When you’re considering plastic surgery, credentials matter. At The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery, our skilled providers have undergone years of focused training to become board-certified plastic surgeons. But not everyone performing cosmetic surgery has the same level of education, experience, or verified expertise. So, what does board certification actually mean? How can you tell who’s qualified and who just sounds qualified? Let’s break it down.

What Is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed extensive education and hands-on training specific to reconstructive and aesthetic surgery—not just general medicine.

To earn certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a surgeon must:

• Complete 4 years of medical school
• Finish at least 6 years of surgical training (with at least 3 years focused on plastic surgery)
• Pass rigorous written and oral board exams
• Maintain high ethical standards and commit to continuing education

Bottom line: Becoming board certified is not easy, and that’s a good thing. Certification ensures your surgeon is equipped to deliver safe, high-quality care tailored to your needs.

How Board Certification Protects You

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for your safety and peace of mind. When you select an ABPS-certified surgeon, you can feel confident knowing your surgeon is equipped to handle your procedure safely and skillfully. Board certification also requires surgeons to uphold strict ethical standards, so you can trust that your well-being is always their top priority throughout your surgical journey.

How To Check if a Plastic Surgeon Is Board Certified

Not sure if your surgeon’s credentials are legit? You’re not alone. Many patients are surprised to learn that some doctors performing cosmetic procedures aren’t certified in plastic surgery at all.

Here are 2 different ways to confirm:

• Use the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s (ABPS) verification tool.
• Check the American Board of Medical Specialties to search by the physician’s name.

Don’t rely on titles alone. “Board certified” only means something if it’s from a recognized medical board—specifically the ABPS in the case of plastic surgery.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon vs. Cosmetic Surgeon

The terms “plastic surgeon” and “cosmetic surgeon” are not interchangeable, although they’re often used that way.

Here’s the difference:

• Plastic surgeons are certified by the ABPS, which requires years of surgical training in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
• Cosmetic surgeons may have completed far less formal training, and sometimes none specifically in plastic surgery.

If you’re trusting someone with your face or body, make sure they have the proper training to back it up.

Meet the Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons at The Swan Center

At The Swan Center, we’re proud to have an experienced, credentialed team of board-certified plastic surgeons: Dr. Joseph G. Bauer, Dr. Dean Fardo, and Dr. Cristen Catignani. Our surgeons share a commitment to safety, surgical artistry, and compassionate, personalized care to ensure you receive the best care and results possible.

Choose a Surgeon You Can Trust

Your body deserves the best. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon means choosing someone with the training, judgment, and experience to help you look and feel your best—safely. If you’d like to speak with one of our surgeons, call The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery today at (770) 667-0904 or request your consultation using our online form.