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Utilizing the best surgeons to help with plastic surgeons. They'll provide more help with cost, articles, and board certified surgeons. About plastic surgeons... The term “plastic" in plastic surgery comes from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means to mold or give shape. Plastic surgery is the reconstruction of one’s facial or body appearance and the plastic surgeon molds and gives shape to a particular area on a patient, to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Plastic surgeons are found all over the world and provide cosmetic procedures for all types of patients. Plastic surgeons require special knowledge and skill in the design and surgery of grafts, flaps, free tissue transfer and replantation. Plastic surgeons must also be competent in the management of complex wounds, the use of implantable materials, and in tumor surgery. Competent plastic surgeons possess basic medical and surgical knowledge, operative judgment, technical expertise, ethical behavior, and interpersonal skills in order to resolve problems and ensure patient satisfaction. Patients considering plastic surgery must be familiar with the plastic surgeon's credentials in order to determine whether that surgeon is the right one to perform the procedure. Any doctor can perform plastic surgical procedures and call themselves a “plastic surgeon.” The term “plastic surgeon” has become generic and it is up to the patient to determine whether the qualifications and certifications of their prospective surgeon suit their needs. The term "Board Certified" alone is not sufficient qualification as there are many self-proclaimed boards of plastic or cosmetic surgery that are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the main body of the 24 recognized medical specialties. Boards should ensure that plastic surgeons have successfully completed an accredited residency program in plastic surgery and that they have fulfilled the examination process necessary to obtain board certification. Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the ABMS, guarantees that the plastic surgeon has fulfilled these requirements. The terms " facial plastic surgeon" and "general plastic surgeon" are often confused since there is an ABMS recognized board certifying facial plastic surgeons, however, they are only certified to perform aesthetic procedures on the face, head and neck. These surgeons can legitimately identify themselves a plastic surgeons and some offer procedures on other body areas. Patients must determine for themselves what procedures a surgeon is board certified to perform. The term "general plastic surgeon" was derived by facial plastic surgeons to differentiate their specialty from plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS. However, this term seems to imply that an ABPS plastic surgeon is not proficient in performing facial plastic surgery, and the ABPS certificate implicitly states that plastic surgeons are certified to perform "cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck, trunk, and extremities." ABPS plastic surgeons may sit for the facial plastic surgery boards, but there is no reason to do so as they are already certified by an ABMS specialty. Facial plastic surgeons are not eligible to be certified by the ABPS unless they complete an accredited plastic surgery residency program. In most states, licensed physicians may perform plastic surgery without being certified in plastic surgery. Sometimes plastic surgeons are referred to as cosmetic surgeons, however, most "cosmetic surgeons" are not true plastic surgeons and are not qualified or experienced in plastic surgery. Doctors who call themselves “cosmetic surgeons” tend not to be certified to perform plastic surgery. There are so-called cosmetic surgery boards such as the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery (ABFPRS) or The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), however, these boards are not recognized by the ABMS. At the extreme end of the spectrum, there are even doctors who will attend a weekend seminar on how to perform cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction and breast augmentation. Obviously these doctors are not qualified to perform these plastic surgery procedures, however, it is perfectly legal for any doctor to perform plastic surgery, which is why it’s pertinent that those seeking out plastic surgery must be very selective in choosing their plastic surgeon, and must be sure to check credentials. In order to be sure that the chosen surgeon is a true plastic surgeon, be sure to choose an ABPS certified plastic surgeon. Physicians may be certified by another one of the 24 official medical boards and call themselves “board certified” physicians, but that does not mean they are board certified in plastic surgery. Be sure to ask not only if the physician is board certified but also whether they are board certified in plastic surgery. Remember that while “cosmetic surgeons” may list board certification under their credentials, only the ABPS oversees the training of plastic surgeons. So who exactly is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. was organized in June 1937 by representatives of various groups interested in plastic surgery and received recognition as a subsidiary of the American Board of Surgery in May 1938. The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. was given the status of a major specialty board in May 1941. The ABPS is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), created to protect patients by regulating the quality of medical education. The ABPS does not determine who is eligible to practice plastic surgery procedures, however, it does monitor the qualifying requirements for applicants requesting certification and regulates comprehensive examinations and certification for those who meet the requirements. The essential purposes of the ABPS are:
The ABPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the ABMS that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. To be ABPS board-certified, plastic surgeons have proven their ability by meeting these rigid requirements:
Board-certified plastic surgeons must have completed an approved surgery residency of at least five years, followed by an approved plastic surgery residency of an additional two to three years, passed rigorous oral and written examinations, and practiced medicine for at least two years, all in addition to earning undergraduate and medical degrees. Plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS have had at least five years of residency training in general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery, and have all of the required training and knowledge needed to be a "real" plastic surgeon. Those who want cosmetic procedures must seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon if they want to undergo a safe and effective procedure. Remember, it is completely legal for any doctor to perform plastic surgery, so it’s important to be very careful in selecting a plastic surgeon. Many radio stations have contests where they offer breast augmentation (or another type of plastic surgery procedure) as the prize. A good thing to note is that ABPS board-certified plastic surgeons are not able to participate in promotions, such as radio contests, as this goes against the ABPS code of ethics. Plastic surgeons donating their services as a prize are not board-certified by the ABPS. Additionally, since there is minimal regulation in advertising, doctors can advertise themselves as plastic surgeons regardless of their training, skills, and background. Many doctors listed under “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” in the Yellow Pages have not completed an approved residency in plastic surgery. Being recognized by the ABPS is held in the highest regard, and plastic surgeons who have completed the requirements are referred to as diplomats of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Diplomats of the ABPS must become re-certified approximately every 7-10 years by going through continuing education, having their credentials reviewed, and possibly further examination, ensuring that they are always up to date on current procedures. These “diplomats” are recognized to possess extensive skill in these following areas:
Interesting to note, is that the ABPS continually monitors their members. Some applicants may fail the exams and are retake them many times after. Those looking into plastic surgeons may ask the potential surgeon how many times they took the exams and whether they passed the written and the oral on their first attempt. Those researching plastic surgeons, should be aware of credentials such as:
Those researching a plastic surgeon should note the following important questions to ask:
How much will my procedure cost? Are financing options available? Also important to consider is the plastic surgeon’s experience and background:
Ask about hospital affiliations:
Check out the office facilities and policies:
Ask the plastic surgeon for references:
What to look for during the consultation:
Be wary of paid advertising:
Another important thing to consider when selecting a plastic surgeon is their artistic perspective, and whether they are able to see what is desired, in order to provide optimal results. Those wanting to check whether the ABPS certifies their plastic surgeon may call the ABMS, give them the name of the surgeon, and they will disclose both if, and when the surgeon was certified by the ABMS.
Just remember the benefits: • Top board-certified plastic surgeons
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