Those considering plastic surgery have likely come across phrases like “board-certified cosmetic surgeon” or “board-certified plastic surgeon,” but these are not the same thing. For superior results and a safe outcome, it’s important for patients to understand what it means to be a board-certified plastic surgeon. Below we’re sharing what patients need to know about board certification and why it matters.
What Is Board Certification?
When undergoing any type of treatment by a physician, patients deserve the peace of mind that they’re receiving the highest standard of care, and this all comes down to the practitioner’s technical skills, experience, and knowledge. One way to validate a doctor’s level of skill is through board certification in his or her specialty. Although it might seem like board certification would be mandated by law, it is completely voluntary.
Technically, any practicing physician with a valid medical license can perform cosmetic surgery. This means that a doctor whose specialty is general medicine or emergency medicine can legally perform highly complex plastic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation. These doctors may market themselves as “cosmetic surgeons,” or claim to be a “board-certified cosmetic surgeon.” However, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Patients should be sure to choose a surgeon who is board certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which have very high standards for certification.
Most plastic surgeons in the United States spend about 16 years undergoing postsecondary training and education. This also includes highly specialized training in reconstructive and plastic surgery. In order to become board certified in plastic surgery, they must then pass rigorous written and oral examinations to demonstrate their proficiency. Patients can verify the status of their potential plastic surgeon’s board certification online.
Dr. Hershcovitch is double board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. This wealth of knowledge allows him to provide the highest level of care to patients seeking facial plastic surgery.
Why Board Certification Matters
Safety
In skilled hands, most plastic surgery procedures are fairly safe and predictable. But as with any procedure, sometimes unexpected medical events occur. In such a scenario, a board-certified physician is best qualified to handle the situation and ensure the safest outcome possible. This high level of skill is important even for patients undergoing minimally invasive or non-surgical treatments, such as Botox injections and fillers.
Results
When undergoing plastic surgery of the face or another highly visible part of the body, many patients are concerned that their results will make them look unnatural or overcorrected. This is another area where board certification can provide a tremendous benefit.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Hershcovitch has an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and how it relates to facial aesthetics. Plastic surgery is an art as much as it is a science; properly certified surgeons such as Dr. Hershcovitch combine their meticulous surgical skill with aesthetic insight to produce truly natural-looking results.
If you’re considering facial plastic surgery and you’d like to speak with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, contact Dr. Matt Hershcovitch. Based on your concerns and cosmetic goals, he will work with you to create a completely customized treatment plan.
