What is the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Initially organized in 1937, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. (ABPS) was given the status of a major specialty board by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in 1941 and remains the only board certification recognized by the ABMS to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.  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 of plastic surgeons as specialists.

Board certification in plastic surgery requires:

• Graduation from an accredited medical school
• Completion of a minimum of 5 years of surgical residency following medical school with a minimum of 2 years in an accredited plastic surgery residency program specifically devoted to formal certified training in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery
• Successful completion of comprehensive written and oral exams covering both cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures.

Completion of this highly rigorous training process is among the most extensive of any medical or surgical specialty and is designed to assess the knowledge, experience and clinical skills necessary to provide high quality plastic surgical care.

When considering any plastic surgical procedure, be sure to select a physician certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Only board-certified plastic surgeons may display the ABPS logo.  This symbol of excellence is what you should look for when choosing a plastic surgeon:

Click here to learn more about Dr. Kimmel and his training and credentials or to learn more about why it is important to choose a board certified plastic surgeon

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