There are a few routes available to be considered qualified to perform plastic surgery on the face and neck. There is one path, however, to become a surgeon focused exclusively on plastic surgery of the face and neck. This path is long and arduous, usually requiring not only extensive training as a head and neck surgical resident but also specialized fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This training is followed by rigorous testing, first to become board certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and, approximately two to three years later, board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This blog post seeks to explain this path in greater detail to explain why it is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck.
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Double/Dual Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon: What Does it Mean? Why is it Important?
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon
The Journey to Become a Facial Plastic Surgeon Starts in Residency
Earning a five-year residency position in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, also known as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery, is among the most difficult in medicine. It is a highly competitive subspecialty that includes most surgery of the head and neck. For example, otolaryngologists are trained extensively in facial plastic surgery, both reconstructive and cosmetic, sinus surgery, surgery of the airway and voice box, cancer removal, and ear surgery. Otolaryngologists work closely with neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who perform procedures on the brain, spine, and large blood vessels of the head and neck. The basis for an otolaryngologist’s expertise in facial plastic surgery is not only the training received specifically in facial plastic surgery but in the experience gained operating on the complex anatomy of the head and neck generally. Residency training is through the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), the preeminent body for training head and neck surgeons.
Most Facial Plastic Surgeons Pursue Additional Fellowship Training After Residency
Most facial plastic surgeons pursue an additional one to two years of subspecialized training in facial plastic surgery after completing a residency in otolaryngology. This allows a physician to gain additional experience and knowledge in the surgical and non-surgical care of the face, neck, and hair. In fact, fellowship training is usually the time in which a physician undergoes the most intensive training is cosmetic surgery. Fellowship training is through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the preeminent body for training facial plastic surgeons.
Double/Dual Board Certification in Facial Plastic Surgery Requires Years of Testing and Experience
A facial plastic surgeon first becomes board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) after completing intense oral and written exams following residency. We then undergo additional testing – both oral and written exams – after fellowship training through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). A facial plastic surgeon becomes board certified by the ABFPRS only after passing these exams and accumulating sufficient experience over multiple years that the board deems sufficient to bestow certification.
Trust Your Face to a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is important to seek a fellowship-trained, double board-certified specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck.
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
- The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good.
- Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon
- Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected.
- Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology.
- Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City.
Request a Consultation
Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon’s credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop searching “plastic surgery near me.” Get in touch with us to learn more.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice. It is essential that you have a consultation with a qualified medical provider prior to considering any treatment. This will allow you the opportunity to discuss any potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment.