What is the diffeerence between American board of cosmetic surgery and American board of plastic surgery?

To become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a plastic surgeon must first complete intensive training in an accredited training program. Thereafter, the surgeon must pass rigorous written and oral examinations given by the board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of only 24 accredited specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and is the only board recognized by the ABMS to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery. There are a number of other boarding organizations that include "facial", "aesthetic" or "cosmetic" in the title. These are not recognized by the ABMS and do not have the same training requirements. To verify a physician's board status, contact the American Board of Plastic Surgery at (215) 587-9322. You may also contact the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1(800) 776-2378 or http://www.ABMS.com

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is not recognized by the ABMS and requires no prerequisite training in plastic surgery. According to the ABCS website, this is superior to any other boards for cosmetic surgery as it is the only board certifying doctors in cosmetic surgery. In truth, most of the physicians so "certified" are oral surgeons, dentists, OB/Gyn, dermatologists, family practice or internists.

The eligibility requirements differ significantly:

For both, one must hold a valid license to practice medicine and preform surgery in an accredited facility. Both have written and oral examinations, although those of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are more intensive. The major difference is the prerequisite training as summarized:

To be eligible for American Board of Plastic Surgery certification on must complete a accredited plastic surgery residency program. This consists of very specific requirements:

• 3-5 years of General Surgery training in an accredited program.
• 2-3 years of Plastic Surgery fellowship training in an accredited program.
• Accredited programs have very tightly regulated training protocols which are closely monitored and re-evaluated frequently.

To be eligible for ABCS certification one must complete a "cosmetic fellowship" approved by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). The AACS is closely tied to the ABCS and is similarly vague in its requirements.

• At least 1-2 years of General Surgery training (doesn't need to be accredited).
• Be certified in general surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, oral surgery, OB/GYN, or plastic surgery by any certifying board deemed adequate by the AACS.
• Participate in at least 300 cases

Very few, if any plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. No non-plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.