Patients who are interested in facial plastic surgery should seek the advice of the most qualified medical professionals. While many plastic surgeons practice under the umbrella of state licensing, only double board-certified facial plastic surgeons have the knowledge, skill, and training required to perform specialized procedures that deliver consistent results. Patients who are ready to make an appointment with a facial plastic surgeon should only do so with one who is double board-certified. The information presented in this post may be used to help patients locate a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and understand exactly what board-certification is.
Obtaining Board Certification
The road to becoming a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon is a very long one. The process includes completion of the following:
- An undergraduate degree and medical college admissions test (MCAT)
- A medical school degree
- State licensing requirements
- A 5-6 year surgical residency program
- A 1 year facial plastic surgery fellowship
Only surgeons who complete all of these requirements are eligible to become double board-certified. Board certification is awarded to surgeons who pass rigorous oral and written examinations.
Facial plastic surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery and/or the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. The most qualified surgeons are those that are board-certified by both.
Facility Accreditation
Many facial plastic surgery procedures are performed at outpatient ambulatory surgery centers or surgery clinics in plastic surgeons’ offices. The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF or “quad” ASF) holds surgical facilities to strict accreditation standards. Patients who have their procedures at an accredited facility receive the highest quality of patient care. They are ensured all safety and precautionary measures are taken. For these reasons, patients (especially those who travel internationally) should always make sure the facility their doctor performs procedures in is accredited.
Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a plastic surgeon does not have to be frustrating. Surgeons who are double board-certified and perform procedures at accredited facilities have undergone rigorous training and met all of the standards required to ensure patients always receive excellent results. Dr. Stein is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has practiced the art of facial plastic surgery in the Raleigh-Durham area for over 20 years. He has performed many thousands of nose surgeries, facelifts, browlifts, and eyelid surgeries. To request a consultation with Dr. Stein, call 919.261.7099 or fill out the form on our website.
