How to check out credentials:

The issue of training and credentials in plastic surgery is actually an issue of Public Safety about which responsible doctors are necessarily concerned. Would you want your plastic surgery performed by someone who has never had any formal surgical training? It can happen easily -

Many physicians are practicing plastic surgery who have received their training in a NON SURGICAL specialty. Although they may call themselves plastic surgeons, they may not be trained in plastic surgery.

So what is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?
Is a surgeon who has successfully completed residency training in Plastic surgery, has passed written and oral exams in Plastic Surgery, and is in good standing with the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada.

Physicians who call themselves "cosmetic surgeons" could be trained in any specialty, including a nonsurgical specialty, That's because anyone who has a medical license can legally call himself/herself a surgeon even without formal training.

Membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is by invitation only and limited to ABPS certified surgeons who demonstrate wide experience in the major aesthetic surgical procedures.

Check out these organizations on the web:

Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons - www.plasticsurgery.ca
Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery - www.csaps.ca
American Society of Plastic Surgeons - www.plasticsurgery.org
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery - www.surgery.org

Notes:
ASAPS members are board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.
Requirements:
among the requirements for invitation and election to ASAPS membership, a plastic surgeon must:

• Be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Be in at least the 3rd year of active practice following board certification
• Participate in accredited Continuing Medical Education(CME) to stay current with developments in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery
• Document the performance of a significant number and variety cosmetic surgical cases to demonstrate wide experience
• Be sponsored by two ASAPS- member plastic surgeons to help ensure that the applicant's professional reputation meets the high standards required by ASAPS; and
• Adhere to current ethical standards for professional conduct as outlined in the Code of Ethics observed by all ASAPS member surgeons