Whether you’re considering breast enhancement, a body contouring procedure or facial cosmetic surgery, you should always choose a cosmetic surgeon who has been board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon stands head and shoulders above the competition, having gone the extra mile in terms of training and expertise. When you choose a board certification for your surgeon, you’re putting yourself in the most capable hands possible, and you benefit from the years of additional education and experience that he or she has worked hard to attain.
To request a consultation with one of our surgeons, contact us online today.
Medical Residency
There are several steps on the path to becoming board certified. After finishing medical school, an aspiring cosmetic surgeon can go on to complete a medical residency in cosmetic surgery, or they may do a residency in general surgery. A residency lasts between 3 to 5 years and includes comprehensive training and hands-on learning.
Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship
Once a doctor has completed their residency, the next step is to pursue a fellowship program. Most cosmetic surgery fellowships are 1 to 2 years long, and during this time, a doctor must perform at least 300 cosmetic surgery cases in order to become certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The surgery cases include a range of breast, body, facial and med spa treatments. Many doctors end up completing many more than the required 300 cases, offering them a wealth of experience before they begin their own medical practice.
The fellowship gives cosmetic surgeons an opportunity to hone their skill set, providing comprehensive training in all cosmetic surgery procedures of the body, face and breasts, as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Board Certification in Cosmetic Surgery
Just because a doctor is licensed to practice medicine does not mean that they have board certification. A board certified doctor has exceeded their basic requirements and has pursued additional training in their chosen field. Technically speaking, any physician is permitted by law to practice cosmetic surgery, and this is where things can get tricky.
A doctor can be certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, simply state that they are “board-certified” and then advertise cosmetic surgery services. In this way, men and women may find themselves getting a tummy tuck from an OB/GYN or other doctor who has little to no actual training in cosmetic surgery.
There have been many incidents where people have received cosmetic surgery from someone who wasn’t trained in cosmetic surgery and did not have board certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. All too often, these cases require revision cosmetic surgery by a trained cosmetic surgeon who has the skill and expertise to correct the first surgery.
The Highest Standards of Care
Being board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is more than just a title or part of a list of cosmetic surgery training credentials. Having certification from the ABCS means a lifelong commitment to meeting rigorous standards of care. Board-certified cosmetic surgeons must engage in ongoing training and keep up with all of the latest advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery. It’s this continued engagement and professionalism that helps to ensure that a board-certified cosmetic surgeon is among the most highly trained, qualified and skilled professional in the field.
Cosmetic surgery continues to be a growing trend in the United States. Each year, more and more men and women pursue cosmetic surgery to give their image a well-deserved boost. Whether you wish to enhance your appearance, bring more symmetry to your features or create more proportionate curves, choosing a board-certified cosmetic surgeon is an important first step in helping you to achieve excellent results.
At Castellano Cosmetic Surgery, we pride ourselves in upholding the highest standards in the field of cosmetic surgery. Our surgeons are dedicated to offering men and women the utmost satisfaction in their cosmetic surgery experience.
To learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and the importance of choosing a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, please request a consultation or call our Tampa-St. Petersburg cosmetic surgery practice at 813-872-6093 today.
Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
