What You See Is Not Always What You Get: Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Florida
Many patients don’t realize that in Florida (and many other states), there are no strict laws regulating who can perform plastic surgery. Any doctor with a valid medical license can legally perform plastic or cosmetic surgery procedures—and even call themselves a “plastic surgeon.”
This loophole means that physicians from other specialties—such as dermatology, gynecology, or general surgery—may market themselves as plastic surgeons without formal plastic surgery training. As insurance reimbursements have declined in other medical fields, more non-specialists are entering the cosmetic surgery market.
Board Certification vs. “Board Certification”
Seeing the term “board certified” after a physician’s name does not always mean they’re a board-certified plastic surgeon. Many doctors use “board certified” to imply expertise, but they may be certified in an unrelated specialty or by a pseudo-board with minimal requirements.
Hundreds of these so-called “Boards” exist, often with official-sounding names. Many only require an admission fee and a weekend course to join—yet their members can advertise as “board certified.” This can be confusing and misleading for patients looking for qualified surgeons.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS): The Gold Standard
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Certification by the ABPS requires:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school
- Completion of at least five years of residency training (including 2–3 years in plastic surgery)
- Peer recommendations for eligibility
- Passing a rigorous written exam
- Submission and review of all surgical cases during the second year of practice
- Successful completion of a three-day oral examination
- Adherence to strict ethical standards
This process ensures that an ABPS-certified surgeon has undergone the highest level of training and vetting before performing plastic surgery procedures.
Why This Matters for You
When you’re investing in your health, appearance, and confidence, you deserve the highest standard of care. Choosing a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures you’re working with a physician who has been extensively trained, tested, and held to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Plastic or cosmetic surgery is a major decision—one you shouldn’t take lightly. Always verify a surgeon’s credentials with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and don’t settle for anything less than true board certification.
Our Doctors have the credentials that give you the confidence that you are in the right hands. Contact us today for an expert consultation.