Plastic surgery has become increasingly accessible to the average American in recent years, thanks to technological advancements and less invasive techniques. This is great news for millions of people looking to improve their appearance and increase their confidence! With a growing number of physicians offering a variety of plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures that require skill, precision, and expertise, it’s more important than ever that you choose an appropriate provider in order to achieve the results you want safely and effectively.
Here at the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, it is our goal to provide patients across the Mid-South with the highest quality medical care. Whether you’re looking for an injectable treatment or a plastic surgery procedure, we’re here to ensure you’re in expert hands! All of our doctors are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, one of 24 boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABPS sets very stringent standards for earning board certification, and there are a number of requirements that test the knowledge, ethics, and ability of a physician.
Let’s take a closer look at why board certification is so important, and how choosing a board certified plastic surgeon can give you a rewarding and stress-free plastic surgery experience.
What does it mean if a plastic surgeon is board certified?
To become board certified, an applicant must:
- graduate from an accredited medical school
- complete at least six years of approved surgical experience
- have at least three years of plastic surgery residency
- and pass comprehensive oral and written exams.
To begin the process, each candidate must successfully complete the written examination, after which they can apply to take the oral exam. During the oral exam, the surgeon must present their cases from the past year and answer random questions about plastic surgery in general.
This second part of the process requires not only an examination by select plastic surgery peers, but a careful review of the surgeon’s case log to date, along with letters of recommendation from other board certified plastic surgeons. This rigorous process evaluates an applicant’s academic knowledge while also considering their ethics and professionalism before certification is granted.
Why should patients seek a board certified plastic surgeon?
Because the certification process is so difficult and time-consuming, some plastic surgeons choose to never seek board certification. Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis believes in providing our patients with very best care across the board, and we hold our doctors to the highest standards. Board certification matters when choosing a plastic surgeon for many reasons, including:
Hands-on experience
Board certification requires plastic at least six years of surgical experience, including at least three years of a plastic surgery residency program. Board certified surgeons come through the process with a true wealth of knowledge gleaned from training and hands-on experience with other board certified plastic surgeons.
Continuing education requirements
Board certification doesn’t stop at being recommended or passing exams–there is also a commitment to continuing education in order to stay current on the latest trends and the safest practices. During a consecutive three-year period, board certified surgeons must earn at least 150 credits of Continuing Medical Education (CME). At least 50 of those hours must specifically apply to the practice of plastic surgery.
Board certification also requires that the physician participate in the Maintenance of Certification Program from the ABPS throughout their careers. These requirements ensure physicians are able to deliver the highest quality of care and superior results by continually learning better and safer ways to perform procedures.
Voluntary participation
Plastic surgeons don’t have to be board certified to practice. That means those who choose to go through with board certification do so willingly, volunteering to be part of a rigorous process that continually assesses and enhances their medical knowledge, judgment, professionalism, clinical techniques and communication skills. Physicians who have uncompromising professional standards for themselves are physicians you can trust to take excellent care of you, from your first appointment to your last.
What to consider when choosing a board certified plastic surgeon
When choosing a surgeon for a plastic or cosmetic surgery procedure, it’s important to remember that he or she will affect how you look and potentially how you feel for years to come. With this in mind, don’t be influenced by cut-rate deals or flashy offers from providers who don’t have the training, skills, and expertise to safely deliver superior results. For high-quality care you can trust, look for a board certified plastic surgeon.
That said, you should also be aware that not all board certifications are equal. Some providers will use the term as a less-than-truthful branding of competence. It’s possible for a doctor to be board certified in a nonsurgical or non-plastic surgical specialty without any training in plastic surgery, and still advertise themselves as a “cosmetic specialist.” ONLY American Board of Plastic Surgery certificate holders are board certified PLASTIC SURGEONS and possess specific training in plastic and cosmetic surgery and procedures on the face and body.
You’re in good hands with the board certified surgeons at PSG
Choosing cosmetic or reconstructive procedures is a very personal decision, and we want you to feel confident in choosing our practice. Whether you're looking for plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, or non-surgical options, your well-being is of the utmost importance to us! With PSG's board certified plastic surgeons, you can expect the highest quality care and the best possible results in a calm, comfortable environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about the cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures our board certified surgeons offer, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.