Choosing a Surgeon

The term "plastic" comes from the Greek work "plastikos", meaning to mold or give form. Plastic surgery does just that - it gives a new form to the human body. The specialty includes two kinds of procedures: reconstructive surgery, or procedures done to repair birth defects and deformities caused by accidents or disease, and cosmetic or aesthetic surgery, including facelifts, nose reshaping, fat suction and other procedures done to enhance appearance.

Checking Credentials
No matter what type of plastic surgery you're considering the most important factor in its success is the surgeon you choose. Remember, in most states, including Texas, it is legal for any physician who holds a medical license, with or without surgical training, to advertise as a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. That's why understanding board certification is so important for the prospective patient.

Board Certification
The Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons requires its members to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify in the plastic surgery specialty. Board certification from the ABPS means that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency - usually three years of general surgery (or its equivalent) and two years of plastic surgery. The physician must also practice plastic surgery for two years and pass comprehensive written and oral exams.

Hospital Privileges
Even if your surgery will be performed in the physician's own surgical facility, he or she should have privileges to perform that procedure at an accredited hospital in your community. Having hospital privileges means the surgeon is subject to approval by a body of his or her peers. Call the hospital to make sure.

Texas Medical Board
You may also check with the Texas Medical Board to see if any of the physicians you are considering have been cited for disciplinary actions or have restrictions placed on their licenses. The Texas Medical Board can be reached at www.tmb.state.tx.us or at (512) 305-7010.