For patients
Patient FAQ
- What does ABFCS certification mean?
- The surgeon completed the required surgical training and fellowship-level experience in facial cosmetic surgery, passed the Board's examination of that expertise, and maintains certification through ongoing requirements. It is a credential specific to the face, head, and neck.
- Is cosmetic surgery training part of residency?
- U.S. residencies center on medically necessary care. Focused cosmetic expertise is built afterward, through fellowship training and examined experience — which is what this Board certifies.
- How do I confirm a surgeon is certified?
- Use the verification tool on this site. It reads the Board's own records and is the primary source for ABFCS certification status.
- Does the Board recommend individual surgeons?
- No. The Board certifies and verifies. The directory lists every certified diplomate who chooses to be listed; it is not a ranking or referral service.
- Does certification guarantee a good result?
- No credential can guarantee an outcome. Certification verifies training and examined competence — the foundation on which you evaluate a surgeon's specific experience with your procedure.