Cosmetic Surgeons Versus Plastic Surgeons

Submitted by Meg Wilson on March 12, 2008 - 11:43.

What's the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon? Here's what Dr. Gregory Buford has to say about it. He's a board certified plastic surgeon.

Calling oneself a Cosmetic Surgeon basically means nothing. The ABMS, the American Board of Medical Specialties, recognizes a total of 29 specialties for which it will grant board certification, one of which is plastic surgery. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not recognized by the American Board of medical specialties and is thus considered to be a bogus board.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons was just very helpful in putting through legislation in Florida which would require a practitioner to advertise what their board certification is in. For example, if someone was a cosmetic surgeon and said they were board certified, they would have to clearly state what they were board certified in.

See more from his interview with Paige Donner


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( categories: Cosmetic Surgery )
BC not a bunch of BS
Submitted by Michael (not verified) on April 9, 2008 - 09:17.

I work with three surgeons performing plastic surgery in Atlanta and all three are board certified... and board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I've also "had work done" (twice), specifically a laser procedure to reduce the appearance of blood vessels on my nose and cheeks. I made sure that my dermatologist was board certified, as well. I hope the legislation put forth by American Society of Plastic Surgeons passes in FL... and I hope it is picked up in other states, because it's too easy right now for most any medical doctor to claim to be a "cosmetic surgeon," and patients don't understand that a doctor who says that s/he's a cosmetic surgeon (legally) may have neither specific training nor experience with the procedure they're electing.

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