Why is it Important to Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
No matter what type of plastic surgery procedure you choose, the most important decision is picking the best physician to perform it. While this decision is partly based upon who you are comfortable with, you should always highly consider a surgeon’s credentials, experience and qualifications when making your choice.
The most important indication to watch out for is whether or not your surgeon is “board-certified.” Sometimes, unqualified medical professionals refer to themselves as plastic or cosmetic surgeons, but lack actual surgery experience and training. That is why it is extremely important to look for a board-certified plastic surgeon.
What does it mean to be a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon requires certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only aesthetic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This board only recognizes plastic surgeons and does not certify cosmetic surgeons or any other type of aesthetic physician. In order to earn certification, a physician must complete medical school and have five years of approved surgical training, including a plastic surgery residency. After this training has been completed, the surgeon must pass a written and oral exam before receiving their certification.
In my case, I earned my medical degree and completed two residencies in general and plastic surgery at the Medical College of Georgia. Soon after, I had a one-year fellowship in cosmetic plastic surgery at the prestigious Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York City.
Why is being a board-certified plastic surgeon important?
As previously mentioned, working with a board-certified plastic surgeon is beneficial because you know that your physician has extensive experience performing cosmetic procedures. Additionally, you can rest assured that their expertise has been evaluated. However, there are other advantages that board-certified plastic surgeons have over their non-certified counterparts.
For starters, board-certified plastic surgeons have experience with general surgery and know what to do and how to react if a complication was to arise during surgery. Along with this, board-certified plastic surgeons normally have privileges to admit you to an accredited hospital if needed. Plus, given their experience, the outcomes and aesthetic results of procedures performed by board-certified plastic surgeons are consistently and overwhelmingly successful.
What does it mean to be “double board-certified?”
Not only am I a board-certified plastic surgeon, but I am also board-certified in general surgery by the American College of Surgeons. Holding this certification means that I have completed additional training and testing in order to develop a deeper understanding of human anatomy and how it relates to cosmetic procedures. Being double-certified has provided me with the expertise to develop my own line of signature Band Aid cosmetic procedures, including the popular Band Aid mini facelift and Band Aid liposuction.
Over more than thirty years, I have kept my expertise up-to-date while staying informed on the latest medical advancements. If you’re interested in learning more about what an experienced double board-certified plastic surgeon can do for you, schedule a consultation with John L. LeRoy in Atlanta today. Additionally, follow me on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for more insights about my plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures.