What Does Board Certified Really Mean With Plastic Surgery?

As I started shopping for my plastic surgery I kept hearing various plastic surgeons in New Jersey making the claim that they are, 'board certified' but I didn't really know what it was or what it meant to a potential plastic surgery patient like myself.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

From what I have found out it means that they have achieved certification from the board of a professional association of highly specialized doctors.  In most cases this board requires a series of examinations and tests along with relevant coursework.  It means that they have a standard minimum level of proficiency in this specialized area of medicine.  But most are experts.

Should You Consider a Plastic Surgeon Who is Not Board Certified?

The short answer, no way.  Why would you go to a doctor who has not demonstrated any effort, time or resources into joining a professional association of specialists?  If they intend to practice within this specialty I feel like they should invest in it with their resources.  If they don't then it tells me something about their level of commitment to learning and to being knowledgeable of all of the most current advances in medicine. 

So now you know that i definitely wouldn't consider a doctor who is not board certified... take a peek at the reasons i found why you WOULD want to choose a board certified plastic surgeon.

Anyway, hope this was helpful...  have a good weekend!

Alli