The decision to have plastic surgery is life-changing! When you embark on your aesthetic journey, choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is the first of many important considerations.
If you’re wondering what “board certified” means and how to check if a plastic surgeon is board certified, keep reading!
Why should I make sure my doctor is board certified?
Being board certified is an important distinction that separates a plastic surgeon from other medical doctors based on their years of specialized training. For example, to become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), Dr. Thomas Hagopian completed a rigorous 6-year integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at USC’s Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, and successfully completed exacting board exams. He stays abreast of the latest surgical techniques and follows stringent safety protocols and standards.
Board eligible vs board certified: What’s the difference?
While board-eligible surgeons have received plastic surgery training, they have not yet passed board certification exams.
How can I check if a doctor is board certified?
The easiest and most reliable way to check if a plastic surgeon is certified is to visit the ABPS website and search for the surgeon’s name and practice location. You can also visit the surgeon’s website to view their “About” page or CV, which should prominently display their education, training, and credentials.
How can I choose the best plastic surgeon for my procedure?
While board certification is important, it’s one of many factors you should assess when selecting the right plastic surgeon for your needs. You should also consider you’re surgeon’s areas of surgical expertise, their bedside manner, and patient satisfaction.
We recommend reading patient reviews and viewing the surgeon’s gallery of before and after plastic surgery photos. These resources can help you understand real patient experiences and transformations, giving you an idea of what you might expect. Finally, during your initial consultation, communicate openly to determine whether you can establish trust, confidence, and rapport with your potential surgeon.
What else makes a plastic surgeon well-qualified?
In addition to being board certified, the surgeon should be a member of well-respected plastic surgery industry associations, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society. To qualify for membership, members of these organizations must adhere to rigorous protocols and maintain high safety standards. They also participate in annual meetings and conferences to stay abreast of the latest plastic surgery advances and techniques.
I’ve done my research … what’s next?
After you’ve completed your research and you’re ready to explore your surgical options with a top board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, please request a consultation with Dr. Hagopian online or contact us at (404) 885-8542 to schedule an appointment.
We encourage you to get better acquainted with our practice on our blog. We can’t wait to get to know you and help you embark on your aesthetic transformation!
Leave a Reply