The Importance of American Board of Plastic Surgery Certification

What does American Board of Plastic Surgery certification mean? Why is it important?

Surgeons that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) have met rigorous training and examination standards.This certification ensures that your plastic surgeon is qualified and highly trained to perform cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery on all areas of the body. To meet the requirements of the ABPS, one has to:

• complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years in plastic surgery residency

• pass comprehensive oral and written exams

• graduate from an accredited medical school

• complete continuing medical education, including patient safety each year

• perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified facilities

• adheres to a strict Code of Ethics

Also, the ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialties since 1934 and has approved only 24 medical specialties. There is no medical specialty approved by the ABMS with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.

If you are considering plastic surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon if he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I am certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and believe in the ABPS mission to promote safe and ethical plastic surgery while maintaining high standards for education, certification and maintenance of certification.