“Board certified.” It’s a credential you’ve likely encountered on your search for a facial plastic surgeon here in Manhattan. But what does it actually mean—and is it worth it to seek out a board-certified facial plastic surgeon? If your personal safety and attractive results are your priorities, I believe it is.
Certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) is a completely voluntary process that requires a candidate to successfully complete challenging exams related to the specialty of facial plastic surgery. When a doctor is board-certified in his or her field, it’s considered a benchmark of excellence and proof that the doctor voluntarily went above and beyond to demonstrate a depth of clinical skills.
In addition to proving a doctor’s competence through a series of board exams, admittance to the ABFPRS requires that doctors adhere to a strict code of medical ethics. Board certification ensures additional oversight of your chosen surgeon, as we answer to the higher authority of the board. The board regularly inspects plastic surgeons’ practices to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.
Additionally, active board certification keeps surgeons up to date with the latest advancements in the field of plastic surgery. By having access to ABFPRS resources and events, I’m able to collaborate with other facial plastic surgeons from around the country and participate in an ongoing exchange of ideas and techniques. Rather than being isolated in my practice, board certification gives me the opportunity to draw on the knowledge of my peers so I can give my patients the best care possible and a range of options for reaching their aesthetic goals.
In the United States, any doctor with a valid medical license—regardless of specialty—is permitted to perform surgery, including aesthetic surgery. This can be beneficial in some circumstances, such as a medical emergency when the specialized surgeon is not available. However, the capability of any doctor to perform plastic surgery, whether or not the doctor has studied or specialized in the field, makes it extremely important to thoroughly research each doctor you are considering before choosing one as your plastic surgeon.
When you choose a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, you’re choosing an individual who has devoted the majority of his or her career to the study of this very complex area of medicine. It’s just as essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon as it is to choose a board-certified cardiologist to treat your heart or a board-certified dermatologist to care for your skin.
I’m highly passionate about my work and have pursued excellence in the field since I began my education. I take an artistic approach to every patient, striving for aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking results that are medically sound and respect each patient’s well-being and safety. It is an honor to be certified by the ABFPRS, and I count myself among the ranks of elite plastic surgeons who tailor their practices to the rejuvenation of the face.
Leave a Reply