Top 11 Plastic Surgeon Certifications

Certifications are important for plastic surgeons in the job market because they demonstrate a surgeon's qualifications and training, as well as their knowledge and experience. This can be an important factor when employers are considering a candidate for a position. Certification also indicates that the surgeon meets certain standards of practice, which is important both from a medical perspective and from an ethical standpoint. Finally, certification helps to differentiate surgeons from their colleagues with similar qualifications, allowing employers to make more informed decisions about who to hire for positions.

The article reviews the top certifications for plastic surgeons and explains how they can enhance a plastic surgeon's career.

What are Plastic Surgeon Certifications?

Plastic surgeon certification is a process that enables plastic surgeons to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of plastic surgery. This certification is granted by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is the only board-recognized body that certifies plastic surgeons in the United States. The ABPS requires all certified plastic surgeons to have completed an accredited residency program, passed written and oral examinations, and met specific professional requirements before they can be certified.

Having a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS can help provide peace of mind to those considering undergoing any type of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon has undergone rigorous training and demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, making them better able to provide safe, effective results for patients. Additionally, many insurance companies require that a patient’s plastic surgeon be certified by the ABPS before they will cover any type of procedure.

Pro Tip: When choosing a plastic surgeon, make sure they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification ensures that the surgeon has completed rigorous training and has the necessary experience to safely perform cosmetic procedures.

Related: What does a Plastic Surgeon do?

Top 11 Plastic Surgeon Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Plastic Surgeons today.

1. American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is a non-profit organization that certifies plastic surgeons in the United States. The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and is the only board recognized by the American Medical Association to certify plastic surgeons.

To become certified, a physician must complete an accredited residency program in plastic surgery and pass both written and oral exams administered by the ABPS. This process typically takes between 6 to 8 years to complete.

In order to become certified, a physician must first submit an application for certification with the ABPS. This includes providing proof of completion of an approved residency program, medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documentation as required by the ABPS. Once all documents are submitted and approved, a physician can then register for the written and oral exams administered by the ABPS.

The cost for certification varies depending on what type of exam a physician takes (written or oral). The cost for taking a written exam is $1,500 while taking an oral exam costs $2,000.

2. Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) is a national, not-for-profit organization that sets standards for the medical profession in Canada. The RCPSC is responsible for accrediting medical training programs, assessing and certifying physicians, and setting standards for continuing professional development.

It typically takes up to 4 years to become certified by the RCPSC. This includes completing an accredited residency program or fellowship, passing written exams, and meeting other requirements set out by the College.

To get certified by the RCPSC, you must first complete an accredited residency program or fellowship in your chosen specialty. You must then pass two exams: one written exam and one clinical skills assessment. You must also meet any additional requirements set out by the College such as completing a research project or attending a certain number of conferences or seminars.

The cost of certification varies depending on the specialty you are pursuing, but it typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 CAD. This cost includes fees for registration, exams, membership dues and other related expenses.

3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a professional organization for plastic surgeons in the United States. It was founded in 1931 and is currently the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. The ASPS has over 7,000 members who are board-certified plastic surgeons and is dedicated to advancing quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice, and research in plastic surgery.

It takes approximately two years to become an ASPS member. To be eligible for membership, you must have completed at least five years of postgraduate medical training including at least two years of approved residency training in plastic surgery or a closely related field such as general surgery or dermatology. You must also pass written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Once you have successfully completed these requirements, you can submit an application to join the ASPS.

The cost of joining ASPS varies depending on your type of membership. Full membership costs $1,400 per year while associate membership costs $900 per year. There may also be additional fees associated with taking the ABPS exams and other administrative costs associated with becoming an ASPS member.

In addition to providing its members with access to educational resources and networking opportunities, ASPS also offers patient safety initiatives such as its “Operation Safe Surgery” program which encourages safe practices during surgical procedures. The organization also provides public education about cosmetic surgery through its website and other media outlets.

4. American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS)

The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) is a professional organization that certifies surgeons who are trained in the osteopathic approach to surgery. The AOBS is one of the 24 specialty boards recognized by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The AOBS was established in 1977 to promote excellence in the practice of osteopathic surgery and provide certification for qualified surgeons.

It typically takes 3-5 years to complete the requirements for board certification through the AOBS. To get certified, you must first complete an accredited training program, which includes a minimum of two years of clinical experience as well as additional residency training. You must also pass both written and oral exams administered by the AOBS.

