What does it mean when a plastic surgeon is board-certified?

Plastic surgeons must complete extensive training and pass rigorous examinations to be board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), one of 24 specialty boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. This training and experience includes graduation from an accredited medical school, a minimum of 2 years of residency in plastic surgery and a minimum of 3 years of residency in general surgery. Plastic surgeons in Canada are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). For more information, see our section on board certification.