How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon

Once you start looking around at different practitioners, you’ll quickly learn that there are both plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons. Is one better than the other? What’s the difference? And which one will give you the results you’re looking for? Although the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” are often used interchangeably, these two areas of medicine actually can be very different.

It’s important to understand that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) does not recognize cosmetic surgery as a specific discipline. There is no standard training protocol for becoming a “cosmetic surgeon.” Cosmetic surgeons may be dermatologists, ENT surgeons, or virtually any medical doctor.

To become Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, on the other hand, requires many years of specialized training after medical school and during residency. In addition to the typical three to five years of training needed to become a general surgeon, plastic surgeons also undergo two to three additional years specifically focusing on plastic surgery techniques. Then, passing written and oral exams are required to achieve certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the ABMS to award certification in the field of plastic surgery. Ongoing training and testing are required to maintain board certification in plastic surgery.

Although board certification is a good place to start, there are other professional endorsements that can help you find the best plastic surgeon in Denver. Professional memberships in organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) often require very specific training and practice guidelines that go above and beyond those needed for board certification.

You should also check for your surgeon’s operating privileges. In order to receive operating privileges at a local hospital, the surgeon’s training and background must be evaluated by a hospital review committee. Knowing your surgeon has received a thorough background check and case review from local hospitals grants an additional layer of security to protect patients and verify your surgeon’s history.

You also want a surgeon who has plenty of experience with the specific procedure you’re interested in. For example, if you’re considering breast augmentation, a plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty may not be the best bet. Be sure to ask questions about how many procedures like yours the surgeon performs annually, and don’t forget to review their patient portfolio of patient before and after pictures.