The decision to undergo a plastic surgery procedure, regardless whether it is non-surgical or surgical, is an important one. Working with a qualified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Christopher Craft, can ensure your procedure is a safe and successful one.

While there are many qualifications you will need to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon, none is more important than board certification. Your surgeon must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

Here, Miami, FL specialist Dr. Christopher Craft explains what board certification entails.

The Benefits of Choosing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only plastic surgery specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Being certified by the ABPS means that the surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of training as a resident surgeon, two of which must be devoted entirely to plastic surgery. This training covers a range of plastic surgery topics, including how to prevent and address complications. Board certified plastic surgeons must also pass several rigorous written and oral exams that test their plastic surgery knowledge.

Plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS are required to regularly take continuing education courses. Because the field of plastic surgery is ever changing, choosing a plastic surgeon that stays abreast of the latest advances ensures the best possible outcome.

Finally, certified plastic surgeons adhere to strict safety and ethics standards set forth by the ABPS. This includes being licensed by the state(s) in which they work and operating in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified facilities.

Beware of Physicians who are not Board Certified

Be cautious of physicians who offer cosmetic surgery but are not board certified by the ABPS. These physicians may be board certified in another field (i.e., dermatology, gynecology) but lack extensive training in plastic surgery. It could be that these physicians took a weekend course in a certain cosmetic procedure, which is obviously inferior to the years of training ABPS certified surgeons undergo to ensure safe and successful results.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Christopher Craft

Board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Craft are proud to let their patients know that they have earned certification. Always double-check to see if your surgeon is certified before agreeing to undergo surgery.

To learn more about Dr. Craft’s credentials, please schedule a consultation. Contact (305) 596-9700 today.