The process of selecting a plastic surgeon may seem lengthy and is sometimes challenging. A great way to focus on only the best surgeons is to look carefully at their credentials. Certain credentials help distinguish trustworthy plastic surgeons from the rest.
Here, renowned San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Dennis Bucko reveals the credentials that matter most and should help guide your search.
Board Certification
Perhaps the most important factor to consider is a plastic surgeon’s board certification — not just that they are “board certified,” but that they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (as Dr. Bucko is). This demonstrates that the surgeon meets certain standards set forth by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, including residency training, licensure, oral and written exams specific to the field of plastic surgery. It is the only board that is recognized by the American Medical Association.
Being board-certified in another specialty, like Gynecology, Family Medicine or Dermatology, does not indicate that the physician has the appropriate training or skill in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Sometimes a doctor in another specialty takes a weekend course in a certain plastic surgery procedure, which is certainly not the same as having the years of training and expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon.
Hospital Privileges
Local hospital’s medical staffs are charged with granting privileges for surgery and reviewing surgeon’s credentials, so be sure your plastic surgeon has been granted privileges to do the procedures you are considering at a local hospital. Also ask if your surgeon has been elected by his peers to be chief of the plastic surgery section or department in his or her hospital.
Membership to Plastic Surgery Societies
Another factor to consider is whether a plastic surgeon belongs to any national, state or local plastic surgery societies. Of course, some plastic surgeons that are credentialed and experienced do not belong to these types of associations, so it should not raise any concerns if your surgeon is not a member. Nevertheless, membership to these societies can give you extra assurance that a surgeon is on the leading edge of their field, adheres to certain standards and holds himself or herself accountable.
Examples of national plastic surgery organizations are the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These organizations have an excellent reputation around the world, and hold annual meetings to discuss the latest advances in the field of plastic surgery. One drawback is that national organizations tend not to know particular surgeons on an individual basis.
This is where local, state and regional plastic surgery associations have a leg up; they know their members on a closer level. If your surgeon belongs to a state or local plastic surgery society, you can feel extra confident that the surgeon is qualified, experienced, ethical and accountable to fellow surgeons.
Note that Dr. Bucko is the past president of the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, as well as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, the San Diego Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the American College of Surgeons.
Contact Dr. Dennis Bucko
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Bucko’s credentials or meet him for a plastic surgery consultation, he invites you to call or email Belladerma Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center today.
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