Cosmetic Surgeon

That said, the vast majority of plastic surgeons go through a similar education process, which includes an Internship, Residency, and in some cases involves a “fellowship” for more specialized training.

Finding Top Plastic Surgeons with Special Interests/Expertise

Top-notch cosmetic surgeons (experts) are often referred and known as masters of certain aspects of their field, such as condition, or surgical procedure specialties. All plastic surgeons are trained to practice many different cosmetic surgery procedures, however, the reality is that no one surgeon will master and excel at every condition or surgical procedure in their field. Therefore, it’s key to find top surgeons in certain areas based on particular special interests and/or expertise.

Plastic surgeons master and regularly perform particular surgical procedures in their areas of specialization. Another key finding top-notch plastic surgeons is finding those who are referred by their peers the most for certain surgical procedures, and those who practice those surgical procedures 75% – or more of the time.

Finally, every surgeon has a special interest/expertise in a particular specialization. Therefore, it is also important to find top-notch plastic surgeons based on their special interests or particular / areas of expertise. Typically, plastic surgeons will master and be recognized for certain procedures; usually one of seven types of procedures.

Top Plastic Surgeons Nomination Process

Relevant medical doctor credential information databases and extensive research is essential in finding top-notch cosmetic surgeons. Therefore, now more than ever, innovative methodologies are becoming main-stream to help individuals find top-notch plastic surgeons who have special interests/expertise in certain surgical procedures.

Step 1: Board certified plastic surgeons (only) are randomly selected using owned comprehensive doctor credential information databases and a proprietary system.

Step 2: The proprietary system and software faxes or emails selected plastic surgeons, asking them “If one of your loved ones needed medical attention in your field, which of your peers would you choose?”

Step 3: Emails and faxes contain a user name & password that, allow doctors to login to the database. Doctors then complete form, nominate their peer(s) and submit.

Step 4: The research team receives the doctor nomination data, reviews the data and prepares for the next phase.

Step 5: Those surgeons who are selected by their peers numerous times are then reviewed for proper nationwide licensure status, disciplinary actions, malpractice judgments, and are cross-referenced using 13 owned/leased doctor credential information databases that provide confirmation of doctors’ complete nationwide licensure statuses and relevant credential information.

Step 6: The research team reviews and refines the pool of nominated plastic surgeons, and verifies credentials.

Guide to Top Plastic Surgeons Methodologies

It’s safe to say that there is no requirement or universal agreement, used to research and find America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. However by implementing innovative technologies and solid methodologies to research every physician’s complete profile in conjunction with, extensive survey results proves to be the best alternative.

Years in practice, academic appointments, hospital appointments, fellowship training, membership affiliations, reputation/recognition, awards, professional years of experience, special interest/area of expertise, malpractice judgment(s),disciplinary actions, and board certification status are all important considerations to finding plastic surgeons at the top of their careers.

Outcome

Every cosmetic surgeon has a different combination of background, training, and experience. The more effort you put into your research, the better your result. Use the tips above to get you started on your search for the plastic surgeon(s) that will be the most skilled, qualified, and trustworthy to meet your specific medical needs. Many people that do not put the time and effort into finding the right plastic surgeons experience, medical complications or results that plague them the rest of their lives.

There is a significant and noticeable different between plastic surgeons and “cosmetic surgeons” that the general public does not fully understand. Plastic Surgeons are trained in cosmetic surgery as well as reconstructive surgery, this is a very specific kind of physician. “Cosmetic surgeon” is a non-specific term that can be a legitimate plastic surgeon or someone whom is untrained in plastic surgery who does these procedures (often poorly and dangerously). If a surgeon uses the term “cosmetic surgeon” or “aesthetic surgeon”, they are likely not a plastic surgeon. They may be excellent dermatologists, OB/Gyn doctors, family practice doctors, internal medicine doctors or dentists to name a few but that does not make them qualified to do cosmetic surgery.

To become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a plastic surgeon must first complete intensive training in an accredited training program. Thereafter, the surgeon must pass rigorous written and oral examinations given by the board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of only 24 accredited specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and is the only board recognized by the ABMS to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery. There are a number of other boarding organizations that include “facial”, “aesthetic” or “cosmetic” in the title. These are not recognized by the ABMS and do not have the same training requirements. To verify a physician’s board status, contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at (215) 587-9322. You may also contact the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1(800) 776-2378 or www.abms.com

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is not recognized by the ABMS and requires no prerequisite training in plastic surgery. According to the ABCS website, this is superior to any other boards for cosmetic surgery as it is the only board certifying doctors in cosmetic surgery!!! I find this extremely offensive. In fact a “cosmetic surgeon” practicing in my local area whom is actually in primary care tells his patients that he is “better than a plastic surgeon because he is a cosmetic surgeon and fixes the plastic surgeons mistakes!!!”

Very few, if any plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. No non-plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.