Patient Safety
Trust ASPS
Choosing to have plastic surgery is an important decision. So is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon.
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Choose a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
ASPS Member Surgeons meet rigorous standards:
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- Complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
- Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities
Do not be confused by other official-sounding boards and certifications.
The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS-recognized certifying board with "cosmetic surgery" in its name.
By choosing a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon who is board certified by the ABPS or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.