The cost for board certification through the AOBS varies depending on your individual circumstances, but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500. This cost includes application fees, exam fees, and any other associated costs.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements and passed all exams, you will be awarded board certification from the AOBS and be eligible to practice as an osteopathic surgeon in the United States.

5. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of aesthetic plastic surgery worldwide. It was founded in 1970 and currently has over 2,700 members from more than 100 countries. ISAPS provides educational resources, international conferences and symposia, and research grants to promote the highest standards of patient care and safety in aesthetic plastic surgery.

It typically takes around six months to become an ISAPS member after submitting an application. The application process includes providing proof of qualifications as a board-certified plastic surgeon, completing a questionnaire about your practice, and submitting three letters of recommendation from other ISAPS members.

To become an ISAPS member, you must pay an annual fee that varies depending on your country of residence. For example, the annual fee for US residents is $500 while it is €400 for European residents.

In addition to the annual fee, there are additional costs associated with attending ISAPS conferences and symposia as well as accessing educational resources such as online courses or webinars.

6. European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)

The European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS) is a professional certification body that recognizes the highest standards of training, knowledge and experience in the field of plastic surgery. It is an independent organization established in 1993 by representatives from national societies of plastic surgery from across Europe.

To become certified by EBOPRAS, applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved a high level of expertise in the field through their educational qualifications, clinical practice and research activities. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by EBOPRAS. The examination consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and surgical techniques. The oral exam consists of questions related to clinical cases and ethical issues.

It typically takes about three years to complete the requirements for certification by EBOPRAS. During this time, applicants must complete a minimum of five years of postgraduate training in plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery at an accredited institution, followed by one year of approved fellowship training in aesthetic plastic surgery or reconstructive microsurgery. In addition to these requirements, applicants must also submit evidence demonstrating their involvement in research activities related to plastic surgery or reconstructive microsurgery.

The cost for obtaining certification through EBOPRAS varies depending on the country where the applicant resides. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from €500-€2,000 depending on the country's specific fees associated with taking the exams and submitting applications for certification.

7. Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS)

The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS) is a professional association of cosmetic surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1995 to provide an independent source of education, training, and certification for cosmetic surgeons. The ACCS offers a comprehensive program of education and training that covers the latest advances in cosmetic surgery techniques, patient safety, and ethical practice.

It takes approximately five years to complete the requirements for certification as a Fellow of the ACCS. This includes completing an accredited medical degree, completing at least two years of post-graduate training in plastic or reconstructive surgery, passing the written and practical examinations set by the ACCS Board, and completing at least one year of supervised clinical experience in cosmetic surgery.

To become certified by the ACCS, you must first apply for membership. This involves submitting your CV and other relevant documents such as medical qualifications and proof of post-graduate training. Once accepted into the college, you will then need to complete all the necessary educational requirements before taking the written and practical examinations set by the board. After successfully passing these exams, you will be awarded Fellowship status with the college.

The cost of becoming a Fellow of the ACCS varies depending on your individual circumstances but typically ranges from around $10 000 to $20 000 AUD (Australian Dollars). This cost includes fees for membership application, examination fees, educational materials, supervision fees during clinical experience placements etc.

8. Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP)

The Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) is a professional organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of plastic surgery in Brazil. It was founded in 1951 and is recognized as the leading authority on plastic surgery in the country. The SBCP is responsible for setting standards for education, training, and certification of plastic surgeons in Brazil.

In order to become a member of the SBCP, a surgeon must have completed an accredited medical program, have at least three years of post-graduate experience in plastic surgery, and pass a written examination administered by the society. Once accepted into the society, members are required to adhere to a strict code of ethics and must maintain their membership through continuing education credits.

The cost of becoming a member of the SBCP varies depending on the individual's qualifications and experience. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD per year.

In addition to membership fees, there are also annual dues that must be paid each year to remain active with the society. These dues are typically around $150 USD per year.

Finally, once accepted into the society, members may be required to pay additional fees for certain activities such as attending conferences or taking part in research projects. These fees vary depending on the activity but can range from $100-$500 USD per event or project.

9. International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS)

The International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS) is an international organization that promotes the highest standards of plastic surgery worldwide. It was founded in 1961 and is now composed of over 100 national and regional societies from around the world. IPRAS works to promote education, research and development in the field of plastic surgery, as well as to provide a platform for professional exchange between surgeons.

