The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Image Source: Dr Priya Bansal

Board certification is a mark of excellence in the medical field and is an important factor to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon. A board-certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon has undergone a minimum of six years of surgical training, including a minimum of three years of plastic surgery training. They have also passed rigorous written and oral exams to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

By choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can be confident that your surgeon has the necessary training, experience, and expertise to perform your procedure safely and effectively. Board certification also ensures that your surgeon is up to date on the latest advances and techniques in plastic surgery and is committed to maintaining high standards of care.

It is important to note that all plastic surgeons in India who perform plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery may or may not be board-certified plastic surgeons. It is important to verify a surgeon’s board certification before scheduling a procedure.

At the same time, it is important to understand the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are related specialities, but they are not the same thing.

Cosmetic surgery is a type of plastic surgery that focuses on improving the appearance of certain body parts. This can include procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tucks. Cosmetic surgeons may also offer non-surgical treatments such as Botox injections and chemical peels.

Image Source: Dr Priya Bansal

Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is a surgical speciality that involves the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, and external genitalia or cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body. Plastic surgeons in India may perform cosmetic surgery. Still, they are also trained in various other procedures, including reconstructive surgery after cancer or trauma, burn surgery, and hand surgery.

Board-certified plastic surgeons are more likely to have a broader range of surgical skills and experience, while cosmetic surgeons tend to focus more on aesthetic procedures. Choosing a surgeon who is properly trained and experienced in the specific type of procedure you are considering is important.

Even minimally invasive cosmetic enhancements, like any other medical treatment or surgery. Practitioners who lack advanced education and speciality training can make fatal mistakes during even the most routine procedures. Thus, board certification becomes all the more necessary. 

Here are a few more reasons why using a board-certified surgeon for any type of aesthetic or reconstructive surgery or procedure is critical.

The Training and Expertise Matters 

Plastic surgery is a surgical speciality that necessitates years of education and extensive training. By selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon in India, you can be confident that your practitioner has completed at least three years of supervised surgical training in face and body plastic surgery. Any licensed physician with a medical degree can advertise themselves as a “cosmetic” surgeon, even if they have not completed the approved program or plastic surgery residency. Board-certified plastic surgeons can hone their technical skills, improving care standards and patient outcomes.

Better Knowledge and Judgement for Body Aesthetics

Extensive training and knowledge in all aspects of plastic surgery provides not only technical expertise and a keener eye for aesthetics. A surgeon’s understanding of how to augment the bust line with silicone implants does not imply that they have the aesthetic judgement to know which size would best complement the patient’s frame and proportions. In the same vein, almost any physician can use a syringe, and some do so outside of their medical speciality. Expert Injectors have hands-on experience and training in using FDA-approved fillers and injectables for aesthetic purposes. When you see an advertisement with low-cost injectables or at-home Botox service providers, consider whether it’s worth the risk to save some money.

Image Source: Dr Priya Bansal

The Choice of Surgical Facility

You can also be confident that a board-certified plastic surgeon operates in a surgical facility that is safe, well-equipped, and licensed by the national authorities. It’s also a good idea to inquire about your board-certified practitioner’s hospital privileges, as facilities conduct extensive background checks before granting these privileges.

There is a significant difference in training between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. By selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can be confident that your doctor has the training and experience necessary to provide you with the safe, beautiful results you deserve.

What are the Requirements to Become a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

To become a board-certified plastic surgeon, you must first complete the following requirements:

• Clinical general surgery residency training for 3 years
• 3 years of residency training in plastic surgery
• Completion of a written exam 
• Two-day oral exam demonstrating knowledge and mastery of plastic surgery

This procedure ensures that your plastic and cosmetic surgeon has the necessary training and experience to provide safe, exceptional results. Furthermore, board certification is not granted for the entire career of a plastic surgeon. Every ten years, recertification is required. This ensures that your plastic surgeon is up to date on the most recent and advanced techniques.

Why should you choose expertise over cost?

When considering plastic surgery, it is important to prioritise finding a qualified and experienced surgeon over cost. Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. As a result, your preferred treatment may be costly. When selecting a plastic surgeon, it can be tempting to prioritise cost. However, sacrificing a quality plastic surgeon for a less experienced doctor offering a lower fee is not a wise strategy. It may increase your chances of complications and a poor outcome.

Your health and safety are not worth jeopardising for a less expensive procedure. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon reduces these risks and increases your chances of achieving an excellent outcome from your procedure.

Dr Priya Bansal is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 12+ years of experience in cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. She has performed many corrective and reconstructive procedures ensuring safe, natural, and long-lasting results. Her strength lies in the deep understanding of male and female anatomy and the precisions she employs while conducting each procedure.