Choose a board-certified doctor — Choose a plastic surgeon who is certified
by The American Board ofPlastic Surgery (ABPS), one of the 24 specialty
boards ecognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
According to 2004 Gallup Poll results published in The Journal of the
American Medical Association, patients trust physician board certification
over the recommendations of trusted family and friends when it comes to
choosing a physician.
By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS, you can be
assured that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and
has completed at
least five years of additional training as a resident surgeon.
This includes a minimum three-year residency in an accredited general surgery
program and a minimum two-year residency in plastic surgery. To
become certified, the doctor then must successfully complete comprehensive
written and oral exams.
You can search online at www.abms.org by specialty and state to find a list
of board-certified physicians. Board certification is a voluntary process.
Check the surgeon’s experience — Ask about the surgeon’s medical education
and training specifically for cosmetic surgery. How often does the doctor
perform the procedure you are considering?
Ask for referrals — Keep in mind that physicians specialize in many different
areas of cosmetic surgery, and most are not experts in every area.
Look at your options — Don’t be afraid to consult with more than one cosmetic
surgeon to discuss varying surgeons’ techniques and your desired outcome.
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