Why Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Matters

When considering plastic surgery, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right surgeon. While many practitioners may claim to offer cosmetic procedures, not all are equally qualified; or even surgeons for that matter! Ensuring your plastic surgeon is board-certified is essential for your safety, satisfaction, and overall results.

Here’s why this distinction is so important.

1. Comprehensive Training and Expertise

Board certified plastic surgeons undergo years of rigorous education and specialized training. After medical school, they complete surgical residency and often addition fellowships for further specialization. I completed 5 years of general surgery residency at NYU, 2 years of plastic surgery research at the University of Pennsylvania, 3 years of plastic surgery fellowship at Loyola, and additional aesthetic plastic surgery training at the Few Institute. That is a total of over 10 years of intensive surgical education and training!

Additionally, board-certified surgeons are required to pass extensive written and oral examinations to prove their expertise. The Board Certification process is rigorous, involving at least 2 years of intense scrutiny and oversight of surgeons and all of the procedures they perform. This level review ensures that we  have the knowledge and skills to perform procedures safely and effectively.

2. Adherence to High Standards

The certification process isn’t a one-time achievement—it requires ongoing education and adherence to strict standards set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).  These standards include:

• Commitment to patient safety.

• Use of accredited surgical facilities, which are governed by stringent credentialing agencies.

• Admitting privileges to local hospitals, so in case of serious complications, you can continue to  be cared for you in a higher acuity setting .

• Keeping up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements in plastic surgery.

  
  

By choosing a board certified plastic surgeon, you can trust that they are committed to excellence in their field.

3. Safety First

Surgery is a medical procedure that carries inherent risks, and your safety should always be the top priority. Board-certified plastic surgeons are trained to handle their own complications, perform procedures in accredited facilities, and take every precaution to minimize risks.

Non-certified practitioners may not have the same level of training or access to safe surgical environments, increasing the chances of complications.

4. Ethical Commitment

Board certified plastic surgeons are held to high ethical standards. They are required to provide honest assessments during consultations, ensure patients have realistic expectations, and prioritize patient well-being over financial incentives.

5. Expertise in Aesthetic Outcomes

Plastic surgery is both a science and an art. Certified surgeons have the experience and skill to deliver aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results. They understand the nuances of facial and body anatomy and how to tailor procedures to individual needs. This expertise significantly increases the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome.

6. Accountability and Accreditation

Board-certified surgeons are affiliated with reputable professional organizations, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These organizations provide oversight, resources, and accountability.

7. Peace of Mind

Knowing your surgeon is board-certified provides peace of mind. You can feel confident that you’re in capable hands, reducing stress and allowing you to focus on your recovery and results.

Some providers claim to be aesthetic board certified doctors or board certified cosmetic surgeons, but please understand that is not the same thing as being a board certified plastic surgeon.

How to Verify a Surgeon’s Certification

Before committing to a procedure, take the time to verify your surgeon’s credentials. Here’s how:

• Visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery website or the equivalent board for your country. www.abplasticsurgery.org/public/verifycertification/VerifyCert?section=SurgeonSearch

• Look for membership in professional organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or The Aesthetic Society.

• Ask your surgeon directly about their certification and training.

Final Thoughts

Plastic surgery is a significant investment in yourself, and the surgeon you choose will directly impact your experience and results. Becoming board certified was one of the most challenging accomplishments of my career, not just because of the 6 hour exam or the 2 day face-to-face deposition. It was because as aesthetic plastic surgeons, we are already hypercritical of our work at baseline, but the certifying process pushes you to an even higher level of ethical and technical contemplation. You come out of the process holding yourself to an impeccably high standard. That is why opting for a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures you’re working with a highly trained, ethical professional dedicated to your safety and satisfaction.

Don’t compromise when it comes to your health and appearance. Do your research, ask questions, and make an informed decision—you deserve nothing less.

Would you like to discuss your aesthetic goals with a board- certified plastic surgeon? Call us at (301) 500- 0215, or visit our website, www.bespokebeautymd.com or Instagram @nadyaclarkemd.