What Is The Difference Between Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons
It has become more important than ever to understand the credentials that your health providers have. Nowadays, there is no shortage of companies that make claims, especially about beauty and aesthetics, that are not true. On the harmless side, this can be snake oil strategies to sell products or procedures that provide virtually no benefit. But unfortunately, there are also very real risks. There are many medspas and surgeons who do not have sufficient experience or certification to perform the treatments they provide. There are countless stories of patients facing severe and sometimes life-threatening outcomes due to a lack of experience, accountability, or training. What makes matters worse is that there are often names and terms used in marketing that are designed to give patients a sense of false security. In this article, we will discuss the key distinctions between board-certified plastic surgeons and other providers.
Why Is The Difference Important?
As we mentioned above, working with the wrong provider can lead to everything from wasted time and money on procedures with no proven results or potentially dangerous outcomes. According to survey data, at least 87% of people are unsure of the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgeons. Legally speaking, there are no restrictions on someone calling themselves a cosmetic, aesthetic, or plastic surgeon. Professionals who market themselves as cosmetic surgeons are not required to complete any formal plastic surgery training.
What is a Cosmetic Surgeon?
A cosmetic surgeon is simply a provider who specializes in cosmetic treatments. Like medspas, cosmetic surgeons tend to focus on providing everything from Botox Cosmetic injections to liposuction to help patients address cosmetic concerns. In recent years, there has been a growing industry for providing non-surgical treatments and devices and advertising them as safe to use. However, as pointed out by many journalists, this industry is extremely unregulated and can be dangerous.
Can Cosmetic Surgeons Be “Board-Certified”?
The term “board-certified” can often lend a lot of credibility and confidence to a medical provider. In order to make that claim, a board has to certify you. However, it is important to understand what goes into becoming board-certified and which board certifies the surgeon you are seeing.
American Board of Plastic Surgery Requirements
Plastic Surgeons are often certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. In order to be certified, you need at least six years of surgical training, including completion of an accredited plastic surgery training program. These surgeons have to complete thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and pass rigorous written and oral exams while also committing to ongoing assessment and education throughout their careers in order to maintain their status as board-certified plastic surgeons.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Requirements
There are other boards, like the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, which have much lower requirements. You only need to have one year of surgical training and complete oral and written exams in a single weekend. There is also no ongoing commitment to education and assessment. The differences between these two certifications are so large that the Medical Board of California does not allow surgeons with an ABCS certification to market themselves as “Board-certified”.
How Can You Check Your Plastic Surgeon’s Certifications?
When choosing someone to provide any medical treatments, including aesthetic treatments, you should always check their certifications. The lack of regulation in the aesthetic industry makes it possible for many people with insufficient training to claim that they are experts, which can lead to dangerous outcomes. For any surgical treatment, you want to ensure that your surgeon is board-certified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These surgeons will often advertise this and will have partnerships with local hospitals.
Schedule A Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon on Cape Cod
Here at Cape & Islands Plastic Surgery, both Dr. Michael Loffredo and Dr. Seth Jones are board-certified plastic surgeons who have been operating on the Cape for well over a decade. With those years of experience comes a dedication to education and ensuring patients are able to achieve their goals in a safe environment. To schedule a consultation with our surgeons, please contact one of our offices.
