When exploring cosmetic or reconstructive procedures, it is natural to focus on exciting details like previewing outcomes or choosing a convenient location. However, patient safety, peace of mind, and aesthetic results depend entirely on the skill and training of the hands holding the scalpel. While the phrase "board-certified" frequently appears on websites and office plaques, not all certifications are created equal, making these credentials the most critical factor to evaluate before moving forward.
Dr. Maura Reinblatt, a double board-certified plastic surgeon trained at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital and UCLA, operates on a foundation of complete transparency. Demystifying what board certification entails empowers patients to choose a true specialist who prioritizes their safety, comfort, and personalized aesthetic goals.
In the United States, any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures, regardless of their specialized surgical training. That is why board certification is so critical: it represents a voluntary gold standard of achievement that goes far beyond basic medical licensing.
To become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a surgeon must complete:
Choosing an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon guarantees your doctor has thousands of hours of supervised training focused on restoring, refining, and reshaping human tissue safely.
A select group of surgeons chooses to complete two full residency programs and pass two separate national board exam processes. This distinction is known as being double board-certified.
In plastic surgery, this usually means certification by both:
Dr. Reinblatt's own board certifications and training reflect this exact dual path, having completed general surgery training at Harvard Medical School's Massachusetts General Hospital followed by plastic surgery at UCLA.
Preparedness: It ensures your surgeon is equipped to manage every nuance of your procedure safely.
A widespread misconception in aesthetic medicine is that "plastic surgeon" and "cosmetic surgeon" are interchangeable titles. In reality, they reflect fundamentally different training pathways.
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The title "cosmetic surgeon" is not regulated by the ABMS. A doctor holding a degree in general medicine or family practice can complete a weekend workshop and legally market themselves as a cosmetic surgeon.
An ABPS-certified plastic surgeon has dedicated years to accredited hospital-based training encompassing both aesthetic and complex reconstructive surgery to meet uncompromising national benchmarks.
Understanding the distinct roles of certifying boards versus professional societies helps you read credentials with confidence:
The official certifying board that sets the educational, ethical, and testing standards required to earn certification.
A professional membership society requiring all members to be certified by the ABPS and adhere to a strict code of medical ethics.
An exclusive professional organization dedicated specifically to cosmetic plastic surgery. Membership is invitation-only and restricted to ABPS-certified plastic surgeons with significant experience in aesthetic procedures.
You can independently confirm a surgeon's qualifications through these steps:
Learning how to verify a surgeon's certification before booking gives you complete clarity before stepping into your first consultation.
A surgeon’s board certification is the first half of the safety equation; the facility where your procedure takes place is the second.
High-standard plastic surgery is performed in an accredited hospital or a private facility evaluated by independent auditing organizations such as AAAASF (QUAD A) or AAAHC.
Safety is about creating an environment where you can relax, decompress, and feel completely cared for throughout your journey.
When you decide to invest in yourself, you deserve an authentic partner who listens to your goals and guides you through every step of your care.
At our White Plains office, we combine top-tier medical expertise with a warm, personal experience. From your initial consultation through your recovery, you work directly with Dr. Reinblatt without gatekeepers or impersonal hand-offs.
If you are ready to explore your options with a double board-certified surgeon who prioritizes your safety, comfort, and natural results, we invite you to learn more about the Reinblatt Approach to patient care. Let's take care of you.
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