How Do I Know if my Doctor is Board Certified?

Board certification implies passing tests of one of many specialties regulated by the American Board of Medical Specialties.  Normally liposuction is performed by either plastic surgeons or dermatologists.  Therefore the boards would be of The American Board of Dermatology (Tumescent liposuction which is performed by most liposuction surgeons today, was invented by Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a dermatologist), or The American Board of Plastic Surgery,  both of which have guidelines of training in liposuction that are followed in residency training and regulated by the ACGME (the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education). 

The American Board of Medical Specialties, (ABMS), is the established umbrella organization for recognized boards.  Under this is the American Board of Plastic Surgery, (ABPS).  Diplomates of the ABPS have done at least 5 years of surgical training, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in an accredited university based setting.  This is followed by rigorous testing.  The doctor will be listed on the board's website, you can also call them and they will be happy to assist you.  The link has the websites and numbers.

Also check if the doctor has privileges to do this procedure in a hospital.  Ask what hospital he/she is on staff on in case you need to be admitted quickly.

There are multiple legitimate boards offered by the american society of medical boards. For a liposuction procedure, look for the certification of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. There are multiple weekend and mail order certifications which can be deceiving. If a plastic surgeon is certified by the ABPS, they have completed the necessary training and have passed two sets of examinations, including evaluation of their own cases. Remember that this is your body and liposuction can cause permanent deformities which are very hard to reverse. I would recommend seeking a second opinion for liposuction by a board certified plastic surgeon. I hope this helps. Dr. Trussler