Choosing a plastic surgeon is a decision that can affect your health, appearance, and confidence for years—often a lifetime. Many physicians are board-certified in various medical specialties and may describe themselves as “board-certified,” but not all board certifications represent the same training or expertise.
Only physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) may call themselves Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons. This distinction matters. Surgeons certified by the ABPS have completed rigorous, specialized training in plastic surgery and have passed comprehensive written and oral examinations covering the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive procedures.
By choosing an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon, you can be confident that your care is being provided by a physician who meets the highest standards of education, training, and ethical practice in plastic surgery.
Questions to ask when selecting a plastic surgeon:
- Are you board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery?
- How many of these procedures have you performed?
- Do you have before-and-after photos of your work?
- Will you personally be performing my procedure?
- Will I see you for my follow-up care?
- Is all pre-op and post-op care included in the surgical price?
- Is someone available to contact 24/7 in the post-operative period if I have any concerns?
- What are the risks associated with this procedure?
- What are the pre-op and post-op instructions for this procedure?
- What is the recovery like after this procedure?
- Are there any alternatives to this procedure?
- How will my discomfort and pain be handled after this procedure?
