American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery vs American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

In order to be a "member" of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you need to be Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. Members of the American Society for Asethetic Plastic Surgery are also Board Certified. Memebrs in the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery are almost all NOT Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. I know this is confusing, but those non-plastic surgeons who want a place in this field have created the confusion intentionally so you have a hard time sorting out... more

Membership in many medical societies requires board certification before becoming a member. For instance, to be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the physician must first become Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic surgery, Inc. Not all boards are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Go to http://www.abms.org/about_board_certification/means.aspx to see what the criteria are. Basically it is a vigorous process of education, testing... more

To achieve board certification a physician must complete a residency in that specialty and pass intensive examinations. Only certain boards are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The American Board of Dermatology would be one such recognized Board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery would be another. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery may give their members board certification but their members have not been through a residency program and their board is... more