It is extremely important that a patient perform the proper research before choosing his/her plastic surgeon. You should find somebody who is a “board-certified plastic surgeon.” By that I mean one who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify physicians in the full range of plastic and reconstructive procedures.
Do not be confused by many other official sounding boards and certifications. There is no ABMS recognized certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.
It is an unfortunate fact that there are many doctors performing plastic surgery who received their training in a speciality other than plastic surgery. These doctors may refer to themselves as plastic surgeons but they have NOT received the same training as a board-certified plastic surgeon. Many of them have no surgical training whatsoever! This is why it is so important to do your research when choosing a plastic surgeon.
What you can expect from a board-certified plastic surgeon:
To be certified by the ABPS, a surgeon must have at six years of approved surgical training, including at least 3 years of residency in plastic surgery. He or she must also pass a comprehensive written exam and rigorous two-day oral exam in plastic surgery.
They have excellent aesthetic judgement in both facial and body surgery
Technical skill and aesthetic judgment are not something that can be learned overnight or during a weekend course. Experience gained during many years of training in complex reconstructive surgery provides plastic surgeons with outstanding technical skills. Additionally, however, the continuous attention to form and function provides plastic surgeons with a finely tuned sense of aesthetics. This is a unique qualification that is critical to the success of cosmetic surgery where judgment, balance, and proportion become integral to having successful outcomes.
They are trained to deal with emergencies
In order to perform plastic surgery safely, surgeons need to have a full understanding of the way the body works. This enables them to deal with any complications that might arise during or after a procedure. Comprehensive education and training, beginning with being experts in anatomy and physiology, provides plastic surgeons with an understanding of all body systems-including ventilation, circulation, fluid and electrolyte balance; which are all vitally important to patient safety.
They can perform surgery at accredited facilities and hospitals
Board-certified plastic surgeons are able to perform the full spectrum of plastic surgical procedures for both the face and body. This can be done in the properly accredited office setting. However, what sets a board certified plastic surgeon apart from others is that they are able to perform more complex procedures at accredited hospitals and surgery centres. In order to obtain privileges at these facilities, one must show evidence of being certified by the ABPS. Their recommendations are not limited by lack of training or inability to obtain hospital privileges to perform complex procedures when necessary. This is often not the case with non-certified surgeons who are limited to performing only certain types of procedures.
Dr. Constantine is a board certified plastic surgeon.He is able to perform all types of facial and body procedures. He maintains attending privileges at the finest hospitals and surgical centers in Dallas. Patient safety is his number one priority when planning your surgery. He will advise you when considering your procedure to ensure the safest and best outcome possible.
You can find more information about the types of procedures Dr. Constantine offers on the rest of the website.
