Choosing a doctor can feel like a game of medical roulette. Scrolling through profiles, checking out reviews, asking friends or coworkers, and hoping you make the right call. But here's the thing a lot of people don't think to check (and really should): Is your doctor board-certified?
Board certification might sound like a fancy title or just another checkbox, but it's so much more than that. It's one of the most important indicators that your provider is truly qualified, current, and committed to delivering safe, high-quality care. Honestly, it should be a non-negotiable when it comes to choosing your surgeon or specialist.
A lot of people assume that if a doctor has a medical license, they must be fully qualified to perform any and every procedure, but that is not the case. A medical license simply means a doctor is legally allowed to practice medicine. It's the bare minimum.
Board certification, on the other hand, is a voluntary but rigorous process that goes several steps further. It shows that a doctor has completed additional, specialized training in a particular field (like plastic surgery, dermatology, or internal medicine) and passed a set of challenging exams to prove their expertise. Being board certified also means they have committed to staying educated and regularly re-certifying to stay up to date with the latest advancements, safety protocols, and best practices in their field.
To put it in perspective, a licensed doctor is like someone with a driver's license, while a board-certified doctor is the one who went to racing school, passed every track test, and still practices on weekends. The skills are on different levels.
Board certification isn't just a fancy participation pin - it has real, tangible implications for your health, safety, and outcome. Here's why it should be at the top of your must-have list:
Would you want a general practitioner doing your nose job or tummy tuck? (We're hoping that's a hard "no.”) Board certification ensures your doctor has been trained specifically in the procedures they're performing. For example, a board-certified plastic surgeon has completed years of surgical training, plus a plastic surgery residency, and passed extensive exams to prove they know their stuff.
Board-certified physicians don't stop learning after med school. They're required to engage in continuing education and regularly demonstrate that they're up to date with new technologies, patient safety guidelines, and advanced techniques. In a field where techniques evolve quickly, staying current is everything.
Doctors who are board-certified are held to strict ethical and professional standards. They're trained to anticipate and handle complications, minimize risks, and prioritize your well-being at every stage. You want a provider who doesn't just know how to do the procedure - you want one who knows what to do if something doesn't go exactly as planned.
Here's the tricky part: many non-board-certified providers use clever marketing language to sound like experts.
They might call themselves "cosmetic surgeons," "aesthetic physicians," or "certified aesthetic providers" - none of which necessarily means they have formal surgical training or board certification. In some states, any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures, even if they've never done a single one in their residency.
That's why it's so important to go beyond the title and verify credentials yourself.
It's easy to verify if a doctor is board-certified. A quick internet search can be beneficial:
If a doctor gets defensive or dodges the question, that's a red flag you shouldn't ignore.
When it comes to cosmetic procedures, board certification becomes even more critical. You're trusting someone with your appearance, health, safety, and confidence.
A board-certified plastic surgeon has gone through:
If you're considering a facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction, or any other aesthetic surgery, you want to be in those hands.
In a world where social media marketing, influencer endorsements, and flashy websites can make anyone look like an expert, it's more important than ever to do your homework. Board certification is one of the most reliable signs that your doctor is truly qualified, not just in general medicine but in the specific field and procedures you're interested in.
It's the difference between rolling the dice and making an informed, confident decision.
Because when it comes to your body, your health, and your results, "good enough" just isn't good enough.
Dr. Farrior is so much more than a doctor – he’s an artist. Dr. Farrior has the right medical knowledge and the artistic vision needed to create harmony among his patients’ facial features. He truly listens to his patients and is always open to their concerns.
4.5/5 Stars from 500+ Reviews