When consumers want to have plastic surgery, which is commonly referred to as cosmetic surgery, there are tens of thousands of physicians in the US from which they can choose. However, while all states require licensure, about half of them do not require board certification.

1. What Does it Mean to be a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
When consumers want to have plastic surgery, which is commonly referred to as cosmetic
surgery, there are tens of thousands of physicians in the US from which they can choose.
However, while all states require licensure, about half of them do not require board
certification.
What is Board Certification?
Board certification is much different from the licensure that is required to practice any form of
medicine in the United States. In fact, certification in a specialty is completely voluntary and
physicians are able to practice general medicine and perform surgeries in their offices without
it. A physician with a medical license has demonstrated the minimum competency necessary to
practice. On the other hand, a surgeon who has board certification has proven his or her

2. expertise in the area of cosmetic surgery. This certification requires rigorous testing and
evaluation to prove an individual’s competency.
What ’s t he D ifference?
As far as patient safety is concerned, there are several issues that should be considered. First
and foremost, the laws that dictate what physicians can and cannot do were written almost a
century ago – long before cosmetic surgeries were considered routine. They have not changed
much since then, and any licensed physician has the ability under the law to perform these
procedures in his or her office. What’s more, since most cosmetic surgeries are not billed
through insurance companies and are instead paid for out-of-pocket, it is usually up to the
patient to make the right call.
Surgeon Selection
In today’s technologically advanced day and age, patients should receive high-quality care no
matter how minor the procedure. A board certified plastic surgeon has demonstrated his or her
knowledge and ability according to very strict standards and is able to perform cosmetic
procedures in high-quality, accredited hospitals known for their outstanding outcomes.
Patients can feel safe in knowing that the surgeon has at least five years of experience, has
completed a residency in plastic surgery, and has passed both a written and oral exam.
These days, it is not difficult to find out whether or not a plastic surgeon is board certified. The
American Board of Plastic Surgery website has a search function that will allow patients to input
parameters such as the surgeon’s name, city, state, and zip code. If the surgeon’s name is not
found, the American Board of Physician Specialties website offers a broader search that can give
consumers information about whether a particular physician has any specialties at all. This way,
consumers are able to make better decisions regarding their healthcare.
Safety First
Consumers who want only the best outcomes from their surgeries should always ensure that
their surgeons are indeed certified. Oftentimes, it is tempting to choose a physician who is not
certified but who will perform procedures in his or her office at discounted rates; after all, these
surgeries are expensive and most people pay for them out of their own pockets. However, when
they choose a certified surgeon, they will be able to have their surgeries in accredited hospitals
surrounded by only the best healthcare team.
The benefits of becoming board certified are numerous for both the physician and the
consumer. Above all else, it demonstrates competency and a willingness to go above and
beyond what is required to practice as a physician.

3. About Author: Best Boston plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel is a world renowned facial plastic
surgeon specializing in advanced facial aesthetics for both male and female patients. He sees
patients from around the world who come for the most safe, effective, and beautiful facial
plastic surgery available. Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel, Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery at Boston University Medical Center, offers a full spectrum of cosmetic
and reconstructive treatments including facelift, eyelift, nose surgery, facial shaping, and much
more.