Should I trust a breast augmentation surgeon who doesn't have board certification and isn't listed on the ASPS website?

The plastic surgeon I'm considering have do my rapid recovery, "gummy bear" implant surgery says he dropped his board certification 5 years ago because he only does lipo, breast augmentation, and lips. Is this normal? He also said he was with the ASPS, but he's not listed on their website and the symbol isn't found on his website. Should I trust him to do my procedure? What kind of questions should I ask to make sure he's keeping up with current standards and continuing education?

Answers from doctors (13)


Joseph Cruise, MD

Published on Mar 30, 2020

The answer is no.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6086_1500918981.jpg
Answered by Joseph Cruise, MD

The answer is no.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

Published on Aug 11, 2016

You should ask the board (ASPS) to verify the facts, which they will do. The surgeon may have been kicked out b/c of disciplinary issues. If he is older, he also may be close to retirement and no longer sees the added value of membership. If he is a young guy, there is no VALID reason to not be board certified. Investigate further or just choose one of many surgeons on the ASAPS website who have the obligatory qualifications. .

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6214_1431012454.jpg
Answered by Larry Leverett, MD, FACS

You should ask the board (ASPS) to verify the facts, which they will do. The surgeon may have been kicked out b/c of disciplinary issues. If he is older, he also may be close to retirement and no longer sees the added value of membership. If he is a young guy, there is no VALID reason to not be board certified. Investigate further or just choose one of many surgeons on the ASAPS website who have the obligatory qualifications. .

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 02, 2016

Board certification does not mean the surgeon is an artist or has satisfied patients. There are many cosmetic surgeons not board certified who do excellent work. Dropping certification makes no sense and is highly suspicious. State Boards require continuing education. The best reference would be past patients.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8050_1464367751.jpg
Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Board certification does not mean the surgeon is an artist or has satisfied patients. There are many cosmetic surgeons not board certified who do excellent work. Dropping certification makes no sense and is highly suspicious. State Boards require continuing education. The best reference would be past patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

Published on May 30, 2016

Caveat emptor - buyer beware. Even if your surgeon is only doing lipo, breast augmentation and lips, that is no reason to drop his board certification. If he is not listed on the ASPS site, he is not board certified. There are many people masquerading as plastic surgeons. If you are enamored by this individual, check out the web; see if his boards were taken away, see his reputation. While there are many excellent surgeons who are not board-certified, board certification assures, at a minimum, that your plastic surgeon received the proper training and is continuing to maintain up to date knowledge.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8033_1461799827.jpg
Answered by ELLIOT B. DUBOYS, MD, FACS

Caveat emptor - buyer beware. Even if your surgeon is only doing lipo, breast augmentation and lips, that is no reason to drop his board certification. If he is not listed on the ASPS site, he is not board certified. There are many people masquerading as plastic surgeons. If you are enamored by this individual, check out the web; see if his boards were taken away, see his reputation. While there are many excellent surgeons who are not board-certified, board certification assures, at a minimum, that your plastic surgeon received the proper training and is continuing to maintain up to date knowledge.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Paul Vitenas Jr., MD

Published on Apr 06, 2016

Thank you for your question. It is important to consider many things when undergoing a cosmetic procedure, especially credentialing. When selecting a board-certified surgeon, you know it is generally a doctor you can trust, and there might be a reason why a surgeon wouldn’t be able to have that necessary credentialing. If a doctor is not listed on the ASPS website, it is typically because they are not a member. Most surgeons would advise you to not seek out a surgeon who isn’t currently board-certified.

Answered by Paul Vitenas Jr., MD (View Profile)

Thank you for your question. It is important to consider many things when undergoing a cosmetic procedure, especially credentialing. When selecting a board-certified surgeon, you know it is generally a doctor you can trust, and there might be a reason why a surgeon wouldn’t be able to have that necessary credentialing. If a doctor is not listed on the ASPS website, it is typically because they are not a member. Most surgeons would advise you to not seek out a surgeon who isn’t currently board-certified.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Apr 05, 2016

Not all surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery are trained equally, and any doctor with a valid medical license, regardless of the length and type of training he or she has, can perform cosmetic surgery.

