American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
Ignashius
5 years ago
Answered

Board Certification

I conducted a search here for a specific surgeon in my area, & there were no results. Per advice of surgeons in posts here, I went to the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and again, no results. The surgeon's website states that he is double board certified and lists this board: American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Is this a recognized board?

Procedure: Facelift
Location: TEMECULA, CA

Replies 5

Jonathan Zelken
ASPS Surgeon
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This generally means he completed his training in ENT (otolaryngology) and went on to study Facial Plastic Surgery. It is a common combination and is probably legitimate. With so many ABPS board certified plastic surgeons in Newport, why are you restricting your search to Temecula. I know NB is a bit far, but the stakes are high and you deserve options.

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Debra Johnson
ASPS Surgeon

The doctor you are researching is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT) and has also been certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This means the doctor has completed a one-year fellowship in facial plastic surgery (taught by ENT surgeons) and passed their examinations. While not an ABMS board, the ABFPS is recognized as an "equivalent" board in the state of California. If you would prefer a board-certified plastic surgeon, use the find-a-surgoen tool on this website to locate an ASPS member surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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Nelson Castillo

Thank you for your excellent question. Facial plastic surgeons are typicall ENT Socorro’s by training and as such would not show up on those websites. Those websites list on plastic surgeons that are board-certified. Hope this helps.

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Richard Chaffoo
ASPS Surgeon

HI Ignashius. Great question. I can speak from personal experience on this topic. I was initially trained in Otolaryngology and became board certified. I then completed a one year fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and became certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). I then completed a full plastic surgery residency and became certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Remember that the ABPS is the only board recognized by the ABMS (which certifies all medical and surgical specialties) that certifies surgeons in plastic surgery of the face and body. Surgeons do not need to complete a separate fellowship in facial plastic surgery to become certified by the ABFPRS. There is no question that certification by the ABPS requires more years of training and is a more comprehensive and difficult examination. Find an experienced surgeon with whom you can communicate. Good luck!

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Steve Laverson
ASPS Surgeon

Dr. David Newman in Temecula is ABPS Certified, and there are others. Surgeons with the highest standards for their own performance are Diplomates of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Beyond that, results ("before" and "after" photos) in the online gallery are a good indicator of your expected results.

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