In today’s world of influencers, injectables, and aesthetic procedures being offered on nearly every corner, it can be hard to know who to trust when it comes to your face and body. One of the most important credentials to look for in any plastic surgeon is Board Certification—but what does that actually mean? At SARA Surgery in Morton Grove, we believe in transparency, education, and patient empowerment. That’s why we’re here to explain what Board Certification really involves, and why it should be non-negotiable when choosing your plastic surgeon.
What Is Board Certification in Plastic Surgery?
Board Certification in Plastic Surgery means that a surgeon has undergone rigorous, multi-year specialized training beyond medical school and has passed comprehensive written and oral exams administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) for plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body.
To become board certified by the ABPS, a surgeon must:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete at least six years of surgical training, including a minimum of three years specifically in plastic surgery
- Perform thousands of supervised surgical procedures during training
- Pass a three-step licensing exam
- Pass extensive written and oral board exams
- Commit to ongoing specialty education, patient safety education and recertification to maintain the highest standards
In other words, Board Certification is a true measure of a plastic surgeon’s knowledge, skill, and safety practices.
Why It Matters for Your Safety
While many doctors may legally perform cosmetic procedures, not all are trained plastic surgeons. Dermatologists, ER doctors, even dentists have been known to offer aesthetic treatments or surgeries without formal plastic surgery training. That means these physicians may be learning from videos, weekend courses and trial and error. This increases the risk of complications, unsatisfactory results, irreversible damage and in the worst cases death.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons are trained to:
- Understand complex anatomy, wound healing as well as aesthetic procedures and minimally invasive techniques
- Manage surgical complications safely and comprehensively
- Perform procedures in accredited facilities with proper anesthesia protocols and monitoring
- Deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results using evidence-based techniques honed by experience
Simply put: your body and face deserve a specialist who is trained to do exactly what you’re asking them to do, and has the experience to achieve the best outcomes —not someone who just took a short course or failed to meet the standards somewhere along the way.
Why This Should Matter to You
Plastic surgery is more than skin deep—it’s about trust, training, and transformation. Whether you’re considering a facelift, tummy tuck, or injectables, your safety should always come first. Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon ensures that you’re not only getting expert aesthetic care, but also peace of mind. At SARA Surgery, we take pride in combining elite surgical credentials with compassionate, personalized care to help you look—and feel—your best.
Curious about a procedure or ready to start your journey? Book a consultation today and let’s talk about your goals. Your body is worth it—and so is choosing the right expert to care for it.
