- Why is this site here?
Many patients have had less than ideal outcomes when plastic surgery has been performed by an individual not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This site strives to educate the public about the importance of Board Certification in Plastic Surgery from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Many surgeons are telling their patients “I can also perform Plastic Surgery” even if they are not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This site is fighting these doctors.
Examples abound.
One surgical oncologist tells his patients that he can close these very large wounds with plastic surgery even though he is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many of these patients end up with bad infections because of wound complications.
One dermatologist tells his patients he can close their Mohs wounds with flaps and grafts since he was trained in this field – even though he is not Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many of these patients are dissatisfied with the results because the scars are poor and the flaps bulky.
One bariatric surgeon tells his patients he can remove the extra skin after they lose the weight. Unfortunately he also removes their belly buttons and leaves them with horrendous scarring. This particular surgeon also gets the removal of excess skin covered by insurance by stating the patient has a hernia. This is fraud - both the doctor and patient can go to jail.
One head and neck surgeon performs liposuction all over the body. These patients end up requiring revisions and touch ups at a much higher rate than the national average.
None of these cases are malpractice since the results are indeed “adequate.” However, in today’s world, patients are entitled to understand the difference between a low end and high end product.
- But my doctor said he knew Plastic Surgery?
This may be true, but Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is often copied. It requires a full residency in Plastic Surgery (not just one or two years of further training). A rigorous written test and oral examination are required. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are taught about the history of Plastic Surgery so as not to fall victim to Plastic Surgery fads. They operate all over the body which is a strength – not a weakness. They learn to criticize their results and strive for perfection.
- Why is this important?
As the market place has become more competitive, physicians have turned to plastic surgery for additional sources of revenue. Taking weekend courses have allowed some physicians to start selling procedures that they otherwise are not qualified to perform.
Examples of OB/GYN physicians performing liposuction or family medicine physicians performing laser resurfacing abound.
- How do I know if my physician is properly trained?
First, ask your physician if he or she is Board Certified.
Second, ask who is the Certifying Board. There are many boards that are not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. THAT IS TO SAY: THERE ARE MANY "FALSE" BOARDS NOT RECOGNIZED AS LEGITIMATE BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES.
Next, remember, that even if they are certified by a Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, they might not be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Since the medical licensing procedure allows a physician to do any procedure in his or her office without supervision, a patient must ask if the physician has credentials to perform the procedure in a hospital operating room. The credentialing process in hospitals is much more rigorous and masquerading is not allowed.
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