With so many medical professionals offering cosmetic treatments, it can be confusing trying to determine who you should be trusting.
In Canada (where I practice) and in the USA, the title Plastic Surgeon pertains only to surgeons who have completed a designated residency training program in plastic surgery. This training includes both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
Check your physicians credentials by asking if:
- they completed a plastic surgery residency
- they are board certified in plastic surgery (or in Canada ask if they are a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada in Plastic Surgery),
- they are a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (in Canada: the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). These societies limit their memberships to officially residency trained, board certified plastic surgeons.
These surgeons are trained to perform all types of cosmetic surgeries on all body areas and have also received training in non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as fillers, Botox and lasers.
The title facial plastic surgeon is used by otolaryngologists (ear nose throat) doctors who have done some training in facial plastic surgery i.e.: rhinoplasty, facelifts, blepharoplasty etc. They have not completed a plastic surgery residency and are not board certified in plastic surgery but have received legitimate training in facial plastic surgery procedures. They have not necessarily received training in cosmetic procedures on other areas of the body. Ask your surgeon to explain his or her training to you.
Occuloplastic surgeons are either ophthalmologists (eye doctors) or plastic surgeons who specialize in plastic surgery procedures around the eye. Ask questions to clarify your surgeons' training if you are considering a procedure on another part of your body.
The term "cosmetic surgeon" can be used by any physician. There is no official residency training in "cosmetic surgery". This physician might not necessarily even have legitimate surgical training. In Canada, any physician with any training can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon and perform non-invasive or invasive cosmetic procedures... with little or no training.
As a general rule, at your first consultation, ask your surgeon to explain his or her training to you. Ask what residency program they completed, ask if they are board-certified and in what specialty, ask if they belong to any societies and ask what the entrance requirements are for that society.
When it comes to your body don't be afraid to ask questions.
