You are right in looking for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. But truthfully, that is just the baseline requisite.
Tummy tuck doctor should also be adept and experienced in cosmetic plastic surgery, so membership in the American Society for Aesthtic Plastic Surgery is additional requirement.
Another important criteria is reputation in that given surgery, so referals from others who have had a tummy tuck would be nice. Once you’ve picked a few surgeons based on above criteria and made a consultation, see his photographs (or view them on line before!).
Finally, you need to connect with the doctor on a personal level; the two of you will be inextricably (and hopefully happily) linked together in a close doctor – patient relationship.
The greatest joy I have as a surgeon is seeing my patients afterward and sharing in their satisfaction and happiness. (Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Important aspects of choosing your doctor
It goes without saying that from your surgeon you want brilliance, understanding, resourcefulness, great training, the best hands and eyes in the business, and a calming manner. But you also need him or her to have professional qualifications. No matter whom you pick, your doctor should have the proper certification and experience necessary to perform breast augmentation. You should expect your doctor to be more than just aware of, but positively fluent in, such recent and dramatic advances.
Above all, your doctor should be board-certified. Will your doctor be able to handle complications during surgery or the healing process, should any arise? A board-certified plastic surgeon has had years of training in the handling and sculpting of skin tissue and its healing, and may be the doctor best equipped to handle the unexpected. You also want to make sure you’re having surgery at an accredited surgical facility with all board-certified anesthesiologists. (Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Criteria for choosing a Plastic Surgeon
Without question you should select a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification is very important and distinguishes actual plastic surgeons from other doctors. (Jeffrey Hartog, MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)
Picking a tummy tuck doctor
#1 criteria when looking for a tummy tuck doctor is to look for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Next is to make sure the operate in an accredited facility. Next is to make sure you feel comfortable with the tummy tuck doctor and their staff. And finally, talk to some of their other patients and see how they feel about their surgery. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Selecting a plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck
It’s extremely important to verify that your tummy tuck doctor is board certified in plastic surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Additionally, experience with the operation, the ability to spend time discussing options with you, an accredited surgical facility, caring staff members and an individualized treatment plan are all significant factors. (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Selecting tummy tuck doctor for abdominoplasty
You already mentioned ABPS certification which is the most imnportant criteria. Ask your family doctor and friends for recommendations. Look at surgeon’s web sites for before/after photos. It often comes down to the person with whom you feel most comfortable. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)