Cleveland Cosmetic Surgery: Why Is Board Certification Important?
In our previous two posts, we’ve discussed some of the problems that can occur when cosmetic surgery is performed by someone who is either not a board-certified Cleveland cosmetic surgeon or who is a board-certified physician but is not board certified in the field of plastic surgery. The popularity of Botox and liposuction has had a curious effect on the public's perception of cosmetic surgery.
Perhaps because these two common cosmetic procedures are relatively low risk and require minimal downtime, people no longer seem to think of them as the intricate medical procedures they are.
Board certification protects consumers from fraudulent or untrained practitioners. Your cosmetic surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the only organization vetted by the American Medical Society to grant medical certification in specialized areas of medicine. It is also important to verify that the Cleveland cosmetic surgeon you select is board certified specifically in plastic surgery. Board certifications are issued for every major branch of medicine and require that the applicant achieve a specified level of education, applied knowledge, practical experience and demonstrated proficiency in a very specific field of medicine. Just as you wouldn’t allow a board-certified general practitioner to perform heart surgery; you shouldn’t allow anyone except a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic surgery.
When selecting a Cleveland cosmetic surgeon, you should also inquire about membership in professional societies. Your plastic surgeon should be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most recognized professional society for plastic surgeons. Membership in ASPS assures Cleveland cosmetic surgery patients that their plastic surgeon has completed the training required to practice cosmetic surgery, has committed himself to continuing his education and staying abreast of new developments in the field, and subscribes to a code of ethical conduct that protects the health and welfare of his patients.