Which credentials are best to go with: American Academy Cosmetic Surgeon or Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Question

I have a general understand the difference between the two. I'm in between a AACS cosmetic surgeon and a ABPS Plastic Surgeon. I am getting a breast lift, breast implants, and a tummy tuck. The AACS surgeon is extremely popular, great reviews, #1 in the city, AACS program director. I am in love with the AACS surgeon belly button shaping, low cut belly scar. You can tell they perfected it. Doctors, thoughts on going with a AACS cosmetic surgeon?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

It seems like you keep asking the same question over and over again in different ways. Perhaps you are not getting the answer you want so you keep trying? Here is the bottom line, the AACS, or any other “cosmetic board” for that matter, is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This means that it is a group of doctors who got together and made their own “board” to tag themselves as “certified.” It is not even a question of which is better, one is a validated and recognized board certification (ABPS) and the other is not. That being said, you seem hell bent on going with the cosmetic surgeon, so stop asking the advice of trusted surgeons on here and just go forward with what you want. I honestly hope everything goes well for you and you get the results you want, but in the case that things do not go as planned, I am willing to bet the doctors in this community who have answered your questions multiple times will have a big bunch of “I told you so’s” ready for you.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the ONLY certification in plastic surgery that counts- it requires many years of training and examination to be granted. You, too, could be a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons for the price of a self-addressed stamped envelope (I'm joking but the AACS is a joke also). The AACS is for all the non-plastic surgeons (eye doctors, dermatologists, ENT docs) who want to pretend to be real plastic surgeons.

Jules Feledy, Jr., MD · Answer

The ABPS is one of the specialties that is certified through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS). The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. (AAPS). The AACS is not.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

American Board of Plastic Surgery! I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

AACS is an organization that can include not only plastic surgeons but ENT facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists.  Those are fine if you are having facial surgery or laser done. American board of plastic surgeons only certified surgeons trained in all aspects of plastic surgery and have completed a plastic surgery residency. If you are having major body work done I would recommend  an ABPS surgeon

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
Noone can tell you exactly what to do, but as a board certified plastic surgeon I can tell you we complete at least a 6 year Surgical training, pass a written exam covering all aspects of plastic surgery  (scientific and clinical) which then qualifies us to take an Oral Examination in which we submit all cases performed over almost a year and then present our own cases as well as analyzing approximately 15 types of cases spanning the field of plastic surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery also verifies the safety of our surgery centers where we operate - that they comply with rigorous accreditation. Board certified plastic surgeons have very stringent guidelines presented by our board and professional societies to guarantee patient safety.
I am not sure what AACS cosmetic surgeons have to do, but they do not have a board that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Many cosmetic surgeons were not trained in surgery. Be sure you verify the accreditation of the surgery site and talk with actual patients to see how their surgeries went. 
Best of luck to you!

Thomas T. Jeneby, MD · Answer

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon , i will always be biased. Training is different for both and more extensive for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon . Schooling is generally 6-9 years and is highly competitive . Plastic Surgeons are also bound by rules that AACS does not require(to my knowledge) One is to operate within a Certified entity (Joint Commission/AAASF/AAAHC) We also have an extensive Oral Board and Written Board requirement (we cannot take oral boards until we have collected cases for 1.5 years)

There will always be differences in pictures and outcomes. I do suggest you interview 2-3 doctors that also include ABPS. Good luck on your journey!

There will always be differences in pictures and outcomes. I do suggest you interview 2-3 doctors that also include ABPS. Good luck on your journey!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MommyMakeoverJourney12,
finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for your important question.  There are major differences between a board certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon.  Plastic surgeons are certified under the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  This is the only aesthetic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.  Plastic surgeons undergo at least six years of surgical residency which focuses on reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. Choosing your surgeon can impact both your safety and your surgical results.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is not really an authentic Board with certifying exams and credentialing process, but the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a true certifying board for only plastic surgeons. Those who go with the AACS are usually not plastic surgeons or are not board certified as a plastic surgeon.  However, there are still some very skilled surgeons who are not board certified.

Which credentials are best to go with: American Academy Cosmetic Surgeon or Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Answers (12)

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