San Jose Plastic Surgeons Discuss Distinctions Between Board-Certified and Non-Board-Certified Medical Professionals

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Jul 16, 2013) - With so many labels being used to define professionals in the medical field, discerning the difference between practitioners can be challenging, say Drs. Tom and Jerome Liu -- each a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Jose. Plastic surgeons often advertise themselves as cosmetic surgeons, board-certified, double- or triple-board certified, and fellowship-trained plastic surgeons, among a variety of other titles. At Liu Plastic Surgery, the two plastic surgeons say they want to make sure patients understand these differences so they can make more informed decisions when choosing a surgeon.

According to Dr. Tom Liu, the various cosmetic surgeon certifications have become so convoluted that patients have no way of making meaningful distinctions. Many medical professionals offering cosmetic services are not actually plastic surgeons at all. According to Dr. Liu, in the state of California an RN can legally administer BOTOX® injections and any licensed physician can perform liposuction or breast implant surgery.

Additionally, Dr. Jerome Liu says many physicians practice beyond their initial medical training to become "cosmetic surgeons." For example, he says a family practice physician who is trained to care for medical conditions can decide to begin injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic or perform liposuction. While these physicians may eventually learn the skills to perform these procedures, Dr. Liu says their training does not cover all aspects of preoperative counseling or postoperative care associated with plastic surgery. He recommends patients seeking cosmetic procedures select a plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery and treatments.

While surgeons who complete plastic surgery training are free to enter practice and perform surgery independently, the plastic surgeons at Liu Plastic Surgery have chosen to pursue further subspecialty fellowship training in aesthetic (cosmetic) plastic surgery.

Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is a two-part process that spans several years and has one of the most rigorous requirements for membership. Dr. Tom Liu says it is considered the culmination point of a surgeon's years of education and training. Additionally, the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only plastic surgery board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Dr. Jerome Liu cautions patients that many non-ABMS boards simply require a valid medical license and a credit card or check for membership.

At their San Jose plastic surgery practice, Drs. Tom and Jerome Liu pride themselves in their role as patient advocates. Ultimately, the board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeons stress patient safety and carefully listen to the aesthetic concerns of their patients to produce a detailed aesthetic analysis and create a personalized aesthetic treatment plan for optimal results.

About Tom S. Liu, MD, MBA

After graduating from Northwestern University, Dr. Tom Liu earned his medical degree and completed a five year MD-MBA program at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Tom Liu is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.

About Jerome H. Liu, MD, MSHS

After graduating from Brown University, Dr. Jerome Liu earned his medical degree and was an active member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Jerome Liu is also board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.