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Choosing to have plastic surgery is an important decision, and so is selecting a plastic surgeon. Whether you're considering cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance or reconstructive surgery to correct defects or improve function, you want a board-certified surgeon with the skill and training to help achieve your goals.
In most states, a licensed physician may perform plastic surgery without being board-certified in plastic surgery. Just because a doctor is board-certified does not mean he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Understand that the American Society of Medical Specialists (ASMS) recognizes only one board of plastic surgery. This is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and patients are encouraged to consider a doctor certified by the ABPS. The other groups formed their own board. There are some "certifications" that are not boards at all and do not require any testing or peer review. Also, be aware that some references and internet sites list board certified doctors only if they pay to advertise. So don't rule out that your doctor may still be certified, just not listed. Many doctors have board certification in more than one specialty, so ask about this also.
Besides certification, membership requires a plastic surgeon to regularly attend continuing medical education courses and to adhere to a strict code of ethics.
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 The American Board of Plastic Surgery – All members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are certified by the ABPS or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The ABPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body.
To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these rigid requirements:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete a combination of a least five years of general surgery and plastic surgery residency training
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
www.plasticsurgery.org
 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), founded in 1967, is the leading professional organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specialize in aesthetic (cosmetic) plastic surgery. With more than 2250 members in the U.S and Canada, as well as international members in many other countries, ASAPS is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery around the world.
The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery includes continuing medical education, public education and patient advocacy.
www.surgery.org
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