Before undergoing plastic surgery, it is extremely important that patients find a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But what does it mean for a doctor to be board-certified? “Board-certified” simply means that a physician has received certification from an organization called a “Board.” The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a recognized entity that grants doctors certification. However, there are unrecognized organizations and other entities calling themselves “Boards” that grant doctors certification.  This is where patients need to be careful and do their research to ensure a doctor who is claiming to be “Board-certified” has received board certification from a recognized organization. For example, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) is not a recognized board of the American Board of Medical Specialities. However, the AACS "certifies" many cosmetic surgeons who are not board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many patients are surprised to learn that any licensed medical doctor can legally perform plastic surgery and call themselves a plastic surgeon, regardless of training. Many doctors listed as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in yellow pages have not completed a proper residency in plastic surgery. 

Every patient deserves beautiful results.

Board certification is voluntary. There is no mandate that requires physicians to become board-certified, but it has become a gold standard when looking at a doctor’s credentials. It is up to the patient to check on the qualifications of their doctor who will be making permanent changes to their body. A procedure may appear cheaper from a non-Board certified physician, but the damage that could be done to your body if complications arose could be costly. Plastic surgery is typically a major, irreversible enhancement. Therefore, patients should seek a highly trained, experienced professional. Doctors who are Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have the proper training, ethical standards, and experience patients should be looking for. These doctors have passed a written and oral exam and have completed fulltime residencies, working over 4000 hours per year alongside more experienced surgeons. Board certified plastic surgeons are trained to deal with and prevent complications that could arise during surgery. Physicians who receive certification from weekend training courses or unrecognized boards do not have nearly as much training and therefore, are unprepared to correct complications. Additionally, Board certified plastic surgeons have a finely tuned sense of aesthetics, a skill gained during years of experience. This is a unique qualification that is critical to the success cosmetic surgery where judgments of balance and proportion are called upon. Choosing a Board certified plastic surgeon provides a patient with the maximum level of assurance that their doctor is well-qualified and highly trained. 

How do I know if my doctor is Board Certified in plastic surgery?  

An easy way to know if your surgeon is Board certified in plastic surgery is to look for the symbol of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), shown here: 

Why should my doctor be certified by a recognized Board? 

Do Your Research: Choose A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Learn more about Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Stan Castor

Only members of the ASPS may display this symbol and all members are required to be Board certified in plastic surgery.  A patient can also visit the ABPS website, to verify Board certification of their physician. Dr. Stan Castor is a member of the ASPS and is Board certified in Plastic Surgery. If you are interested in scheduling a complimentary consultation, you can call his office, Artisan Aesthetics, at 813.971.2000 or visit his website.