Men and women often come to my New Jersey plastic surgery practice after they have received disappointing results from a cosmetic surgeon. I’m happy to help these individuals, but at the same time I get upset because there are so many “cosmetic surgeons” in the area who clearly do not possess the experience and skill necessary to create artistic and satisfying results.

There is a critical difference between a board-certified plastic surgeon and just any old New Jersey cosmetic surgeon. In short, a cosmetic surgeon may have no specialized surgical experience and is not required to be trained in plastic surgery techniques. Very simply, only board-certified plastic surgeons have received advanced training in head-to-toe plastic surgery techniques.

When choosing any kind of surgery, you should never settle for a doctor whose work you cannot trust entirely. After all, this is your body and you will be the one who has to live with the results. You want to have confidence in the doctor performing your procedure, and knowing your doctor’s qualifications is an essential part of building that trust.

The Differences between a Cosmetic Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon

In New Jersey, a “cosmetic surgeon” is simply anyone who holds a medical doctorate degree and performs surgeries for the purpose of enhancing aesthetic appeal. Any medical doctor, from a gynecologist to an ophthalmologist, is allowed by law to perform procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction, even though these often delicate and complex procedures require specialized knowledge and surgical experience that I believe only board-certified plastic surgeons possess.

While some cosmetic surgeons are able to achieve positive results for their patients, almost all lack the rigorous training and demonstrated skill of a board-certified plastic surgeon. And that means both your aesthetic results and your overall health may be at risk if you do not choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have met stringent requirements that evidence a higher level of skill than a New Jersey cosmetic surgeon who has no specialized surgical training.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only certification body for plastic surgeons that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, an umbrella organization overseeing 24 elite medical specialty boards. Doctors must undergo extensive education and training before they can become certified by the ABPS:

• Graduate from a 4-year college
• Graduate from a 4-year accredited medical school
• Receive at least 5 years of surgical training, with at least 2 of those years specifically devoted to plastic surgery
• Practice for at least 2 years after residency training
• Pass rigorous oral and written examinations and peer reviews

While there are several certifying boards for cosmetic surgeons, none has requirements nearly as demanding as those of the ABPS.

Demand the Best

For your cosmetic surgery procedure, you want someone who can demonstrate not only great technical skill but also aesthetic awareness and sensitivity to your needs. I encourage you to choose a doctor who is board-certified by the ABPS and who has a strong professional resume. Your surgery demands impeccable skill, responsibility, and judgment. Don’t settle for less.