As the demand for plastic surgery continues to increase each year, this fact becomes more alarming. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the foremost authority on plastic surgery, more than 10.2 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2005, up 11 percent from 2004.

It is very important that you choose a qualified and highly experienced plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic surgery. If there are any complications during surgery, an experienced plastic surgeon will be more adept at handling the situation. In addition, a plastic surgeon that has performed many cosmetic surgeries will have had more time to perfect his or her technique and results.

Tips for Choosing a Plastic Surgeon:

There are several guidelines to follow in order to ensure that you choose one of the finest plastic surgeons in your area:

• You need your plastic surgeon to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification is an indication that the surgeon has had extra training in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery. This also ensures that the plastic surgeon has earned his or her degree from a reputable medical school and has completed five years of additional residency.

• Reputable plastic surgeons should have privileges to perform cosmetic surgery procedures at an accredited hospital, not just in the surgery center in their office.

• Ask your plastic surgeon to show you before-and-after photos of patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery and ask to speak with some of their patients.

• Good doctors will ensure realistic expectations and take the time to address your concerns. They will encourage you to do your homework, talk to other patients, and make an informed choice.

I hope this helps.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Not all surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery are trained equally, and any doctor with a valid medical license, regardless of the length and type of training he or she has, can perform cosmetic surgery.

As the demand for plastic surgery continues to increase each year, this fact becomes more alarming. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the foremost authority on plastic surgery, more than 10.2 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2005, up 11 percent from 2004.

It is very important that you choose a qualified and highly experienced plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic surgery. If there are any complications during surgery, an experienced plastic surgeon will be more adept at handling the situation. In addition, a plastic surgeon that has performed many cosmetic surgeries will have had more time to perfect his or her technique and results.

Tips for Choosing a Plastic Surgeon:

There are several guidelines to follow in order to ensure that you choose one of the finest plastic surgeons in your area:

• You need your plastic surgeon to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification is an indication that the surgeon has had extra training in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery. This also ensures that the plastic surgeon has earned his or her degree from a reputable medical school and has completed five years of additional residency.

• Reputable plastic surgeons should have privileges to perform cosmetic surgery procedures at an accredited hospital, not just in the surgery center in their office.

• Ask your plastic surgeon to show you before-and-after photos of patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery and ask to speak with some of their patients.

• Good doctors will ensure realistic expectations and take the time to address your concerns. They will encourage you to do your homework, talk to other patients, and make an informed choice.

I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Apr 05, 2016

Why would you ever consider him when there are so many well-credentialed doctors who can perform the procedure and do so safely and successfully? I would not trust this individual

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7206_1446597222.jpg
Answered by Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Why would you ever consider him when there are so many well-credentialed doctors who can perform the procedure and do so safely and successfully? I would not trust this individual

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Don R. Revis, Jr., M.D, F.A.C.S

Published on Apr 04, 2016

Good afternoon!

You need to run, not walk, to a different plastic surgeon. You're not being told the full story. One of three situations probably exists here:

1) He is not a real plastic surgeon. Any ophthalmologist, radiologist, internist, dermatologist, etc., can advertise as a plastic surgeon.

2) He did something horrible and his board certification and/or ASPS membership was revoked.

3) He did not keep up with education and meetings, and thus failed the recertification exam.

NO legitimate plastic surgeon in their right mind would ever give up the credentials they worked so hard to achieve.



//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6127_1500919992.jpg
Answered by Don R. Revis, Jr., M.D, F.A.C.S

Good afternoon!

You need to run, not walk, to a different plastic surgeon. You're not being told the full story. One of three situations probably exists here:

1) He is not a real plastic surgeon. Any ophthalmologist, radiologist, internist, dermatologist, etc., can advertise as a plastic surgeon.

