What is the Difference Between the American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology?

That's a great question. Here's the long answer. After surgeons complete their training in an accrdited training program, they can go on to become "Board Certified" in their area of training. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the agency which has the authority to grant "Board Certification"  to applicants from the different specialties. The ABMS recognizes most mainstream specialties including Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology (aka Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery / ENT / Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery). Plastic surgeons have gone through a different traing than Otolaryngologists. They are different but similar in some respects. Within each specialty there are areas of common ground and areas of difference. Rhinoplasty is a common ground area. Board certified surgeon of either specialty are qualified to perform rhinoplasty. Not all Board Certified surgeons however excel or have a strong interest in nasal surgery. So it's important to dig a little deeper when considering your surgeon. Ask if they are also members of specialty societies and check out their results. If someone claims to be "Board Certified" by a "Board" which is not included or recognized by the ABMS, I would be very suspicious and recommend another opinion from someone who is.

Board of otolaryngology is for ENT  ear nose and throat surgeons. 

They can do head and neck surgery but if you want one who does cosmetic.. go to an ENT with additional cerification by the Facial Plastic Surgery society

Plastic surgeons are trained in facial, breast and body surgery but you still need to go to one who is experienced 

with the procedure you desire

Surgeons certified by either of those two boards are qualified to perform rhinoplasty and chin and cheek augmentation.

American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery certified surgeons focus on facial procedures and have a background in Otolaryngology. American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons have a background in performing both full body (breast, abdominal, hand for example) and facial surgery.

You can find a qualified and excellent surgeon from either specialty, but just because the surgeon has board certification doesn't necessarily mean that they have a particular interest or aptitude with the facial procedures you are interested in.

Going beyond the certification you should review surgeons' before and after photos and consult with a few to find the surgeon that is the best fit for you.

Thank you for the important question. Unfortunately, differentiating the credentials of the variety of physicians who wish to provide "cosmetic surgery" services, can be very confusing to patients. Also unfortunately, there is no strict regulation set up to protect the consumer by state or national medical regulatory organizations. Therefore, patients must take the responsibility to ask the question: what are you board-certified in?The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board recognized by the American Board of medical specialties. Confirming that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of plastic surgeon is very important; this will assure you that your surgeon's undergone rigorous training, testing, and continued medical education necessary to become and remain board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Plastic surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are then potential candidates to join the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery. These societies will have lists of their plastic surgeon members; these lists may be helpful when patients are seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon. in the process of selecting a plastic surgery I also encourage patients to ask to SEE lots of examples of their work AND preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.Again, I cannot overemphasize the importance of careful selection of plastic surgeon when it comes to concerns such as safety, achievement of the desired outcome, and ability to manage complications that may arise (even in the best of hands). Keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Both boards are distinguished an require extensive training and commitment. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is for plastic surgeons while the Board of otolaryngology is for ENT ear nose and throat surgeons. ENT surgeons who are interested in cosmetic surgery frequently pursue additional certification by the Facial Plastic Surgery society. Rhinoplasty surgeons can be certified by either board. When choosing the appropriate surgeon, you should ensure that the surgeon is experienced, and his work demonstrates technical skill and artistic talent.