Choosing the best plastic surgeon for your procedure is one of the most critical decisions. Board certification is an excellent indicator of a physician’s extensive training and dedication to their speciality. Ensuring your plastic surgeon is certified by an ABMS-recognized medical board is essential. Some physicians claim to be board-certified but belong to a non-ABMS medical board with lower standards.
Experience
The medical field constantly adopts recent development and scientific practice, and physicians must stay current. That’s why board certification is essential. It’s a sign that a surgeon has passed rigorous tests and maintains high training, education, and expertise. When searching for a plastic surgeon Bellevue, ask about their experience level and frequency with the procedure you’re considering. Also, please find out how long they have been practising as a physician and whether they perform their surgeries in an accredited operating room. A sense of humour is another aspect to look for in a plastic surgeon. A good laugh can put a patient at ease and make for a more enjoyable experience in the office and operating room. It can also make for a less stressful situation in case of complications during the operation. This is particularly beneficial because, as we all know, emergencies do occur during surgery.
Qualifications
The path to becoming a Board Certified plastic surgeon in the US is lengthy. It starts with an undergraduate degree like a BA or BS, followed by medical school for 4-6 years, a surgical residency (usually including a minimum of 6 full years of training in Plastic Surgery), and then board certification exams at the end of your residency. It is important to note that if your physician says they are “board certified,” you verify that it is the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be aware that many physicians with specialized training in other areas of medicine claim to be “board certified” and may not have been trained in plastic surgery. The surgeon you choose should know the latest procedures and technologies in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They should be able to address any questions or concerns about the procedure and its risks. You want your surgeon to know your medical history and current medications so they can tailor their care to you.
Reputation
Unlike other physicians who are board certified in their specialty (such as cardiologists or ENTs), many cosmetic surgeons don’t have a formal residency training program. This means they may legally call themselves cosmetic surgeons, but it often needs to be clarified if they are board-certified to patients. This has led to several botched procedures, which has alarmed the medical community. While it is essential to ask your doctor about their background and training if they seem evasive, this could be a red flag. Ask your physician if they are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, one of 24 speciality boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). In addition to their extensive training, Board-Certified surgeons have a proven track record of excellent results. They should have experience performing the procedure you’re interested in and should be able to provide you with references from other satisfied patients.
Safety
Your physician must have extensive experience performing the procedure that you are seeking. Seasoned physicians often develop new techniques, teach others in the field, and help establish best practices for safety and results. A plastic surgeon who is board certified also has completed a highly regulated residency program and passed rigorous national exams that ensure high standards of training and knowledge. Those who achieve double board certification have gone through this process twice. Ask your doctor for references if you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure. Speak with friends and family members who have had surgery, and talk to their surgeons. It’s also a good idea to ensure your surgeon has hospital privileges at a medical facility accredited for surgical procedures. This will ensure that well-trained anesthesiologists and nurses can support your surgery. Hospitals are also committed to patient safety and uphold stringent standards of care and cleanliness.