A Facial Plastic Surgeon is a surgeon first board certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. This requires at least 1 year of General Surgery (abdominal, hernia, gall bladder, vascular, trauma surgery), followed by 4 years of Otolaryngology. Otolaryngology is a regional surgical specialty which is devoted to disorders, anatomy, birth defects, and reconstruction of the face, neck, and structures associated with it. This includes cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face. This training gives unparalleled knowledge and surgical anatomy of the face and neck. Those who choose to do so can proceed with a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery for further expertise and refinement. A secondary board certification can then be obtained from the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery (ABFPRS). The ABFPRS is not an ABMS board for political and other reasons. However, the ABFPRS is considered ABMS equivalent in Florida and virtually all other states. There is every reason to expect the highest standard of care when seeing a Facial Plastic Surgeon for facial rejuvenation.
Unlike our colleagues in General Plastic Surgery, our training is not devoted to hand surgery, closure of abdominal wounds, chest wounds and other areas of surgery. Training in various programs will determine the level of expertise in facial surgery.
When choosing a surgeon, it makes sense to consider a surgeon who specializes on the area you are focusing on. For facial surgery, this can include a Facial Plastic Surgeon or a General Plastic Surgeon.
