As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience, I have seen firsthand the difference that proper training and certification can make in the field of cosmetic surgery. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the impact of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and the importance of this distinction when it comes to selecting the right surgeon for your cosmetic procedure. First and foremost, it's crucial to understand what board certification means. For any doctor or surgeon, board certification demonstrates their commitment and dedication to their field of medicine. It signifies that they have gone above and beyond the minimum standards and competencies required by their chosen specialty.
In the case of plastic surgery, this means meeting the rigorous standards set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. While any doctor with a medical degree can offer cosmetic surgery options, only those who have completed the necessary training and passed the rigorous exams can be considered board-certified plastic surgeons. This is why it's essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon when you're ready to undergo a cosmetic procedure. However, finding the right board-certified plastic surgeon can be overwhelming, especially in a metropolitan area like Washington DC. With so many options available, how do you know which surgeon is truly qualified to perform your desired procedure?One way to ensure that your surgeon is qualified is to look for their certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 60% of “ABCS certified” doctors performed procedures outside the scope of their residency training.
This means that they may not have received the necessary training and experience in plastic surgery to perform complex procedures. In order to become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must complete at least six years of residency training, with at least half of that training dedicated to plastic and reconstructive procedures. This ensures that they have a solid foundation in reconstructive plastic surgery, which is the basis for all plastic surgery procedures. While many plastic surgeons may also choose to complete additional training and perform cosmetic surgery, their primary focus and training remains in reconstructive plastic surgery. This is an important distinction to keep in mind when choosing a surgeon for your cosmetic procedure. It's also worth noting that the terms “plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon” are often used interchangeably, leading many people to believe that they are the same thing. However, this is not the case.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) represents doctors who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This means that they have met the rigorous standards set by these organizations and are qualified to perform both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. On the other hand, anyone with a medical degree can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, as there is no specific board certification for this field. This is why it's crucial to do your research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic procedure. One such surgeon is Dr. Michael Chiaramonte, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience in body contouring treatments, facial plastic surgery, and breast surgery.
With his extensive training and experience, he is well-equipped to handle even the most complex cosmetic procedures. In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a surgeon for your cosmetic procedure, it's essential to look for someone who is board-certified in plastic surgery. This certification guarantees that they have received the necessary training and experience to perform both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Don't settle for anything less than a board-certified plastic surgeon, and you can rest assured that you are in safe and capable hands.
