Why Surgeons Should Seek Certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

If you have a passion for helping patients meet their aesthetic goals, seek to focus solely on cosmetic surgery, and desire training above and beyond what is available in typical residency programs, then it’s time you considered pursuing certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS).

Our cosmetic surgeons seek ABCS certification because they recognize that cosmetic surgery is a uniquely challenging field of medicine that requires extensive, focused training. Our standards for certification are high and our examination process rigorous, but the benefits of becoming a board certified cosmetic surgeon are worth it, both for your practice and your patients.

Receive the most comprehensive cosmetic surgery education available in a fellowship program.

“Fulfilling fellowship training in cosmetic surgery provided me experience with a broad diversity of cosmetic procedures. Being able to focus within a specialized area of cosmetic surgery and receive an expert level of training was, to me, reaching the epitome of my discipline and certification as a cosmetic surgeon.”—Dr. Kristen Tarbet, ABCS Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

The ABCS is the only certifying board that is structured to examine a surgeon’s knowledge solely in cosmetic surgery. To become board certified, qualified candidates must first complete a one year, full-time fellowship certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), performing a minimum of 300 individual cosmetic surgery procedures—nearly 5 times the number required in typical plastic surgery residencies. This fellowship not only provides comprehensive training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body, but also allows you adequate time to complete more specialized training in the area of cosmetic surgery that most interests you.

Unlike the typical residency experience, during your fellowship year you will be able to work with patients from consultation through follow-up, developing your patient care skills as you get to know each patient on a more personal level. Through this fellowship training and subsequent ABCS board certification examination process, you will have the unique opportunity to:

• Gain solid experience in the most current techniques and technologies in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
• Hone your skills in all aspects of cosmetic surgery patient care, equipping you for greater success in private practice.
• Prove to yourself and the medical community that you are qualified to provide each patient with the best possible care and results.

For more information on the AACS Certified Fellowship Program, visit the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

Distinguish your practice in the marketplace.

“The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery certification has benefited me immensely in practice. People see it and they say, ‘Wow, this person has an additional certificate. They’ve gone through additional qualifications and, not only that, they’ve gone through additional testing.’ Patients ask for it. Hospitals ask for it when you seek privileges. It’s really the platinum standard in the community as far as cosmetic surgery is concerned.”—Dr. Robert H. Burke, ABCS Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Member of the ABCS Board of Trustees

Your ABCS certification sends a powerful message to prospective patients: that you are specifically trained in cosmetic surgery, that you have passed examinations proving your skills, that you operate in accredited facilities with trained and certified anesthesia staff, and most importantly, that their safety, results, and satisfaction are your highest priority.

As a member of the ABCS, your profile will be included in our national surgeon database, where patients can easily identify you as a board certified cosmetic surgeon, locate contact information for your practice, and send direct inquiries through the ABCS website. Additionally you will have the ability to manage and update your ABCS profile, which can become an extension of your existing online presence.

Become part of an elite community of physicians who share your passion for cosmetic surgery.

“I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship within the organization, which has continued to push me to be a better academic, to be a better practitioner, and to take better care of my patients, my staff, and my fellow colleagues”—Dr. Alex Sobel,ABCS Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Member of the ABCS Board of Trustees

Our community of physicians come from a range of medical backgrounds, but there is one quality we all have in common: we are driven to pursue excellence in practice and constantly improve the care and results we provide to our patients. Our culture is one of collaboration, rather than competition (as is often the case in other medical societies). As an ABCS diplomate, you will have ample opportunity to interface with other cosmetic surgeons, discuss new techniques, and challenge yourself to continually perfect your skills and broaden your knowledge.

If you are passionate about making a difference in patient’s lives through cosmetic surgery, pursuing certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery will give you the opportunity, support, and distinction you need to provide the highest standard of care, achieve excellence in your practice, and earn recognition as a leader in your field. To learn more about the application process and requirements for candidacy, please contact us. We look forward to helping you make the first step toward becoming a board certified cosmetic surgeon.