps and grafts
12. Surgery of benign and malignant lesions of the skin and soft
tissue
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Board
Certified
