Doctors' Qualifications

[Bobby - LAgyne]

Hello,

I live in Los Angeles and trying to narrow down my choices of doctors; to consult and ultimately have surgery soon.

I understand that experience and number of gynecomastia surgeries performed is crucial. But we have also been told to choose a 'board certified' surgeon.  Now, different doctors have different memberships and certifications listed on their webpages. Some are even certified (checked their name) and not listed on their website!

Which one of different certification / membership is more important to consider when choosing the surgeon for gynecomastia surgery.
 

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (membership)  plasticsurgery.org

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (membership)  surgery.org

American Board of Plastic Surgery (certification)  abplsurg.org

The American Board of Surgery (certification) absurgery.org


Also, any other thought in choosing the surgeon is appreciated.

---Bobby

[George Pope, M.D.]

Bobby,

That's a great question because this has always been a bit confusing to the public, unfortunately.
First of all, there are some general surgeons who perform gynecomastia surgery, but it is my opinion that a plastic surgeon is better qualified, primarily because of our experience and training with liposuction and our training and experience in aesthetic surgery, where physical appearance plays a big part in the surgical outcome.

That being said, look for a plastic surgeon CERTIFIED by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

There are 2 major societies or "clubs" if you will, of plastic surgeons.  Only board certified plastic surgeons are eligible for admission. The larger is the ASPS, or American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.org) Almost all board certified plastic surgeons are member of the ASPS.

A large number of these plastic surgeons specialize in aesthetic or cosmetic plastic surgery. When aesthetic surgery makes up more of your practice than reconstructive surgery, you can apply for membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, or ASAPS (surgery.org).  Many of us are members of both of these societies.

I hope this helps.

Dr. Pope, MD
Member, ASPS, ASAPS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery   (make sense?)

[Bobby - LAgyne]

Dr. Pope,

You've completely answered my question, thank you. Now I know which one of those logos I should look for on doctor's websites.

Just out of curiosity, to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, I'm assuming that one needs to be first certified by the American Board of Surgery. Am I right?  I didn't notice many doctors that are really advertising for that.

Thanks again,
---Bobby

[George Pope, M.D.]

There are a few pathways to plastic surgery, but most docs are either general surgeons first or ENT docs (otolaryngologists).  In the past you had to be "board eligible" in general surgery (met the pre-requisites but hadn't taken the test) or board certified in Ear, Nose, & Throat.  But things have changed, and most if not all plastic surgery programs are "integrated" - you take a few years of general surgery residency, then you go right into plastic surgery.  So you no longer have to have completed another residency first.

Dr. Pope, MD

[Miguel Delgado MD]

This is a great question and one which is confusion for many people. Dr. Pope has given you a great explanation regarding the critical criteria which gets you to first to second base.  I am using baseball since i am watching the San Francisco Giant in the world series, obviously I practice in SF.  To get to third base, You have to select a board certified plastic surgeon who performs a certain volume each year.  I believe that male breast reduction surgery is under thought in training and that much comes from experience as many other things in life.  The training gives us the tools but the experience gives you the confidence in your surgeon for a home run.  You should look at before and after pictures.   Visit the office for a consult to determine if the "feel' is right for you. Do you sense that after surgery you will receive the best of care if an issue occurs.  In summary, The credentials are the critical first step, the interview, his experience and I hate to say review sites are becoming increasingly useful.  Every doctor has negative reviews sooner or later. It is a reality when you take care of people daily. I have negative reviews, even on this site, which i refuse to remove because patients have a right to their opinion.  However, in evaluating reviews don't look at one or two but the overall trend of the doctors reviews. Good luck, you are heading towards a home run. GO GIANTS!

[George Pope, M.D.]

Great, timely baseball analogy.  Nice!

Dr. Pope, MD

[Bobby - LAgyne]

Thank you very much Dr. Pope and Dr Delgado for the great explanations.

---Bobby