If you are considering a breast augmentation, you probably have seen numerous doctors promoting themselves as “board certified.” You should know exactly what this means and understand what certification is all about.
Right now, the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) recognizes 24 medical certification boards. The ABMS is the regulatory agency which oversees sub-specialty boards such as plastic surgery.
The ABMS recognizes only the American Board of Plastic Surgery as the authentic certification for a surgeon’s training in plastic and reconstructive procedures for the body and face.
What does this mean to you? It means that if your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, then he or she has passed the strict educational and examination criteria to have certification in their plastic surgery specialty.
When you are considering a cosmetic surgeon for a procedure, call the ABMS at 1-866-ASK-ABMS (275-2267). Ask them if the surgeon you have in mind has certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
All you need to give the ABMS is the name of your surgeon. The ABMS says, ” Agents can only provide certification verification. They cannot provide you with detailed biographical or residency training information, help you locate a physician or register complaints against a physician.”
If your surgeon is not certified specifically in plastic surgery, then you should find another surgeon who is.
