The largest difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is that a plastic surgeon has at least six years of surgical training and experience, with at least two years specifically dedicated to plastic surgery whereas a cosmetic surgeon is typically a physician whose specialty training is in another area of medicine who has decided to add cosmetic surgery to his or her practice.
An educated patient will make smart choices towards safety and a successful procedure. To be sure you have selected a surgeon with the surgical training and experience needed to perform cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery, check the credentials of your surgeon to make sure he or she is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
To become a member of the Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons, a surgeon must be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These members are held to the highest standards as it pertains to skills, knowledge, judgment, safety, and ethics. They are also dedicated to advancing plastic surgery techniques through continued education and research to improve patient safety and outcomes.
Some physicians will promote themselves as “Cosmetic Surgeons”, however this is not a specialty recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties. These may be physicians who are board certified in other specialties and have limited training in aesthetic or cosmetic procedures.
For lengthier surgeries or should the need arise for hospitalization after surgery, your surgeon should have privileges at one of the many reputable hospitals in DFW. Hospitals will only allow plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform cosmetic or plastic surgery at their facilities. Their credentialing process is very thorough, and surgeons are only granted privileges to perform surgery after proof of competency, training in an accredited residency, and the proper board certification. Many of the DSPS plastic surgeon members have their own outpatient surgery facilities which are independently certified. They also have access to a hospital should it be deemed necessary.
To find a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon near you, search the DSPS member directory.
