How Well Do You Know Your Plastic Surgeon?

Researchers at NBC 6 are warning viewers not to be fooled by savvy online advertising and websites for plastic surgery, particularly when it comes to the qualifications of the doctors performing the surgeries.

Dan Krauth is an NBC 6 investigator who spent a year researching over 100 plastic surgeon profiles online and uncovered startling evidence which suggests some doctors are misrepresenting their credentials.

As part of their investigation, the NBC 6 team identified doctors suspected of embellishing or lying on their online profiles and emailed them directly about their findings. They soon found the websites and/or profiles of the doctors contacted were either altered or deleted – some within a matter of hours after being contacted by the team.

Although it is illegal in Florida for doctors to provide “false, deceptive or misleading online credentials” about themselves in advertising campaigns, the team is cautioning patients to make sure their plastic surgeon is as qualified as they say they are. Consequences for misrepresentation range from warnings to losing their license to practice, however, the State only investigates claims after a complaint is filed.

Surgeons who promote themselves with false credentials are putting patients at risk of suffering complications and even death. NBC 6 reported on 3 women who suffered complications – one of whom died, and two who required hospitalization for days. It was found all three women saw surgeons who claimed to be “board certified” at the time of their procedures.

Although the statement “board certified” often gives patients the impression their doctor is adequately trained and qualified to perform plastic surgery procedures, this is clearly not always the case. IF THE DOCTOR CLAIMS THEY ARE “BOARD CERTIFIED”, THEY MUST INDICATE WHICH BOARD THEY ARE CERTIFIED WITH.

Even then, the board they are certified with may not be approved in the state of Florida. If this is the case, the doctor must include a disclaimer in their advertising to ensure patients are aware of the surgeon’s certification parameters: “The specialty recognition identified herein has been received from a private organization not affiliated with or recognized by the Florida Board of Medicine.”

This information can be very confusing for patients who have many different surgeons to choose from and little knowledge about how to be sure they are making a safe choice.

Dr. Steven Rosenberg, a doctor who sits on the Florida Board of Medicine and was interviewed by Krauth, states “it may be an honest mistake, but patients are being misled and that’s a concern”. He advises patients to research their doctor’s training by going to the Florida Board of Medicine’s website. He warns, however, that because the doctors provide the board with their own information, it could still be false. Instead, he recommends patients see doctors certified by a state-recognized board such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

By visiting the ABPS website, you can easily check to see if your doctor is certified. The website states “by choosing a plastic surgeon certified by the ABPS, you can be assured that the surgeon has completed the appropriate training and passed comprehensive written and oral examinations covering all plastic surgery procedures”.

Dr. Fredric Barr is a leading plastic surgeon in the Palm Beach Area who has made appearances on the Dr. Oz Show. He has been ABPS-certified since 1986.

Choosing a plastic surgeon should not be a decision you make lightly. Do your research to ensure you are getting a qualified surgeon who performs safe, high-quality work and will take the time to listen to your needs and concerns. When in doubt, trust your gut feeling – your life could depend on it.

Discover the refreshed appearance you have been looking for using safe and proven techniques performed by an expert surgeon. Call us today at 561-430-2229 to book your free consultation with Dr. Barr.

Headed by Fredric M. Barr, MD, Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is one of the finest providers of plastic and reconstructive surgery in Palm Beach County, Florida. With a successful track record for over twenty years in the area, Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is the surgical specialist that even physicians choose. The practice believes in three basic patient principles of understanding the unique needs of each patient, providing each patient with the utmost care and compassion, and making sure no question or issue goes unaddressed. It is for those reasons, along with the extensive skills and experience of Dr. Barr, that Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is a premier choice for those desiring to be renewed in both beauty and spirit. When it’s time to look anew, look to Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery. With offices conveniently located in West Palm Beach, call today at (561) 430-2229.