Choosing a Board Certified Doctor for Your Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is an option that many people choose to improve their appearance. As more people undergo procedures, more doctors have chosen to enter the field. That is why it is more important than ever to make sure the physician who performs your procedure is highly qualified and experienced. One of the best ways of narrowing down your list of doctors is by limiting it to those who are board certified. There are many doctors who practice in other areas as well as plastic surgery. For example, emergency room physicians also perform liposuction, while ObGYNs perform facelifts. In many instances, they provide these cosmetic procedures in their offices because a hospital would not allow them to do so in an operating room due to their lack of training. Doctors who are board certified in plastic surgery, however, they have spent a minimum of five years undergoing intensive training, and have also passed rigorous oral and written exams in order to earn their certification. These professionals know exactly what to do should serious complications arise, and are prepared for any sort of emergency. When a doctor who practice in this area are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, for example, that means he or she has exhibited the skills, experience, and knowledge needed in order to provide high quality care. Since 1995, ABPS certifications have had a time limit of 10 years. During this time, the doctor has to periodically show that he or she has undergone continuing education in order to maintain that certification. The doctor also needs to have hospital privileges and undergo reviews and evaluation of performance. In addition to board certification in plastic surgery, there are several other considerations that you should take into account when choosing a doctor. The physician needs to have the proper training in order to perform your specific procedure, so ask each one you are considering how many he or she has done. Find out if any patients have encountered complications, and ask how serious they were. This is not meant to infer that doctors who are not board certified are not qualified to perform the type of procedure you are considering. There are many physicians who do not have certification, yet do very good work. However, you have so many options when it comes to choosing a doctor that it can often be an overwhelming process to make a final decision. By limiting your list to board certified physicians, you can substantially pare it down and make it much more manageable. Once you speak with two or three doctors, go with the one whom you trust the most and makes you the most comfortable. Then you can make your decision with total confidence.