It takes approximately one year to become a member of IPRAS. To get started, you must first be a member of your national or regional society. Then you must submit an application form with supporting documents such as proof of qualifications and experience in plastic surgery. The application will then be reviewed by the IPRAS Board and if accepted, you will receive your membership certificate.

The cost of becoming a member of IPRAS varies depending on your country's membership fees. Generally speaking, it can range from $100-200 USD per year for individual memberships or up to $500 USD per year for institutional memberships.

10. American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF)

The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. AAAASF is an independent accrediting body that sets standards and evaluates ambulatory surgical facilities for compliance with those standards. The goal of AAAASF is to ensure that all ambulatory surgical facilities meet the highest levels of safety, quality and patient care.

To become accredited by AAAASF, a facility must demonstrate that it meets or exceeds the minimum standards set forth by the organization. This includes demonstrating compliance with infection control protocols, appropriate staffing levels, proper equipment and supplies, and other aspects of patient care.

The process of becoming accredited typically takes between 6-12 months depending on the size and complexity of the facility being evaluated. During this time, an AAAASF surveyor will review the facility's policies and procedures as well as conduct interviews with staff members and inspect the physical premises. Once all criteria are met, accreditation is granted.

The cost to become accredited varies based on a number of factors such as size and complexity of the facility being evaluated. Generally speaking, however, most facilities can expect to pay between $2,000 - $5,000 for their initial accreditation fee plus additional fees for any reaccreditation surveys or inspections required in subsequent years.

11. The Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF).

The Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization that promotes and maintains high standards of safety and quality in ambulatory surgical care. The CAAASF accredits ambulatory surgical facilities in Canada that meet or exceed the requirements set out by the organization.

It typically takes 6 to 12 months to complete the process of obtaining CAAASF accreditation. The first step is to submit an application package which includes information on the facility, its staff, its policies and procedures, and other relevant documents. Once the application has been approved, a surveyor will visit the facility to assess whether it meets all of the CAAASF standards. If successful, the facility will be granted accreditation status for a period of three years.

The cost of obtaining CAAASF accreditation varies depending on factors such as size and complexity of the facility as well as location. Generally speaking, fees range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year depending on these factors.

Do You Really Need a Plastic Surgeon Certificate?

When considering whether or not you need a plastic surgeon certificate, it is important to understand what this certification entails and what it can do for you. A plastic surgeon certificate is an official document that certifies that the plastic surgeon has completed the necessary education and training in order to become a qualified professional in the field of cosmetic surgery. This document also serves as proof of their qualifications and expertise in the field.

A plastic surgeon certificate can be beneficial for those who are interested in pursuing a career in cosmetic surgery, as it will provide them with an additional level of credibility when applying for jobs or seeking out potential clients. It can also serve as a reference for patients who are considering undergoing any type of cosmetic procedure, so they can feel more confident knowing that their doctor is qualified to perform such procedures safely and effectively.

In addition, having a plastic surgeon certificate may increase your chances of getting accepted into residency programs or other specializations related to cosmetic surgery. It may also help you secure funding from private organizations or research grants if you choose to pursue further studies in this field.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a plastic surgeon certificate depends on your personal goals and aspirations within the field of cosmetic surgery. If you are looking to pursue a career as a plastic surgeon, then having this certification would be highly beneficial to your success. However, if you are simply looking to gain knowledge about cosmetic procedures or just want to stay up-to-date on developments within the medical community, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain this certification.

Related: Plastic Surgeon Resume Examples

FAQs About Plastic Surgeon Certifications

1. What certifications do plastic surgeons need?

Answer: Plastic surgeons must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

2. How long does it take to become a certified plastic surgeon?

Answer: It typically takes between 8-10 years to become a certified plastic surgeon. This includes completing medical school, a residency in general surgery, and a fellowship in plastic surgery.

3. Are there any additional certifications I should look for when choosing a plastic surgeon?

Answer: Yes, you should also look for board certification from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). This demonstrates that your surgeon has completed additional training in cosmetic procedures.

4. What is the difference between ABMS and ASPS/ASAPS certification?

Answer: The ABMS certification ensures that your surgeon has completed an accredited residency and fellowship program in plastic surgery and has passed rigorous exams. ASPS/ASAPS certification indicates that your surgeon has specialized training in cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts.

5. Do all certified plastic surgeons have experience with reconstructive surgery?

Answer: Not necessarily – while some surgeons may specialize in reconstructive surgery, others may focus on aesthetic procedures such as rhinoplasty or facial rejuvenation. It is important to ask potential surgeons about their experience with reconstructive surgery before making a decision.