Choosing a plastic surgeon in Naples or elsewhere throughout the country can be a daunting process. Potential patients have no shortage of options, and the countless boards, societies, and other professional organizations can make it difficult to discern who does what and why these distinctions matter. In this blog post, we will break down how to find a good plastic surgeon based on credentials.
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What Does Board Certified Mean?
If you’re researching plastic surgeons, one term you may hear often is “board certified.” When doctors advertise that they are a “board-certified plastic surgeon,” it means they have undergone rigorous written and oral testing by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Since 1937, this organization has aimed to protect patients by certifying only the most qualified and capable doctors.
The ABPS is overseen by the American Board of Medical Specialties, a parent organization which regulates its 24 member boards. Each board represents a different field of medicine. A board-certified dermatologist, for example, is one who is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Each board has its own set of stringent requirements for entrance. To learn more about the member board of the ABMS, or to check if a doctor is certified, visit the ABMS website at www.abms.org.
Professional Societies To Look For
Other important organizations include the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPA) and The Aesthetic Society (formerly ASAPS), both of which require board certification to qualify. A doctor’s membership in these distinguished groups reflects their commitment to ethical behavior and patient safety. Surgeons are usually eager to advertise their membership on their websites. If you don’t see anything listed, it never hurts to ask!
What About Awards?
When looking at awards, certain distinctions like a Castle Connolly Top Doctor carry great weight due to the organization’s prestige and rigorous, peer-reviewed selection process. Local honors, as voted upon by the community, for example, can also be helpful tools, as these awards can signify a high level of support and satisfaction among the provider’s patients.
While a wall full of trophies and certificates is always impressive, quality often trumps quantity. Not every provider will be a decorated plastic surgeon, but the hallmarks of good patient care (bedside manner, personalized treatments, and excellent results) should still be readily apparent when you come in for a consultation.
Why Do Credentials Matter?
Board certification signifies that your plastic surgeon has the training, experience, and demonstrable skill and knowledge to perform their work. While board certification is an important distinction, so is the certifying body.
That board-certified dermatologist we mentioned earlier may legally call themselves a cosmetic surgeon with only limited training in that area, while a plastic surgeon has to meet certain criteria to use that title. You can learn more about cosmetic vs plastic surgeons here. In other words: the safest choice is to look for a board-certified doctor practicing in their specialty (e.g., a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing plastic surgery).
In a similar vein, involvement with professional industry societies is typically indicative of a plastic surgeon’s commitment to ongoing learning and their good standing within the medical community.
What Else Should You Consider?
Before-and-after photos are also a great way to assess a surgeon’s practical skill. Most surgeons post these directly on their websites, but they should also be available to see in-office during your consultation. These photos should show many patients of varied body types and ages to help you visualize your likely results.
Reviews and testimonials also provide invaluable insight into the patient experience. Reading what real patients have had to say about their provider, the surgical facility, recovery, results, and more can help you narrow down your options and find someone who aligns with what matters most to you.
Credentials Are Just One Part of the Story
I hope these guidelines have helped demystify the process of choosing a surgeon. Although good credentials are important, don’t underestimate the significance of a good rapport and thoughtful working relationship. The best way to decide if a doctor is right for you is by doing thorough research and meeting for an in-person consultation.
If you would like to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn more about my approach, please request a consultation or call us at (239) 262-5662 to get started.
This post was originally written in April 2014 and has been updated.
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