Did you know that anyone with a medical degree can call themself a cosmetic surgeon and perform cosmetic surgery? Your family doctor could theoretically offer procedures ranging from BOTOX® injections to liposuction or breast augmentation. If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, it can be difficult to sort out who is a legitimately well-trained plastic surgeon and who may have little to no training or experience performing the procedure you want.
What Makes Someone a Plastic Surgeon?
Two words: board certification. But not just any board, because some organizations call themselves cosmetic surgery boards that aren’t recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABMS stamp of approval is what distinguishes the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) from other aesthetic surgery boards.
What makes the ABPS better than other boards? It requires years of rigorous surgical training after medical school focused on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
The road to becoming an ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon is long. Besides being licensed to practice medicine, ABPS certification requires the surgeon to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree: This takes 4 years
- Complete medical school: This takes 4 years
- Complete a residency: This usually takes about 6 years (with at least 3 of those years devoted to plastic and reconstructive surgery)
- Pass rigorous written and oral exams. And these exams must be re-taken every 10 years to maintain board certification.
Dr. Davidson provides an example of the credentials of a world-class plastic surgeon in Boston. He earned his bachelor’s degree and medical degree from Harvard University. He then trained in general surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and in plastic surgery in such highly respected programs and hospitals as:
- Harvard Plastic Surgery Program
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Beth-Israel Deaconess Hospital
- Children’s Hospital Boston
Finally, he served as chief resident at Mass General and Brigham and Women’s Hospitals.
Plastic Surgeon or Cosmetic Surgeon: How To Choose Wisely
So, how can you ensure you’re in good hands? Follow these tips:
- Always verify board certification with the ABPS.
- Be wary of vague claims about “board certification” without specifying the specialty.
- Ask detailed questions about the surgeon’s training and experience with your desired procedure.
- Don’t be shy about requesting a plastic surgeon’s before-and-after photos or patient testimonials.
You can also find plenty of reputable, independent resources online featuring unbiased patient reviews.
While it might be unsettling to learn that the title “cosmetic surgeon” isn’t as regulated as you might expect, knowledge is power. Your safety and results are worth the extra effort to find a qualified professional. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research. After all, it’s your body and your confidence on the line.
You can meet personally with Dr. Davidson by requesting a consultation using the online form or by calling our office at (781) 237-7700 to schedule an appointment.
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