The Importance Of Choosing A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

When considering plastic surgery, the first step is a total understanding of the procedure and who will be performing it. There are many aspects to consider when choosing a surgeon including education, experience, bedside manner and many more. There are many doctors and licensed physicians who claim to be cosmetic surgeons, but have not actually undergone proper training and are not board certified in plastic surgery. It is important to look for board certification in plastic surgery when selecting a cosmetic surgeon. Dr. David Berman, triple board certified plastic surgeon, reveals what goes into earning the designation as well as the difference between a board certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon. 

A board certified plastic surgeon cannot be compared to a regular cosmetic surgeon. In order to become a board certified plastic surgeon, one must graduate from medical school, earning the title of MD or Doctor and complete an additional minimum six years of surgical training. Dr. Berman completed 9 years of surgical training. Board certified surgeons also complete a written examination after their training program. A board certified surgeon must also work in a real practice or hospital in order to secure the prestigious title. At this point, when the Dr. is working while earning his title, he is considered “Board Eligible”. Once all the requirements have been completed, he/she then must pass an oral examination lasting several hours. Once they are board certified surgeons, they are required to maintain additional educational credits. 

If you choose to have surgery on your body or face, you want to ensure you are putting yourself in the best care. When contemplating who is most suitable to perform your surgery, the first criteria should be to verify that the Dr. is truly board certified as a plastic surgeon. You can easily google American Board of Plastic Surgery and see if your doctor’s name appears on their website. 

The difference between a board certified plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon is not necessarily the procedures they perform but the surgeon’s qualifications to perform them.  More often than not, unsatisfactory or problematic plastic surgery results are due in part to an unskilled professional that was chosen to perform an operation they were not adequately trained for. Simply put, board certified plastic surgeons are the most trained and qualified. A cosmetic surgeon has adopted a title that has nothing to do with the American Board of Surgery. Almost all of the people obtaining this certification were not trained in plastic surgery. They may be trained in other surgical specialties. The idea of someone who is trained to deliver babies (obstetrics) should be qualified to do a breast augmentation is ludicrous. It is even more absurd when doctors who have totally non-surgical practices such as family doctors, venture into doing plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, etc. 

The next important step is to actually meet your plastic surgeon and see how you connect. Does the surgeon or his staff seem pushy to get you to do the surgery? Is the surgeon or his staff insisting you do additional procedures? Is he/she providing information or just trying to increase the number of procedures performed? It is important to note that all surgery involves some level of risk. You want to select a board certified plastic surgeon that you feel will stand with you if you have problems and also has the experience to know how to treat the situation when things don’t go as perfectly as anticipated. Dr. Berman gives all of his surgical patients his personal cell phone, so that his patients can be in touch with him directly after surgery. 

Of course, money is an important factor when doing anything elective, but it should not be the sole consideration when selecting your surgeon. The best surgeons rarely offer specials or discounts or use groupon. All surgery has risks and it is important that you recognize this is not the situation to look for a bargain. Almost all plastic surgery offices offer financing. It is important for you to judge your own personal situation. If you cannot afford the surgery, then it is better to delay it to another time, rather than to settle for a less than ideal surgeon. 

As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. David E. Berman is a highly trained surgeon with a distinguished track record. Dr. Berman is an acclaimed plastic surgeon who is triple board certified in general and plastic surgery, both in Canada and the United States.Dr. Berman studied and trained at Memorial University in Eastern Canada. It was during this time that Dr. Berman received his first board certification in General Surgery. Dr. Berman furthered his education in Charlottesville at the prestigious University of Virginia, Charlottesville where he completed his plastic surgery residency as well as two additional fellowships, in burns and microsurgery. After investing nine additional years in surgical training, Dr. Berman received his second and third board certifications- plastic surgery certifications in both Canada and the USA. Dr. Berman is an Allergan Partner Privileges member, has been named a RealSelf Top Contributor, and received certification from The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Dr. Berman now offers a full array of the most advanced and cutting edge cosmetic surgical techniques ranging from minimally invasive procedures to extreme makeover surgeries. From the initial consultation through recovery, Dr. Berman’s patients feel confident knowing that they are in his care and are given his undivided attention.