Patients are often faced with confusion when they see a doctor for cosmetic surgery and often times don’t know the true credentials of their physician. Most patients are unaware of that “cosmetic surgery” is not a degree or residency; in fact, in the United States there is no program accredited by the American Board of Medical Specialties in Cosmetic Surgery. Although it’s possible that your cosmetic surgeon is a plastic surgeon, it’s also possible that he or she is a gyncecologist, internist, dermatologist, or another specialty. The educated patient must make sure that she or he seeks a doctor with the highest credentials to perform cosmetic surgery.
A plastic surgeon has performed an intensive residency program accredited by the ACGME (Acccreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education). The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board acknowledged and approved by the National Board of Medical Specialties that addresses cosmetic surgery procedures. That means surgeons certified by this board are held to the highest standards as it pertains to skills, knowledge, judgment, safety and ethics in plastic surgery. It is important to make sure your Plastic Surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If a surgeon is not able to offer you a cosmetic surgery procedure in an accredited surgery center or hospital, it is often a sign that he or she is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
To verify that your surgeon is board certified, follow this link to the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s Web Site. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Jejurikar, call us at 214-827-2814 for an appointment.