Who is the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The American Board of Medical Specialties was created to support the commitment set forth to protect patients, by regulating the quality of medical education. While the intent of the American Board of Plastic Surgery is not to designate eligibility of who may perform plastic surgery procedures, it does resolve to initiate the qualifying requirements for applicants requesting certification, regulate comprehensive examinations and present certification to those who meet the establish requirements. Recognition of the Board's accreditation is held in the highest regard and once a surgeon completes the requirements, he/she is referred to as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As stated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, these diplomats are recognized to possess extensive skill in the following areas:

Congenital defects of the head and neck, including clefts of the lip and palate, and craniofacial surgery.

Neoplasms of the head and neck, including the oropharynx and training in appropriate edoscopy.

Cranio-maxillofacial trauma, including fractures of the mandible and maxilla.

Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery of the head and neck, trunk and extremities.

Plastic surgery of the breast.

Surgery of the hand/upper extremities.

Plastic surgery of the lower extremities.

Plastic surgery of congenital and acquired defects of the trunk and genitalia.

Burn managements, acute and reconstructive.

Microsurgical techniques applicable to plastic surgery.

Reconstruction by tissue transfer including flaps and grafts.

Surgery of benign and malignant lesions of the skin and soft tissue.