The term “board certified” is thrown around a lot in the medical community. As patients, or prospective patients, we know this is a good thing because of context clues and sentiment. But do any of us really understand the meaning behind “board certified?” Most of us would be surprised to find out that the physicians who appear on TV shows and commercials, including “Dr. 90210,” are not required to be board certified.
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, any licensed physician can legally call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, regardless of what kind of training they have. Only those surgeons who have completed a full residency and fellowship have actually learned to perform the full range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, like facelifts and rhinoplasties.
Throughout this period of training, facial plastic surgeons work full-time under direct training and supervision of other more senior and qualified surgeons to fully learn the trade, including dealing with complications. These doctors spend thousands of hours training. It is important to note that weekend training courses or certifications are not the same as a residency, and don’t offer nearly the same level of education as a residency.
Being board certified in facial plastic surgery means that a surgeon has been awarded a certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). This only happens after finishing the aforementioned formal residency and also passing a very intense written examination with an extremely difficult oral examination specifically focused on surgical procedures of the face, nose and neck.
If you’re looking for a facial procedure, you should look for a surgeon with a board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Look for the ABFFPRS symbol displayed on a surgeon’s website or brochure.
Should you care whether your doctor is board certified or not, though? The answer is a resounding, “yes”. When you’re working with a board certified plastic surgeon, you’re opting for a surgeon with proper training, hands on experience, and even continuing education requirements. That’s right, board certified facial plastic surgeons must earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. On top of that, they are required to participate in the Maintenance of Certificate Program from the ABFPRS throughout the duration of their career. This ensures your doctor is able to deliver the best quality service with the most updated knowledge possible. Just like every other industry, plastic surgery and the medical field are not immune to technological changes and innovation.
Dr. Jean-Paul Azzi is double board-certified which means he went above and beyond to hone his craft. Additionally, Dr. Azzi holds a certification from the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery.
Dr. Azzi trained at the finest institutions with world-renowned plastic surgeons in New York City, where he practiced the most advanced and cutting edge techniques in endoscopic facelift and brow lift, minimally invasive facelifting, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), rhinoplasty and all other facial plastic surgery procedures.
Whether you’re looking for a slight adjustment to your look, or just to learn more about what your options are, call (561) 429-5403 today or click here to make a consultation.
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