Is American Board Cosmetic Surgery a trustworthy certification?

      The integrated plastic surgery program is the most competitive residency by far coming out of medical school.  These individuals are at the top of the medical school class and have very high scores on the medical board exams.  Most plastic surgeons will spend 6 to 10 years training after medical school, followed by a written exam with low pass rate, and then an oral exam with an even lower pass rate.  Thus, a board certified plastic surgeon has been rigorously tested to be sure.  

While there are many practitioners of cosmetic surgery, only a select few are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. The American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) is the only board certification in plastic and reconstructive surgery which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Examiners (ABME)
Certification assures graduation from an accredited medical school and completion of at least six years of surgical training following medical school (with a minimum of three years plastic surgery residency). These are among the most competitive training programs available to a graduating medical students. As a result, these programs are composed of the best and brightest of each graduating class (less than 100 per year). Once training is complete (6 years/7 years with fellowship), they will undergo rigorous examination both oral and written (with notoriously low pass/high fail rates meaning certification is extremely difficult).
Additionally, patients should verify that surgery is being performed in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities.
There is absolutely no substitute for certification. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a useful resource for seeking well trained and board certified physicians in your area.Patients should also be wary of surgeons claiming to be "board certified." Not all boards are equal. Every surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons must complete all of the above listed qualifications. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, on the other hand, is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. These physicians are not necessarily plastic surgeons and may be from one of 6 other disciplines including: General surgery, Otolaryngology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmic or Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. They are then required to complete a 1 year cosmetic fellowship followed by an examination process.While they sound similar, there are a few key differences. Remember, certification means certainty. ABPS certification means that your surgeon is in fact a PLASTIC SURGEON selected from among the best of the best of each graduating class to train specifically in PLASTIC SURGERY. They are not a fellowship trained OB or General Surgeon. Additionally, recognition by the ABMS ensures a certain training and examinations standard for all diplomates.As always, your best choice is a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.

Thank you for your question. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the most prestigious professional society in the world for plastic surgery. You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Best is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.