The Meaning of Being Board-Certified

People talk about doctors and surgeons being “board-certified,” but few people know what that term actually, fully means. The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the “Board”) certifies facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. It decides whether or not a facial surgeon is “board-certified.”

To get the Board to certify a surgeon, the surgeon must have met a number of requirements, including:

• The surgeon must pass a two-day exam given by the Board
• After finishing medical school, the surgeon must have completed an approved residency in two specialty areas related to facial surgery
• Of the two specialty areas, the surgeon must be certified in one of them by the American Board of Medical Specialties or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada
• The surgeon must submit to the Board for peer review a record of at least two years of clinical experience, including reports of at least 100 facial surgeries
• The surgeon must hold proper licensure and adhere to the Board’s Code of Ethics
• The surgeon must operate in an accredited facility

Board certification is extremely important, for it reveals whether or not a surgeon meets high standards or not. But just because a surgeon is Board-certified does not mean that the surgeon is good. When choosing a facial surgeon, potential patients should ask about the surgeon’s history. They should talk to the surgeon extensively, ask the surgeon plenty of questions, and request the names of patients who can attest to the surgeon’s abilities.

Speak with Dr. Apostolakis

Austin plastic surgeon Dr. Apostolakis is Board-certified and has practices facial surgery for several years now. If you have any questions on facial surgery, contact Dr. Apostolakis at 512-329-8989.