What is the difference between a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon?
The American Board of Plastic Surgery has been recognized by the Advisory Board for Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association as a major specialty board since 1941. The Board of Cosmetic Surgery was founded as a corporation in 1982. It is an independent organization recognized as a non profit entity. Many Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeons are qualified and skilled plastic surgeons, however, the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures that their board certified surgeons have undergone extensive specialized training and passed several difficult examinations set fort h by the Board of Plastic Surgery. The minimum requirement for board eligibility is six years of general surgery training and three years of specialized training in cosmetic plastic & reconstructive surgery. It is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify physicians for the full range of plastic & reconstructive procedures. It is monitored by the American Medical Associ
