Why Choose Top Plastic Surgeons: Expertise, Trust, & Exceptional Results
Published: May 25, 2025 | Last Medically Reviewed: April 28, 2026 | By Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy, MD
Who Are the Top Plastic Surgeons?
Key Takeaways
- Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery remains the single most reliable indicator of a qualified plastic surgeon.
- It requires years of specialized residency training, comprehensive exams, and ongoing recertification.
- Certified surgeons operate in accredited facilities and follow strict safety and ethical standards.
- You can easily verify credentials online before scheduling any appointment.
- Taking these steps helps you achieve safer procedures and results that align with your personal goals.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why Board Certification Matters
- What ABPS Certification Actually Requires
- How Certification Improves Patient Safety and Results
- Additional Qualities That Set Top Surgeons Apart
- Practical Steps to Verify Credentials
- References
True Plastic Surgeons are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Choosing a plastic surgeon ranks among the most personal decisions you will ever make. It affects how you look, how you feel about yourself, and how safely your procedure goes. Many qualified doctors advertise cosmetic work, yet only a small group meets the highest national standards. The bottom line is this: top plastic surgeons earn board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties for this specialty.
What Defines a Top Plastic Surgeon?
True top plastic surgeons complete years of specialized training beyond medical school. They pass rigorous written and oral exams. They maintain their skills through ongoing education and recertification every ten years. This credential proves they possess the depth of knowledge and hands-on experience needed for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.Board certification does far more than add letters after a name. It serves as your clearest signal that the surgeon has met standards set by independent experts who focus solely on plastic surgery excellence.
Why Board Certification Matters
Board certification by the ABPS protects your safety first. Surgeons who hold this credential have finished at least six years of surgical training after medical school, including a minimum of three dedicated years in plastic surgery. They learn every aspect of the field, from facial procedures to body contouring and complex reconstruction. Hospitals and accredited surgery centers require this credential before granting operating privileges because it reduces risk. Research and clinical data consistently show patients treated by ABPS-certified surgeons experience fewer complications and higher satisfaction.
What ABPS Certification Actually Requires
The path to ABPS certification starts with graduation from an accredited medical school. It continues through a demanding residency program approved by national standards. Candidates then complete written and oral examinations that test every area of plastic surgery knowledge and judgment. Even after earning the title, surgeons renew their certification every ten years through the Continuous Certification program. They review cases, complete self-assessments, and stay current with the latest techniques and safety protocols. This lifelong commitment separates true specialists from doctors who simply offer cosmetic services on the side.
How Certification Improves Patient Safety and Results
When you choose an ABPS-certified surgeon, you gain assurance that your procedure will happen in an accredited facility with trained staff and strict safety protocols. These surgeons follow ethical guidelines set by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and commit to yearly continuing education. They know how to handle unexpected issues because their training prepared them for complications that can arise in any surgery. Studies highlight lower revision rates and better long-term outcomes when patients stay with board-certified plastic surgeons.
Additional Qualities That Set Top Surgeons Apart
Beyond certification, the best plastic surgeons combine technical skill with an artistic sense. They listen carefully during consultations and create treatment plans that match your unique anatomy and goals. They focus on results that look natural and enhance your own features instead of creating an artificial appearance. Many also build long-term relationships with patients, offering thoughtful follow-up care that supports healing and lasting satisfaction.
Surgeons like Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy in Beverly Hills show how these qualities come together in practice. Board-certified by the ABPS since 1977, he brings decades of experience as a former chief of plastic surgery at a major medical center and as a professor at UCLA. His background reflects the depth of training and commitment you should seek wherever you live.
Practical Steps to Verify Credentials
You can take simple actions today to protect yourself. Visit the official ABPS website and use their free verification tool to confirm a surgeon’s status. Check membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which requires ABPS certification. Ask about the surgical facility and confirm it holds accreditation from a recognized organization. Review before-and-after photos of the specific procedures you want, and read recent patient feedback. Bring a list of questions to your consultation so you leave feeling informed and confident.Selecting a top plastic surgeon gives you peace of mind and a stronger chance of the outcome you want. The process takes a little extra effort upfront, yet it pays off in safety, satisfaction, and confidence in your decision. If you are exploring options in Beverly Hills or anywhere else, start by confirming ABPS board certification. Talk to your doctor about your goals or schedule a consultation with a qualified professional to learn what approach fits you best.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Any doctor will do, right? Why board certification matters for plastic surgery. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/any-doctor-will-do-right-why-board-certification-matters-for-plastic-surgery. Accessed April 29, 2026.
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery. What is certification? https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/public/what-is-certification/. Accessed April 29, 2026.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Choose a plastic surgeon you can trust. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety?sub=Choose+a+Plastic+Surgeon+You+Can+Trust. Accessed April 29, 2026.
- Gelfond A, et al. A comparison of board-certified plastic surgeons to other physicians in aesthetic surgery. Aesthet Surg J. 2021. doi:10.1093/asj/sjab123. (Available via PMC.)
Malcolm Lesavoy, MD
Author
Dr. Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 50 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He served as Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for more than 25 years and is currently a Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine, where he has trained hundreds of today’s leading plastic surgeons. A prolific author and educator, Dr. Lesavoy has published three books on plastic surgery techniques, nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles, and over 30 book chapters. His work has been featured on national media including Oprah, Extreme Makeover, and the Discovery Channel. He maintains a private practice in Beverly Hills, California.
Join board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy at his beautiful Plastic Surgery clinic in Beverly Hills for a consultation. With more than 25,000 surgeries performed, Dr. Lesavoy has the expertise & experience to provide you with beautiful results.