Why You Must Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Published 11/2/2017

Plastic surgery can help you reach your cosmetic goals. However, when coupled with an unqualified physician, plastic surgery may not only yield visually displeasing results, but can also prove to be dangerous. As the popularity of plastic surgery increases—so do the number of incidences of patients being duped into receiving treatments from those who have not received proper education, training and certification.

Recently, a New York “plastic surgeon” (actually a gynecologist) to the stars came under fire for practicing cosmetic surgeries due to a loophole in the state’s law. Ultimately he was charged with 29 counts of negligence, fraud, incompetence, and other wrong doings in relation to his cosmetic practice. One indiscretion included performing liposuction on a 34-year-old woman without first checking her blood-test results which showed that she was pregnant. This is just one cautionary story, but there are thousands more out there. 

Dr. Ravi Somayazula: ✓Board Certified

The take home message should be: do your research to find a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. How can you ensure that you too are not duped? First, understand the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon.  A plastic surgeon graduated from a nationally accredited plastic surgery fellowship after completing either a general surgery or ENT (otolaryngology) fellowship. A cosmetic surgeon did not undergo a nationally recognized 2 to 3 year fellowship but possibly just a weekend course. Secondly, certification does matter and it’s not just a plaque hung up on a wall! When considering plastic surgery, it is imperative that you seek out a board certified plastic surgeon.

Which societies and organizations your physician is actively involved in not only shows their dedication and passion, but also their certification and level of expertise. Dr. Ravi is honored to be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  So what does that mean and why should it be important to you?

The American Board of Plastic Surgery

• The safest and best plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)—an umbrella organization for twenty-four approved medical specialty certifying boards including plastic surgery. The mission of the ABPS is to “promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification, and maintenance of certification.” In order to became board certified, each surgeon must perform meticulous note keeping on their surgeries as well as undergo a two day grueling oral examination.  So when you hear someone is board certified, that means they are at the top of the game.

The American Society of Plastic Surgery

• This is an even more exclusive and meticulously picked group of doctors.  Only physicians who have been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are even eligible to become members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. To become a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), you must have at least six years of surgical training and experience, with at least three years in plastic surgery. Membership is a sign that a plastic surgeon has met certain standards and requirements, a code of conduct, has undergone adequate training while adhering to rigid ethical standards. Continued medical education is a requirement for all members and ensures that your plastic surgeon is keen to the most recent, innovative, and up to date techniques. Another important requirement is that all ASPS members are required to operate in accredited medical facilities.  This group of top plastic surgeons should let you feel rest assured you are in the safest hands possible.   Read more about our very own Dr. Ravi Somayazula on the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s website.

Board Certification Matters at Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics

The decision to get any type of plastic surgery is not one that should be taken lightly—and who performs your surgery is crucial to beautiful and safe results! By trusting Dr. Ravi Somayazula you receive expert surgical technique paired perfectly with his artful cosmetic approach. As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Somayazula is able to provide each of his patients with naturally beautiful results, but most importantly, he’s able to do this in a way that prioritizes each man and woman’s safety. You can learn more about Dr. Somayazula’s experience as a plastic surgeon when you schedule your consultation at Houston’s Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics.