Most people are unaware that any licensed physician is allowed to perform plastic surgery. However, in order to get the best results and to help ensure your safety, it is important to choose a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is dedicated to safe, ethical, and efficient care to patients by upholding high standards. Plastic surgeons must renew their certification every 10 years to maintain their status with ABPS.

Be sure to ask specifically about ABPS certification, as there are other organizations that provide board certification in other medical specialties.

What It Means to Be Board Certified

Board certification by the ABPS means that not only has your surgeon graduated from an accredited medical school, but they have also completed at least six years of ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) certified training as a resident surgeon. This residency must cover every area of surgery, and at least three years should be completely focused on plastic surgery. ABPS certification covers all aspects of plastic surgery, including hand, craniomaxillofacial, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery. Certification requires passing comprehensive oral and written exams covering all aspects of plastic surgery. The ABPS maintains high standards for accreditation, examinations, and recertification so you can rest assured that your surgeon is qualified to provide the results you seek. Additionally, the organization verifies certification for inquiring members of the public.

While ABPS certification is voluntary, remember that it means your surgeon has fulfilled the rigorous training requirements and taken the extra steps necessary to be able to provide you with optimal results. The ABPS is the only organization approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify plastic surgeons of the face and body. The ABMS oversees 24 member boards across numerous specialties to make sure that physicians stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and practices in their fields.

Dr. Gehaan D’Souza

Dr. D’Souza is board certified by the ABPS and concentrates on body, breast, nose, and migraine surgery. He has also helped develop several new surgical techniques and presented his work at the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the Plastic Surgery Research Council. He takes pride in giving his patients personalized attention throughout the surgical process and has completed a fellowship in Aesthetic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.