2) He did something horrible and his board certification and/or ASPS membership was revoked.

3) He did not keep up with education and meetings, and thus failed the recertification exam.

NO legitimate plastic surgeon in their right mind would ever give up the credentials they worked so hard to achieve.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Apr 04, 2016

Beware: it sounds like this doctor is not qualified. Check with the ASPS for a board-certified plastic surgeon.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7741_1455309146.jpg
Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Beware: it sounds like this doctor is not qualified. Check with the ASPS for a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Apr 04, 2016

You don't drop your board certification. Call the board of plastic surgery and ask them directly. They would have a record either way. If he isn't telling the truth, then I would find a plastic surgery that is competent and board-certified.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7193_1500928629.jpg
Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

You don't drop your board certification. Call the board of plastic surgery and ask them directly. They would have a record either way. If he isn't telling the truth, then I would find a plastic surgery that is competent and board-certified.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

Published on Apr 04, 2016

If your surgeon is a member of ASPS, the ASPS website would definitely have him listed on it. You may want to ask why he dropped his board certification. You can also inquire directly with ASPS. If you are concerned about his reputation, you may also want to check with your state medical board for any disciplinary actions or sanctions. Board certification does ensure that a surgeon is keeping up with the most current medical information since it is required that physicians complete a certain number of continuing medical education hours every year. You may also want to ask where he performs his surgeries in case of an emergency or complication. Although the risk of complications is low for breast augmentation, there is always a risk when undergoing any type of surgery. Most, if not all, hospitals require that all staff physicians maintain their board certification in their respective specialties.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7331_1500929148.jpg
Answered by Mark E. Mason, MD, FACS

If your surgeon is a member of ASPS, the ASPS website would definitely have him listed on it. You may want to ask why he dropped his board certification. You can also inquire directly with ASPS. If you are concerned about his reputation, you may also want to check with your state medical board for any disciplinary actions or sanctions. Board certification does ensure that a surgeon is keeping up with the most current medical information since it is required that physicians complete a certain number of continuing medical education hours every year. You may also want to ask where he performs his surgeries in case of an emergency or complication. Although the risk of complications is low for breast augmentation, there is always a risk when undergoing any type of surgery. Most, if not all, hospitals require that all staff physicians maintain their board certification in their respective specialties.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ralph M. Rosato, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Apr 04, 2016

I would be cautious. Some options would be to check the board of medicine as they list any malpractice cases. Also, since there are many board-certified surgeons, why not select another surgeon. Make sure he or she has hospital privileges to do breast surgery. Ask your medical doctor who they would recommend. Good luck!

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7768_1456953332.jpg
Answered by Ralph M. Rosato, M.D., F.A.C.S.

I would be cautious. Some options would be to check the board of medicine as they list any malpractice cases. Also, since there are many board-certified surgeons, why not select another surgeon. Make sure he or she has hospital privileges to do breast surgery. Ask your medical doctor who they would recommend. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Sean Kelishadi, M.D.

Published on Apr 03, 2016

You should go to someone who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Not everyone who is board certified is a member of the ASPS. You can check for board certification by contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I hope this helps!

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7790_1458147417.jpg
Answered by Sean Kelishadi, M.D.

