| Cosmetic surgeons combine knowledge, surgical | | | | that takes years to complete. The following |
| skill, technical expertise and ethics to achieve their | | | | training is required before a surgeon can be board |
| goal of providing aesthetic enhancement for their | | | | certified: |
| patients. | | | | Four years of medical school One year of |
| When choosing a cosmetic surgeon it is important | | | | internship in General Surgery Three or more |
| to select a cosmetic surgeon who is board | | | | years residency in General Surgery Two to three |
| certified. In most states it is legal for any | | | | years residency in Plastic Surgery Additional |
| physician who holds a valid medical license, with or | | | | fellowships recommended but not required |
| without surgical training, to practice cosmetic | | | | The number of people seeking cosmetic surgery |
| surgery. | | | | has increased dramatically over the years and |
| Why is Board Certification Important? | | | | more and more doctors are offering cosmetic |
| Board certification is important because it makes | | | | surgery to their patients, so it is important you |
| certain that your cosmetic surgeon has the | | | | obtain accurate information regarding cosmetic |
| training, qualifications and experience needed to | | | | surgery and the doctors who perform it. You |
| perform your cosmetic surgical procedure safely | | | | should be aware of your doctor's education, |
| and skillfully. A board certified cosmetic surgeon | | | | training, experience and competence with the |
| has greater insight into your needs, has | | | | cosmetic surgical procedure you are |
| knowledge of state-of-the-art techniques and the | | | | contemplating. |
| surgical skill and judgment to recommend and | | | | Your cosmetic surgeon should be board certified |
| perform the cosmetic surgical procedure that will | | | | with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and |
| enhance your appearance effectively and safely. | | | | hold memberships in the American Society of |
| What Does it Take to Become Board Certified? | | | | Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for |
| In order for a surgeon to become board certified | | | | Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. |
| they must go through a long demanding process | | | | |