While the internet is the main resource for researching the latest in cosmetic and plastic surgery products and procedures as well as a successful tool connecting patients to accredited surgeons, it unfortunately contains misleading and inaccurate information, too. Patients must practice due diligence to ensure their health and well-being. As with any other healthcare service, it’s important your choice of cosmetic or plastic surgeon be based on experience, education and training- not coy, clever marketing strategies.
While it takes time, you are worth the research necessary to get all the facts on any potential surgical practice and cosmetic or plastic surgeon you’re considering for a procedure. Make sure you inquire about your surgeon’s credentials and understand the rigorous certification process the industry’s top cosmetic surgeons undertake to become proficient in their profession. All doctors and their specialties are not created equal; trusting an unaccredited or inexperienced surgeon can result in long-lasting consequences. While it might be tempting to save money by using inexperienced or less-qualified individuals who offer deep discounts, the cost for doing so can be much greater in the end.Doing extensive research and asking the right questions will help you make a wise decision.
Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures that enhance the appearance of the head, neck, and body. These areas of a patient are considered healthy but lacking aesthetic appeal, therefore cosmetic surgery is elective surgery. Multi-disciplinary by nature, cosmetic surgeons are previously trained in other specialties such as: general, oral, maxillofacial and plastic surgery; ophthalmology; or obstetrics and gynecology. When seeking the most qualified cosmetic surgeon it is important to consider their residency and post-residency training and experience regarding the specific procedure you seek and select only a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Plastic surgeons can re-construct and repair abnormalities of the head, neck and body often caused by trauma, tumors, disease and infection or even developmental abnormalities and birth defects. Plastic surgeons undergo residency training to become board-certified; their residency training does not necessarily include training in specific cosmetic procedures, which is required for board-certification in cosmetic surgery.
Certifications
A cosmetic surgeon is certified for their specialty through the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). The ABCS exclusively certifies physicians in cosmetic surgery, and only certifies individuals that meet the highest standards in knowledge, training, and expertise, adhering to the safe and ethical practice of cosmetic surgery. Prior to ABCS certification, a cosmetic surgeon must also be certified by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) or AOA (American Osteopathic Association) member boards. To confirm a surgeon’s credentials, visit www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org, go to the ABCS directory, and enter the name of the surgeon you are inquiring about.
A plastic surgeon is certified for their specialty through the American Board of Plastic Surgery and listed on the official American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board. The ABMS is a non-profit organization with 24 separate Member Boards that oversee the development, standards, and implementation of professional medical specialty boards, including the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To find out if a plastic surgeon is board certified, visit ABMS at www.certificationmatters.org and enter the surgeon’s name. Other oversight boards include American Osteopathic Association for Doctors of Osteopathy who also specialize in plastic surgery.
Learn more about our triple board-certified surgeons below:
Dr. Chad Deal
Dr. Vincent Gardner
Dr. Daniel Barker