What’s the difference? board-certified plastic surgeon vs. cosmetic surgeon

Are you considering plastic surgery in Seattle? If the answer is yes, it is important to understand how to choose the most qualified surgeon to ensure the safest and best possible results. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know who you can trust. In recent years, the rise of non-invasive cosmetic treatments has led to an increase in the number of doctors offering cosmetic procedures. However, not all doctors are created equal, and it’s important to understand the differences between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon.

What is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Board-certified plastic surgeons must complete a minimum of six to eight yearsof surgical training, including at least three years of residency in plasticsurgery. They must also pass comprehensive written and oral exams to becomecertified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This rigoroustraining provides a thorough understanding of anatomy, surgical techniques,and patient safety. Obtaining this certification demonstrates a surgeon’sexpertise and commitment to providing the highest-quality care in the field ofplastic surgery. Plastic surgeons who are board-certified have a level oftraining that is unmatched by other doctors who perform cosmetic procedures.

What is a Cosmetic Surgeon?

Cosmetic surgeons may come from a variety of medical backgrounds. There is noformal requirement for cosmetic surgeons to complete specific training inplastic surgery, and they are not required to pass the same certificationexams as board-certified plastic surgeons.

While the term “cosmetic surgeon” is often used interchangeably with “plasticsurgeon,” they are definitely not the same. Many patients are surprised tofind out that any licensed physician, regardless of specialty training, canlegally perform cosmetic procedures. Scary, right? This means any doctor froma dermatologist to an oral surgeon can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon.While some cosmetic surgeons may have training in plastic surgery, many donot. That means anyone with a medical degree and a license can call themselvesa cosmetic surgeon, even if they have no training at all in plastic surgery.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Board certification is a critical factor to consider when choosing a plasticsurgeon. Certification by the ABPS ensures that a surgeon has undergoneextensive training in all aspects of plastic surgery, including reconstructivesurgery, and aesthetic surgery. The certification process involvescomprehensive exams that test a surgeon’s knowledge, judgment, and technicalskills.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures that you are working with ahighly trained and experienced professional. Board-certified plastic surgeonsare required to meet rigorous training standards and must continue theireducation to maintain their certification. They have the technical skills andexpertise to provide you with the safest and most effective surgical options.

To review, these are some of the key reasons why you should choose aboard-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure:</strong >

1. Training: Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo arigorous training program that covers a wide range of plastic surgeryprocedures. They are trained to understand the complexities of the humanbody and the best surgical techniques to achieve a patient’s desiredresults.
2. Expertise: Board-certified plastic surgeons have years ofexperience performing plastic surgery procedures. They have a deepunderstanding of the risks and benefits of each procedure and can provideyou with the most appropriate surgical options.
3. Safety: Board-certified plastic surgeons have a strongfocus on patient safety. They understand how to manage potentialcomplications that may arise during surgery and have the technical skills tominimize risks.
4. Continuing Education: Board-certified plastic surgeons arerequired to stay up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques andadvancements in plastic surgery through continuing education programs.
5. Accountability: Board-certified plastic surgeons are heldto a high standard of ethical and professional conduct. They are accountableto their peers and are subject to a code of ethics that requires them toprovide the highest quality of care.

When it comes to plastic surgery, choosing the right surgeon is key toachieving successful results, safely. Choosing a board-certified plasticsurgeon ensures that you are in the hands of a highly trained and qualifiedmedical professional who prioritizes patient safety and has the experience andexpertise necessary to provide the best possible care. Don’t be fooled by theterm “cosmetic surgeon”—choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensurethat you are getting the highest level of expert care.

Here at the Polyclinic Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center in Seattle, we arefortunate to have 5 incredibly talented and experienced board-certifiedplastic surgeons on our team. Your safety is our top priority and we arecommitted to providing you with personalized, compassionate care every step ofthe way. We invite you to call us today to schedule a consultation to discusshow we can help enhance your existing beauty with a natural result that leavesyou looking as great on the outside as you feel on the inside!

206.860.5582.