What is the Difference Between a MD and DO FACS?

Question

I am considering an implant removal and I am looking some of the before and after pics here in the site, I saw a Dr instead of MD says DO, FACS after his name, what it does mean? I really appreciate your attention

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There may not be a whole lot of difference.  Make sure that the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast augmentations and revisions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

There are numerous practitioners of cosmetic surgery. However, only a select few are board certified by their national board of plastic surgery.
According to the ABPS, "the American Board of Plastic Surgery aims to produce safe, ethical plastic surgeons with an extensive knowledge of the entire spectrum of plastic surgery, who are able to represent our specialty in the highest standards. All patients seeking plastic surgery procedures should do their homework before choosing their surgeon. Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a qualification not easily obtained, which demonstrates a high level of training and education, necessary for optimal results and patient satisfaction."
More specifically...board certification ensures completion of a rigorous training program of at least 6 years (with at least 3 years of dedicated plastic surgery training. Board certified surgeons have also completed written and oral examinations to determine competency and participate in a continuing medical education programs as a prerequisite of maintaining certification. With regards to your specific question, MD vs. DO refers to the 2 tracks followed in the journey to a doctoral degree. MD is a medical doctorate. DO is doctorate of ostepathy (another school of medical thought based on treating the body as a whole). There are qualified board certified practitioners of both types. FACS is an additional certification open to all practitioners of surgery (not just plastic surgeons) and refers to the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons.
Ultimately, certification ensures a measure of certainty when comparing surgeons. You can be assured that your board certified plastic surgeon has seen and treated it all before and is uniquely qualified to manage you pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and most importantly post-operatively. I would recommend consulting with the Australian Plastic Surgery Society.

Javier Soto, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your  questions. My name is Dr.Javier Soto.
MD and DO are different medical studies.MD means that is greaduated from the medical school and the DO from osteopathic school,both are good,but the most important is do a deep research of the surgeon specialized in the procedure that you want to perform ,it should and must be a Board Certificate Plastic Surgeon with enough reviews and experience,
Please keep giving us feedback of your process, and I hope my answer comes to help.

Javier Soto, MD
International Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Cartagena, Colombia,p

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! DO means a different philosophy of medical study and FACS is an affiliation with American college of surgery. It is best to still find a surgeon that has EXTENSIVE experience on the procedure you want to get, number of years in the industry, good reviews and best facility to get the best results. #RealSelf100

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Assuming you choose a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon,  the distinction of M.D. versus D.O.  will not be significant.

	Generally speaking,  it will be important for you to do your due diligence and the selection of plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. 
	Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices  concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask  to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done. 

	 I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

What is the Difference Between a MD and DO FACS?

Answers (9)

Answer: Choose the right surgeon

Answer: Choose the right surgeon

Answer: Selection of Plastic Surgeon?

Answer: Selection of Plastic Surgeon?

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What is the Difference Between a MD and DO FACS?

Answers (9)

Answer: Choose the right surgeon

Answer: Choose the right surgeon

Answer: Selection of Plastic Surgeon?

Answer: Selection of Plastic Surgeon?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.