Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon

"Trust…based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise..."

A facial plastic surgeon is a surgical specialist who has demonstrated a commitment to treating conditions of the face, head and neck. He or she is trained in both the functional and cosmetic aspects of surgery of the face, head and neck. Furthermore, facial plastic surgeons reconstruct and repair physical deformities that are present at birth or caused by burns, injuries, disease, or aging, as well as restore and improve function and personal appearance.

Facial plastic surgery grew out of a need to improve patient care in the field of head and neck surgery. Some patients suffer from birth disfigurements such as birthmarks, cleft palates, and congenital facial deformities. Others are victims of accidents, burns, diseases, and the treatment required for such diseases. Many choose to change some of the signs of premature aging or the shape or size of a facial feature that has bothered them for years. Facial plastic surgeons are typically trained in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and are board-certified in their fields. Facial plastic surgeons may become members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a National Medical Specialty of the American Medical Association for the field of facial plastic surgery.

How you benefit by consulting with a facial plastic surgeon is the high level of care received for your particular condition. A facial plastic surgeon is typically board certified in otolaryngology, the specialty addressing surgery of the head and neck. These surgeons perform the majority of elective facial plastic surgery procedures in the United States. The facial plastic surgeon has spent 1 year in post-graduate training in general surgery and at least four additional years of specialty training in head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. Concentrating on the complex anatomy, physiology, pathology, bio-chemistry, and bacteriology of all the organs and structures of the head and neck, provides the facial plastic surgeon a strong focus on the anatomical region being treated.

By focusing on one area, the face, it is possible that an increased level of specialized care can more likely be delivered to your patient. People with healthy self-esteem want not only to feel healthy, but also to look healthy.

Your surgeon's certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery means that:

• You have found a "board-certified facial plastic surgeon"
• Your surgeon has met the rigorous standards of the ABFPRS

The ABFPRS credential signifies that your surgeon:

• Has completed an approved residency after medical school in one of two surgical specialties focusing on facial plastic surgery (otolaryngology-head and neck surgery or plastic surgery);
• Is double boarded, having earned prior certification in one of those specialties through the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Canada;
• Has successfully completed a two-day examination;
• Has submitted for peer-review an acceptable record of at least two years’ clinical experience, including operative reports of a minimum 100 facial plastic surgeries; and
• Holds proper licensure and subscribes to the ABFPRS Code of Ethics.

A patient choosing a surgeon for facial plastic surgery must take the responsibility for asking questions and choosing the right surgeon. Make sure the surgeon you choose is one you can relate to and who answers your questions. Also, not every surgeon performs every facial plastic procedure. Some focus on specific procedures. Make sure your surgeon is experienced in the procedure you want and regularly performs that procedure.

To verify your surgeon's ABFPRS certification, contact the Board office.

ABFPRS
115C South St Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703)549-3223
URL: www.abfprs.org

*Information obtained from the Physician Information Guide developed by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery