Difference in certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery vs. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery for breast reduction?

Question

I have two consultations for breast reduction scheduled for next month. I have large breasts (40J) and know breast reduction would be beneficial. Insurance won't cover it, so I'll pay out of pocket. Surgeon 1 is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has only a few pictures on his website, but they're all of patients with smaller breasts than mine. Surgeon 2 is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery; he also has multiple pictures of his work on his website with patients who look similar in size to me. My question is: What is the difference between these certifications? Should one be considered over the other for a breast reduction on larger breasts? Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer this question!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not an approved board by the AMA. The American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic surgery are approved by the AMA. It is most likely the physician that is certified by the American Board of Surgery is certified in general surgery and may or may not have taken a fellowship in cosmetic breast surgery. In terms of breast reduction, I recommend an alternative technique called the Bellesoma. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction and long term stability. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Prioritize the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) because ABPS requires years of rigorous residency training focused specifically on complex tissue reconstruction and breast flap viability, which are critical for a high-volume (40J) reduction. While Surgeon 2 has more representative photos online, their credentials (general surgery plus a one-year cosmetic fellowship) offer less specialized depth in complex plastic surgery; ask Surgeon 1 during your consultation to view their private, in-office photo gallery, as surgeons routinely keep large reconstructive case photos off public websites for patient privacy., check if they adapt to your goal,
Dr. Luis Mejia
Let's make ir better

Difference in certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery vs. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery for breast reduction?

Answers (2)

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