You should go to someone who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Not everyone who is board certified is a member of the ASPS. You can check for board certification by contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I hope this helps!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation -17 answers
I had breast augmentation 6 weeks ago and they seem to have settled but i'm unsure. I'm feel like they are too small. I have tried on bras and I measure into a 32DD as well as 34 C sister size (I was a 32a prior). How long will it take for my breast to drop and fluff? I also have a gap in between which makes it difficult to achieve cleavage.
See More
Breast Augmentation -13 answers
I had a breast augmentation on April 8th. I feel like they are shaped funny and not as big as I wanted. I went submuscular. Prior to the surgery, I was a 38 B and now I have 560 cc silicone gel Inspira implants. I was hoping to be a DD. Should I have gone bigger? Will my breast take a more natural shape? When is a good time to get a new bra, and will I be a DD once my breasts have settled and healing is complete?
See More
Breast Augmentation -15 answers
I have friends who've gotten 500cc's and their breasts are quite big. After trying the 650cc sizers, they seemed to compliment my body more. Is there a big difference between the two sizes? Is 650 too large?
See More
Breast Augmentation -10 answers
I'm worried my 400 cc silicone is too big. I liked the sizer and my doctor told me it would look smaller.
See More
Breast Augmentation -20 answers
I want the fake Barbie doll high projected look. I want to know what I am getting before I get my breast done.
See More
Breast Augmentation -13 answers
I just had surgery yesterday and I got 355cc's. They look so small in my surgical bra and wrap. I'm worried that they won't be big enough. Do you know what size I might be once the implants settle? I'm hoping small D.
See More
Breast Augmentation -19 answers
I thought I was getting 400cc high profile silicone but my PS said they'll be 400cc moderate plus. I wanted a natural but big look, a D cup, and a small gap. Maybe that's why he chose those? Is there much difference in projection?
See More
Breast Augmentation -14 answers
My breast augmentation is next Saturday and I am hesitating between 225 and 250cc submuscular silicone! I am a 32A/tiny B and fill up a 32B bra at Victoria's Secret. I am looking to be a full B/small C. I'm 5"6 and weigh around 100lbs. I am so scared I'm going to look disproportional and fake, but am also scared this is going to make me go too small. My goal is to look natural and proportional, while at the same time have a nice rack. Which implant do you think will give me the desired look?
See More
Breast Augmentation -10 answers
Hi, I had surgery on 10/13/2016. I got 405cc hp under the muscle. My implants are high and they look square. Is this normal? When will they start to take their shape? They look smaller than what I expected. Will they get bigger?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Breast Augmentation -13 answers
I was a full A, small B. My silicone implant size is 455 cc. What exacally is going to be my final size?
See More
Breast Augmentation -15 answers
I'm a little lost on the XL implants matter, that I personally like. Are they really unsafe? What are the reasons for that? It seems most PS don't recommend/perform them. Is it by lack of experience/expertise? Idealism? Are those PS who perform these procedures just "warriors" responding to a well present market? I would be curious to hear some honest answers, leaving the politically/socially correct behind. Thanks in advance.
See More
Breast Augmentation -19 answers
I am 5"4 and 145lbs. I am currently a 34C and would like to be a Dcup. My PS recommend a lift. I informed him i wanted implants but still want a natural look. PS recommended 485cc smooth moderate plus silicone obove the mucle. Possible mini lift during surgery depending on how the implant looks during surgery. It just sounds like a lot of CCs. It doesn't feel right and now I'm freaking out.
See More
Breast Augmentation -6 answers
I was a 36B before getting 580cc implants yesterday. I'm just curious, what cup size might I be after they've settled?
See More
Breast Augmentation -11 answers
I am 5'7" and weigh 158 pounds. I want XL implants. My goal is to have a Barbie doll/Playboy model look. Based on my height and weight, would 1200cc or 1250cc help me achieve that? I want high projection and side boob.
See More
Breast Augmentation -21 answers
I'm currently a large C-cup. My doctor said with 600cc I will end up around a DD. I'm fine with that but 600cc seems really big. Can my frame really handle that big of an implant and not look like Dolly Parton? I'm 5ft 8 in tall, 160lbs, size 10, wide shoulders.
See More
Breast Augmentation -27 answers
I know there is a vast amount of factors that go into breast augmentation, lifts, and implant manufacturer costs alongside anesthesia, facility, meds, and other costs. But in your experience what is a ball park cost range you typically see for breast augmentation, and breast augmentation + lift. It'd be very helpful if you share a range like 9-10k or 6-7k, etc. Thanks!
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR