Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about our Torrance plastic surgery practice, request a consultation online at South Bay Plastic Surgeons or call us at (310) 784-0644 and we will schedule your appointment.
South Bay Plastic Surgeons
3640 Lomita Boulevard #306
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: (310) 784-0644
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Spa at South Bay Plastic Surgeons
3640 Lomita Boulevard #309
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: (310) 784-0670
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Discover the Difference That Board Certification Makes
When looking for the best plastic surgeons in Torrance, California, make sure you’re looking at only board-certified plastic surgeons. Board certification is a key indicator of training and expertise, and it can be the difference-maker when it comes to your overall satisfaction and safety.
With 5 board-certified plastic surgeons on staff, South Bay Plastic Surgeons has one of the most experienced teams in the greater Los Angeles area. As you search for the best plastic surgeon for your needs, we hope you keep the following in mind.
What Is Board Certification?
Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) signifies that a surgeon has undergone rigorous training and examinations to demonstrate their education, training, and expertise in plastic surgery. This certification is a testament to a surgeon’s dedication to excellence and assures patients of their qualifications and commitment to ongoing learning.
Why Is Board Certification Important?
Some physicians perform plastic surgery procedures without being board-certified plastic surgeons (although they may be certified by another medical board). Nothing prohibits this practice, but the doctors at South Bay Plastic Surgeons often see cases where patients have been victims of untrained physicians performing plastic surgery procedures.
How Much Training Does It Take To Become a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
Becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon typically requires 16 years of education and training beyond high school. These are the latest requirements from the American Board of Plastic Surgery:
- Four years of undergraduate study: Laying the foundation in sciences.
- Four years of medical school: Gaining in-depth medical knowledge and clinical skills.
- Five years of residency in general surgery: Developing surgical proficiency and comprehensive medical understanding.
- At least three years of training in plastic surgery: Specializing in advanced plastic surgery techniques.
Some plastic surgeons will go on to complete additional fellowship training in a subspecialty, such as microsurgery or reconstructive surgery, before pursuing board certification.
How Do I Find a Qualified Plastic Surgeon?
Patients place a great deal of trust in their plastic surgeons. Not only do they trust them to perform a safe operation, but they also trust them to improve and enhance their aesthetic appearance. Only a surgeon who is well-trained in both general and plastic surgery principles has earned this trust.
South Bay Plastic Surgeons has prepared a list of points you should use to judge whether a plastic surgeon is qualified to give you the results you desire:
- Has no disciplinary history with the State Board of Medical Licensure: This ensures the surgeon maintains high ethical and professional standards.
- Has performed many procedures in your area of interest: Experience in specific procedures demonstrates proficiency and better outcomes.
- Specializes in different variations of a procedure: The ability to tailor procedures to individual needs is crucial for personalized results.
- Is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS): Board certification is a hallmark of a surgeon’s expertise and commitment to ongoing education. The ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- Has a robust portfolio of before and after photos: Seeing the types of results that a particular surgeon can achieve can show whether your expectations and aesthetic sensibilities are in alignment.
- Has positive patient reviews: Honest patient feedback from reputable, 3rd-party sites can give you important insights into the patient experience and patient-surgeon dynamic.
How Can I Verify a Plastic Surgeon’s Board Certification?
You can verify a surgeon’s board certification by visiting the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s website and using their verification tool. This ensures that your surgeon has met the high standards required for certification and shows whether their certification is still active.
Is There More to Plastic Surgery Than Cosmetic Procedures?
Yes, the realm of reconstructive plastic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, from burn treatments to cleft palate repairs.
Reconstructive surgery procedures are often more challenging than cosmetic procedures, and all board-certified plastic surgeons are trained in reconstructive surgery aspects.
If a plastic surgeon can achieve fantastic results from difficult reconstructive procedures, imagine what they can do for your cosmetic results!
