What Is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Why Does It Matter for My Procedure?
QUICK ANSWER
A board-certified plastic surgeon has completed medical school, a general surgery residency, an additional plastic surgery residency, and has passed rigorous written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). In the United States, ABPS certification is the gold standard credential for plastic surgeons. Board certification can be verified free at certificationmatters.org.
What Is Board Certification in Plastic Surgery?
Board certification is a voluntary process by which a surgeon demonstrates expertise in a specific medical specialty by passing standardized examinations and meeting defined training requirements. For plastic surgery, the relevant certifying body is the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), one of 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
What Does Achieving ABPS Certification Require?
- Completion of an accredited four-year medical school program
- Completion of a general surgery residency (typically five years)
- Completion of an accredited plastic surgery residency (typically two to three additional years)
- Documentation of a required case log demonstrating a wide range of surgical experience
- Passing a comprehensive written qualifying examination
- Passing a rigorous oral examination administered by ABPS examiners
- Commitment to ongoing continuing medical education and periodic recertification
Why Does Board Certification Matter?
The term “plastic surgeon” is not legally protected in all states. This means physicians from other specialties — family medicine, dermatology, obstetrics, emergency medicine — can legally perform cosmetic procedures without completing plastic surgery training. In an unregulated marketplace, this creates risk for patients.
ABPS certification confirms that your surgeon has undergone the full training pathway required to safely perform complex aesthetic and reconstructive operations. It is not a guarantee of perfect outcomes, but it is a foundational requirement that narrows your risk meaningfully.
What to Look for Beyond Board Certification
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) designation — indicates peer-reviewed standards of surgical training and practice
- Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Active hospital privileges in plastic surgery — not just an office-based practice
- Surgery performed in a JCAHO or AAAHC accredited facility
- A robust, authentic before-and-after portfolio specific to your procedure
- Transparent communication about risks and realistic expectations
About Dr. Amir Dorafshar
Dr. Amir Dorafshar, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He completed his training at leading academic medical centers and has over three decades of professional experience. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to aesthetic surgery, craniofacial reconstruction, facial gender-affirming surgery, and computer-assisted surgical planning. He is the co-author of two authoritative surgical textbooks and practices at Evolve Your Life in Chicago, Illinois.
How to Verify a Surgeon’s Board Certification
Verification is free, takes less than one minute, and is strongly encouraged before scheduling any surgical procedure:
- Visit certificationmatters.org — the official ABMS database
- Search by the surgeon’s name
- Confirm certification specifically by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Note the certification date and whether it is current
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a doctor who is not board-certified in plastic surgery perform a facelift or tummy tuck?
Yes — in most states this is legal, even without plastic surgery training. This is why patients must proactively verify ABPS certification rather than assuming any surgeon calling themselves a “cosmetic surgeon” has completed full plastic surgery training.
What is the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon?
“Cosmetic surgeon” is not a recognized specialty by the ABMS. Anyone can use this title. “Plastic surgeon” may also be used loosely. Only ABPS-certified surgeons have completed the recognized training pathway for the specialty.
Is Dr. Dorafshar board-certified?
Yes. Dr. Amir Dorafshar is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). His certification can be verified at certificationmatters.org.
What does FACS mean after a surgeon’s name?
FACS stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons — a designation awarded to surgeons who meet peer-reviewed educational, ethical, and professional standards in their specialty. It is an additional credential beyond board certification.
Does board certification guarantee good results?
Board certification does not guarantee any specific outcome, but it confirms foundational training competency. Evaluating a surgeon’s before-and-after portfolio, patient reviews, and consultation experience alongside their credentials gives the most complete picture.
NEXT STEP FOR PATIENTS
Choose a board-certified expert. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Amir Dorafshar at any of the Evolve Your Life locations, Chicago, Oak Brook, and Peoria. Call (312) 278-9000, or book here https://www.evolveyourlife.com/contact/book-consultation/.
