My fiance wants breast surgery and I don't want her to go to a doctor that is going to ruin her breasts. How do we know we're getting someone who knows what they are doing?
Dr Yates
Favorite Answer
Go to a board certified plastic surgeon. Make sure their certification is through the american board of plastic surgeons. Otherwise, you will likely be seeing someone without the appropriate training.
To become certified by this board, 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.org.