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Why Credentials Matter
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your surgeon’s credentials directly impact your safety, the quality of your results, and your overall experience. Understanding what board certification means and how to verify credentials helps ensure you choose a qualified, experienced surgeon.
As a double-board certified plastic surgeon in Boca Raton, I believe patient education about credentials is essential. This article explains why board certification matters and how to verify that your surgeon has the proper qualifications.
What Is Board Certification?
Understanding Certification
Board certification means:
- Specialized Training: Surgeon has completed specialized training
- Examination: Passed rigorous examinations
- Ongoing Education: Commits to ongoing education
- Standards: Meets high standards of practice
- Accountability: Accountable to certifying board
The Gold Standard
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is:
- Recognized Authority: Recognized authority in plastic surgery
- Rigorous Requirements: Rigorous training and examination requirements
- Ongoing Standards: Ongoing standards maintenance
- Patient Safety: Focus on patient safety
- Quality Assurance: Quality assurance in practice
Why Board Certification Matters
Safety
Board certification impacts safety:
- Training: Extensive, specialized training
- Experience: Proven experience and competence
- Standards: Adherence to high standards
- Complications: Better ability to manage complications
- Outcomes: Better safety outcomes
Results
Certification affects results:
- Technique: Mastery of techniques
- Artistry: Artistic skill and judgment
- Experience: Extensive experience
- Outcomes: Better aesthetic outcomes
- Satisfaction: Higher patient satisfaction
Peace of Mind
Certification provides:
- Confidence: Confidence in surgeon’s abilities
- Trust: Trust in surgeon’s qualifications
- Assurance: Assurance of quality care
- Standards: Knowledge of standards met
- Accountability: Accountability to board
How to Verify Credentials
Verification Steps
Verify credentials by:
- ABPS Website: Check American Board of Plastic Surgery website
- State Medical Board: Check state medical board
- Hospital Privileges: Verify hospital privileges
- Professional Organizations: Check professional organization membership
- Direct Questions: Ask surgeon directly
What to Look For
Look for:
- ABPS Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery certification
- Active Status: Active certification status
- No Disciplinary Actions: No disciplinary actions
- Hospital Privileges: Hospital privileges
- Professional Memberships: Professional organization memberships
Red Flags to Avoid
Warning Signs
Warning signs include:
- No Certification: No board certification
- Wrong Certification: Certification in unrelated specialty
- Cosmetic Surgery Boards: “Cosmetic surgery” boards (not recognized)
- Disciplinary Actions: Disciplinary actions
- Unwilling to Discuss: Unwilling to discuss credentials
Questions to Ask
Ask about:
- Certification: Board certification status
- Training: Training background
- Experience: Experience with your procedure
- Complications: Complication rates
- Facility: Facility accreditation
Your Surgeon Selection
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for your safety and results. Don’t compromise on credentials—your health and appearance are too important.
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Discuss credentials openly
- Show you how to verify credentials
- Answer all your questions
- Provide transparency about qualifications
To verify credentials or schedule a consultation, please contact our office. We’re committed to transparency and patient safety.
Dr. Georgina Nichols
Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Georgina Nichols is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Specializing in lipedema treatment, she combines surgical expertise with personal understanding as a lipedema patient herself, providing compassionate, comprehensive care to patients in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach.
