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?
The answer is no.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Beware: it sounds like this doctor is not qualified. Check with the ASPS for a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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
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
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