Robert Singer MD

The multitude of alphabet soup organizations and boards is very confusing for patients. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) sound nearly the same, but there are vast differences. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a real nationally recognized board, while the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is a self proclaimed group of individuals who wanted to try to legitimize their entry into the field of cosmetic surgery without the required legitimate credentials (actual completion of formal supervised plastic surgery training and board certification). They have specifically chosen that name for a marketing benefit based on deception.

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) oversees 24 medical specialty boards in the United States and is considered the gold standard of physician certification in the United States. While the naming of the boards seems similar, there is only one official plastic surgery board that is accepted in the U.S. and recognized by the ABMS as the standard for plastic surgery – and that is the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The designation as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery is reserved for surgeons that have completed a lengthy surgical residency training in plastic surgery, and then passed both the official extensive written and oral examinations under the strict rules of the ABMS organization. It is the highest standard available in the U.S. for plastic surgeons. Members of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are listed on both the ABPS’ and ABMS’ websites.

The ABCS and several other so-called boards with similar sounding names are not recognized by the ABMS. ABCS is a self-designated “board” that “certifies” physicians of various specialties who wish to perform cosmetic surgery procedures–doctors who may have minimal if any true surgical training (and often only via weekend “courses”). They accept and credential physicians who do not necessarily have residency training in plastic surgery including general surgeons, emergency medicine doctors, family practitioners dermatologists, obstetric-gynecologists and others who can take their “certification” exam…without ever having undergone a single day of plastic surgery residency training. In some cases they have no formal surgery residency training at all.

Furthermore, there are no cosmetic surgery certifications that are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialists, nor is there any “board”, organization or academy that has the word “cosmetic” in it that is recognized by the ABMS. In addition the Medical Board of California formally rejected the ABCS’ application and request to be recognized as having legitimate board status. That rejection was legally upheld.

An additional understanding of the alphabet of valid plastic surgical organizations is beneficial. Members of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are able to become members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Membership is an indication of appropriate prerequisite plastic surgery training, board certification and adherence to a board of ethical practice guidelines. Members of the American Society of plastic surgery can be found at the American Society of Plastic Surgery web site.
Board certified plastic surgeons in the United States as well as certified plastic surgeon from other countries can become members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). These surgeons have appropriate prerequisite plastic surgery training, board certification, adherence to a board of ethical practice guidelines, and a specific focus and experience in aesthetic (cosmetic) plastic surgery.

Since there are risks in any surgical procedure and no one can guarantee a perfect result, a patient should seek the most fully trained individual for plastic surgical procedures like a “mommy makeover” to maximize the probability of a good outcome. Your health and well being depend on it. If a member of my family or staff were to undergo the procedure, I would insist that they seek out a real plastic surgeon who is board certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

It is difficult to tell whether you are a good candidate without a physical examination and complete medical history. It would depend on your anatomical findings, motivation, realistic expectations, and whether you are finished having children. Breast surgery could be performed whether you decide to become pregnant again or not. An abdominoplasty, either a full “tummy tuck” or a shorter incision modified procedure should be delayed until you have finished all of your pregnancies.

Weight within 5-10 pounds of your ideal should not have any effect on your long term results.

If a member of my family underwent these procedures, they would be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you are serious about undergoing these procedures, you should have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon having those credentials, who will fully explain what is entailed in the procedures, including both the positives and potential problems. You should be complimented on the fact that you are seeking valid information before jumping into any procedure.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

Leading Social Health Company for Women Adds World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon to Panel of Health and Wellness Experts

Dr. Robert Singer, M.D.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — (Marketwire) — 02/09/2012 — EmpowHER, an award-winning social health company for women, today announces that renowned aesthetic (cosmetic) surgeon Dr. Robert Singer will join the company’s Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Singer, who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has been a resource for plastic surgery information to the Medical Board of California and the Congress of the United States and was ranked by Town & Country magazine among the “Best Cosmetic Surgeons” in the country. An internationally sought-after speaker and author with more than 280 scientific presentations or publications, Dr. Singer now brings his knowledge on various aspects of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery to further strengthen EmpowHER’s panel of industry-best physicians.

Since 1976 Dr. Singer has helped thousands of people around the world enhance their physical appearance, not only through his private practice in La Jolla, California but also by sharing his expertise as an industry leader. Currently the Chairman of the Editorial Advisory for the highly acclaimed NewBeauty Magazine, Dr. Singer has presented to audiences in the United States, Europe, Asia and Central America on topics including facial cosmetic surgery, liposuction, facelifting procedures, eyelid and forehead rejuvenation, breast surgery, new and developing procedures and technologies, office-based surgery, patient safety, soft tissue fillers, body contouring, scar therapy and cosmetic surgery ethics.

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Singer Plastic Surgery

Dr. Robert Singer interview by KUSI .