Cosmetic surgery is a popular choice for many people looking to improve their appearance, but it is important to understand who is qualified to perform these procedures. Plastic surgeons are guaranteed to be trained in cosmetic surgery, general surgery and reconstructive surgery, but not all medical professionals are required to be board-certified plastic surgeons. Fewer than five percent of certified cosmetic surgeons are certified in plastic surgery. When considering the difference in training between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, a woman should initially see whether or not her prospective surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
The title “board-certified plastic surgeon” indicates a certain level of training and experience with respect to plastic surgery, but does not indicate the same with respect to cosmetic surgery, since the residency training required to obtain board certification in plastic surgery may not include training regarding many common cosmetic procedures. During a fellowship, surgeons receive extensive training in all cosmetic surgery procedures of the face, breasts and body, as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments, and perform a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures. He has 15 years of experience in practice and has performed more than 5,000 facial plastic surgery procedures. The training, experience, and knowledge required to become a board-certified cosmetic surgeon reflect a specialization that goes beyond what is needed to earn board certification in a related discipline, such as plastic surgery.
Because any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic surgery, regardless of how they received cosmetic surgery training, it is extremely important that you research when choosing a cosmetic surgeon. It is also important to note that while both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are concerned with improving the patient's body, the general philosophies that guide training, research, and goals for patient outcomes are different. A cosmetic surgeon could determine which technologies are best for an individual and give them all their options. Since cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery have different practice objectives based on a specific set of procedures, it only follows that the training and certification process for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon will be very different from that of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Doctors at Kaiser Permanente agree that elective cosmetic procedures are not suitable for everyone and you should weigh the decision carefully.
Nima has seen its fair share of patients seeking check-ups after failed procedures that were initially performed by doctors who have no professional training with cosmetic or plastic surgery. In conclusion, it is essential to understand who is qualified to perform these procedures before making any decisions about undergoing elective cosmetic surgery. It is important to research your prospective surgeon's credentials and make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Additionally, it is important to understand the differences between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons in order to make an informed decision about who will be performing your procedure.
