How Risky is Breast Reduction by Non-ABMS Surgeon?

My doctor studied medicine and plastic surgery in South Africa. He's Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the South African College of Medicine & the Medical Council of New Zealand. He's also Board Certified in General Surgery by the South African College of Medicine and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

He has over 20 years of experience and now works in Colorado. But for him to hold an American Board of Plastic Surgery certificate, he's required to have had surgery training completed in the USA. Am I taking a risk to have my Breast reduction with this doctor?

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Gokichan in Cheyenne, Wyoming

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In this case, it is probably OK, but typically I wouldn't recommend it

Being from Denver, I know your surgeon. His reputation is excellent. South African surgeons tend to be exceedingly well trained. I would speak to his other breast reduction patients to get an idea about his work. You can also find out if he has any complaints lodged against him with the Colorado Board of Medicine. I wouldn't worry. Even though he is not ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery) certified, he is a fantastic surgeon. However, in general, I would advise the use of ABPS... more

Each situation is different

In this particular case, I think you are probably in good shape, as long as you have access to some of his before and after photos as well as the ability to speak with some of his patients about their experience. I think in general, being Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a good first step to selecting your plastic surgeon, but I agree that just because someone is Board-Certified does not mean they are by definition an exceptional breast surgeon. Also,... more

Is he a member of ISAPS?

Though he may not be ABPS certirfied, there are certain professional organziations of plastic surgeons that provide at least a modicum of recognition of qualifications. Check to see if he is a member of ISAPS, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. And even ASPS, the American Society of PLastic Surgery has international corresponding member status. This guy may well be good...and not all board-certified plastic surgeons are good for that matter, either. It would be unfair to more

Choosing a breast reduction surgery

Patients today have many excellent choices in breast reduction surgery. There are many new techniques that can help contour the breast, remove tissue that may be causing pain or other symptoms, and create a beautiful result. Unfortunately, there are many non-board-certified doctors out there who do not have the training and the techniques that are still offering this surgery. Please be very careful of this. Remember that you will have to live with the results for the rest of your life.... more

Breast Reduction by qualified surgeon.

Hi. This surgeon's credentials sound terrific. It's probably just fine to let him do your breast reduction. Ask about his local reputation, and ask to see before and after pictures.

Choosing Surgeon?

Thank you for the question. You are wise to do your due diligence in the selection of plastic surgeon. In this case, I would suggest that you ask to see lots of example of the surgeon's work to confirm that he does good work. Best wishes.

Asprs

It is not a bad idea to seek a second opion from a Board Certified Plastic surgeon. Also interview patients that have had surgery done by this Doctor. Good Luck

ABPS benchmark

If you are concerned about your surgeon, fall back on a certification you can rely on. The surgeon you talk about sounds well-trained but what made them relocate to the states where they knew they would not be able to attain BC? Most likely you would have a fine result but you visit other board-certified plastic surgeons in your area, ask all of the important questions, look at before and after photos, and then make your decision as to who will care for you. Dr Edwards

Not US board certified

While your surgeon may be extremely qualified, if he is not boarded in the US, it may not be a good idea to have him do your surgery. Be careful. There are plenty of board certified plastic surgeons in your area.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ABPS is best

Certainly the situation you describe is unusual and the surgeon might be experienced and qualified. Generally, there will be many well qualified American Board of Plastic Surgery qualified surgeons in Colorado whom you can go to without this concern. Go with your gut instinct here.