Help! Just Found out my ''plastic Surgeon'' is Not Board Certified

Thank heavens you have obtained this information prior to proceeding with surgery! I know that the vast majority of Board-certified ophthalmologists would be aghast at what their "colleague" is doing--they properly practice within their training and expertise, not in a self-designated field completely different from their training and certification in Ophthalmology. As you have found out, being Board-certified is not enough--you need to know Board-certified in WHAT.

Also, by way of full disclosure, you should know that the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is NOT an ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) member board. This "board-certification" is often used by physicians trained and Board-certified in other specialties who wish to practice cosmetic surgery without full training and American Board of Plastic Surgery certification.

Please do not feel awkward at all in asking for a complete refund (even if they have a stated "cancellation policy"). If complete and prompt refund is not obtained, lodge a formal complaint with the state medical board, and consider small claims court. This kind of unethical behavior reflects poorly on all of us who are properly trained, board-certified in our respective specialties, and practice within our training and experience boundaries! We share your chagrin and outrage!

Please read my article on "Why Board-Certification is Critical when Choosing a Plastic Surgeon" linked below.

I am proudly Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (certificate 3770, November, 1989), and I do not perform cataract surgery or strabismus operations!

Board certification has a meaning, only if you know what board you are talking about. There is only one plastic surgery board that is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).ABMS.org. This board is called  American The Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)  abps.org.

Any doctor can claim that they are bourd certified. YOU CAN FIND ALL KINDS OF BOARDS that are not approved by ABMS. You don't even need to be a specialist. All doctors take the board of medical examiners to practice medicine. So every body is board certified!! Today the consumer of plastic surgery services has to be really smart and educated to know who is who.

I hope this was helpful is you still have questions and something is not clear let me know.

Good luck.

Ash, am glad you did your research before your surgery. It would have been better to do the research before the appointment. As you probably know, any licensed physician can claim to be a cosmetic surgeon. This is because Cosmetic surgery is not a medical specialty by ABMS, but a part of Plastic surgery. Always look for a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

In terms of your deposit, I would suggest discussing this with the physician and requesting a refund. If you have complications from your surgery, it may cost you more than $1000.

Good luck and tell all your friends and family not to make the same mistake.