Why It’s Important to See a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
When considering elective surgery like cosmetic plastic surgery, patients should make educated decisions to reduce the risks and optimize their chances of success. One of the most important decisions is to select a board-certified plastic surgeon — like New York City’s Joshua Greenwald —to perform the procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons are qualified, capable and have the credentials needed to produce safe and successful results.
Here, Dr. Greenwald explains why it is so important that the plastic surgeon you choose is board-certified.
What Board Certification Entails
Your surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only legitimate plastic surgery specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Being board certified in plastic surgery means that the surgeon has specific training and experience, meets stringent requirements and adheres to high ethical standards.
Board-certified plastic surgeons must earn their medical degrees from an accredited institution and complete seven years of training in cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery in a credentialed program. After that, they must pass rigorous exams administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to test their knowledge of the specialty.
Board-certified plastic surgeons know how to reduce the risk of complications and how to handle them if they do arise. The American Board of Medical Specialties does an excellent job of keeping their physician members aware of new risks and potential complications.
Board-certified plastic surgeons are held to a high standard of ethics. The choices they make are in the best interest of the patient.
Membership to Plastic Surgery Associations
Another credential that is a good indication that you have chosen a great plastic surgeon is that they maintain membership to national, regional, state or local plastic surgery organizations.
Belonging to a national organization like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons adds an extra layer of assurance that a plastic surgeon is qualified to perform plastic surgery. This and certain other organizations have strict requirements for members. They also hold annual meetings to discuss the latest techniques and technology to keep their members up-to-date on all advances.
Belonging to a regional, state or local plastic surgery organization is also a clear indicator that a plastic surgeon is credentialed and trustworthy. These organizations know their members on a more personal basis than national organizations. Thus, members are held accountable by their peers to make safe and ethical choices in patient care.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Greenwald
Dr. Greenwald is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and belongs to the following organizations:
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons (Fellow)
- American Medical Association
- Westchester County Medical Society
To book an appointment to meet Dr. Greenwald and discuss your plastic surgery options, please contact our practice today.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.