One of the most important things to do when considering plastic surgery is your research. Even before your consultation, you should have an idea of who you want to do your surgery. The biggest research you should do is certifications. At Cincinnati Plastic Surgery, Dr. Martin is a board-certified plastic surgeon. This means he has received intense training after medical school in plastic surgery. Other surgical centers will say they can perform plastic surgery but are instead cosmetic surgeons. While these practitioners are still doctors, they are not board-certified in plastic surgery. Instead, they may be certified in something else. Many wonder about the difference between the two. Below, we’ll discuss the difference and what to ask during your consultation.
What is a Plastic Surgeon
A plastic surgeon is a doctor who is board-certified in plastic surgery. This means the doctor has the most extensive training on the best surgical techniques. A plastic surgeon will be able to perform cosmetic surgery, which is like a breast lift. The surgeon also performs reconstructive surgery, like getting breast implants after a mastectomy after a cancer diagnosis. Don’t worry if you see a board-certified plastic surgeon offering cosmetic procedures. It’s just a way of differentiating the different types of plastic surgery that exist. If you’re worried about the credentials of a doctor, visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery to see if they are a board-certified plastic surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgery also provides tools on their website to see if your doctor is a member of the society.
What is a Cosmetic Surgeon
On the other hand, a cosmetic surgeon is a doctor who is board-certified in other areas of medicine but obtained a cosmetic license to provide cosmetic procedures to people. These doctors do not receive the same training compared to board-certified plastic surgeons. If a doctor is a cosmetic surgeon, their credentials will not appear on the ABPS’ website.
Which Surgeon is Best
Whether you’re looking for a cosmetic procedure, like breast augmentation or a Brazilian butt lift, or a reconstructive surgery, you want to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Again, if you’re unsure about the certifications your doctor holds, it’s okay to ask them. It’s a common question that comes up during surgical consults. If the doctor you’re meeting with, like Dr. Martin, are actual board-certified plastic surgeons, there’s nothing you need to worry about. Remember, cosmetic surgeons receive less extensive training on the surgeries they perform compared to a board-certified plastic surgeon.
A plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon are two different medical disciplines. When you’re looking for someone to perform a procedure on you, choose the doctor with the most training. At Cincinnati Plastic Surgery, Dr. Martin is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has been since 1996. His certification is through the ABPS. He’s also a member of the ASPS. If you’re looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon, look no further than Dr. Martin at Cincinnati Plastic Surgery. Call the office to schedule your surgical consultation now.
