Your Safety Depends on This One Crucial Question: Is Your Plastic Surgeon ABPS Board Certified?
When considering plastic surgery, there’s one question that could mean the difference between a successful procedure and a life-changing mistake: Is your surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? While the world of cosmetic surgery can be confusing with various certifications and credentials, understanding why ABPS certification matters is crucial for your safety and peace of mind.
What Makes ABPS Certification the Gold Standard?
The most apparent reason board certification matters for plastic surgery is patient safety. A plastic surgeon must pass meticulous and uncompromising educational, training and safety standards to achieve board certification from ABPS. It’s important to note that the ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), thereby making Board Certification by the ABPS the most credible certification a plastic surgeon can achieve.
In fact, the mission of ABPS is “to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and continuous certification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialists.” This means that when you choose an ABPS-certified surgeon, you’re selecting someone who has demonstrated exceptional expertise through rigorous training and examination.
The Rigorous Path to ABPS Certification
Becoming ABPS board certified isn’t just about passing an exam. ASPS Member Surgeons not only have to have a board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or in Canada by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, but they also have to complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training. They must pass oral and written exams, graduate from an accredited medical school and complete continuing education annually.
To become board certified, one must complete the rigorous residency training in plastic surgery. The training includes extensive practice in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, with substantial hands-on practice under direct supervision. This rigorous training prepares these surgeons to tackle all types of cases—everything from skin grafts to intricate cases of facial reconstruction.
Why Non-ABPS Certifications Can Be Misleading
Unfortunately, the cosmetic surgery field is filled with confusing terminology that can mislead patients. The term “Board Certified” is used broadly, therefore it is important to understand that all Board Certifications are not the same. The only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for cosmetic surgery is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Just because a doctor provides cosmetic procedures doesn’t mean they have the appropriate skills or training. Unfortunately, anyone can use the title “plastic surgeon” after a two-week crash course. Only those board-certified surgeons complete the rigorous full six years of post-medical school surgical training and pass rigorous exams.
ABCS Diplomates frequently market themselves as “plastic surgeons” despite a lack of accredited plastic surgery training. This can mislead patients about the training background of their surgeon and is meant to be counteracted by “Trust ASPS” and other public awareness campaigns by plastic surgery societies.
The Safety Difference: Why Training Matters
All that is to say that a board-certified plastic surgeon has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to ensure optimal patient outcomes and can manage the challenges or complications that may arise during surgery. “In terms of choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the importance has to do with training and the ability to appropriately manage any potential complications,” said Anureet Bajaj, MD.
Becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon requires more than gaining experience and passing an exam; it’s also a commitment to continuing education to stay current on the newest trends and safest practices. During a consecutive three-year period, board-certified surgeons must earn at least 150 credits of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons must also participate in the Maintenance of Certification Program from the ABPS throughout their careers.
Dr. Chang Soo Kim: ABPS Excellence in Fairfield County
When seeking a qualified Plastic Surgeon Fairfield County, patients can trust in the expertise of Dr. Chang Soo Kim. Dr. Chang Soo Kim, MD is a board certified plastic surgeon in Stamford, Connecticut. Drawing from his extensive surgical experience and academic training, Dr. Chang Soo Kim provides comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Kim’s cosmetic surgery techniques enhance one’s natural beauty without appearing artificial or overdone. Committed to reconstructive surgery with best possible functional and cosmetic results, he is capable of tailoring surgery to a patient’s specific needs and expectations. The care he provides to his patients is unparalleled and has been the focus of his practice for over 30 years.
Dr. Kim’s commitment to excellence extends beyond surgical procedures. Offering multiple technologies for cosmetic improvement, Dr. Kim was the first doctor to offer the Sciton Joule laser system in Connecticut. He also provides radiofrequency technology to tighten skin and melt fat on all areas of the face and body.
How to Verify Your Surgeon’s Credentials
Check a surgeon’s board certification by visiting the ABPS website. You should inquire about this during a consultation to keep yourself safe and feel more confident in your care. The ABPS website is the primary resource for verifying a surgeon’s credentials. It features an online searchable database of certified plastic surgeons, which you can search by name or geographic area.
During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask direct questions about certification. They should have at least six years of surgical training, with three being in plastic surgery. Have you earned certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery? They should answer yes.
The Bottom Line: Your Safety Is Worth It
Having a board-certified plastic surgeon is the important investment for safety, quality and peace of mind. The certified – non-certified surgeon difference translates into real-world impacts that are hard to overlook. “I think that if you’re trying to cut corners and trying to save a few dollars here or there, I think what you really need to think about is, is this something that I want to take a chance with when we’re talking about my health and my safety and my life, especially if it’s something like a surgical procedure,” said Preminger.
When it comes to plastic surgery, ABPS board certification isn’t just a credential—it’s your assurance that your surgeon has met the highest standards of training, safety, and ethical practice. Before making any decisions about cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, verify that your chosen surgeon holds this critical certification. Your safety, results, and peace of mind depend on it.