When choosing a plastic surgeon, board certification and hands-on experience are the two most critical factors. A board-certified surgeon has met rigorous national standards for training and safety. Pairing that with years of specialized experience and an accredited surgical facility significantly lowers your risk and improves your results.
Are you considering a cosmetic procedure but are unsure how to choose the right plastic surgeon?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most consequential decisions you will make for your health and appearance. The results can last a lifetime and so can the complications that arise from choosing the wrong provider.
It is important to know which questions to ask during a consultation and to understand what distinguishes a highly qualified surgeon from one who simply calls themselves a cosmetic specialist.
The good news is that you do not have to navigate this process blindly. There are clear and reliable criteria that will help you identify a surgeon who is genuinely qualified to perform your procedure safely and skillfully.
What Does Board Certification in Plastic Surgery Really Mean?
Board certification is not a marketing term. It is a rigorous credentialing process administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
To become board-certified in plastic surgery, a surgeon must complete medical school followed by a residency in plastic surgery that typically spans six or more years. After that, the surgeon must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations that assess knowledge, judgment and technical skills. They are also required to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to patient safety and continuing education.
The distinction matters because the term “cosmetic surgeon” is not regulated in the same way. A physician from an entirely different specialty can legally perform cosmetic procedures without ever completing plastic surgery residency training. When you see the credential “ABPS Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon,” you know the physician has met a clearly defined national standard.
Double board certification takes that a step further. A surgeon who holds dual certification has met the rigorous standards of two separate specialty boards, reflecting an even broader depth of training and expertise.
Why Does a Surgeon’s Experience Matter So Much in Plastic Surgery?
Credentials establish the foundation. Experience builds upon it.
Plastic surgery is a technically demanding field where nuance plays an enormous role in outcomes. A surgeon who has performed hundreds or thousands of a specific procedure develops a refined understanding of anatomy, tissue behavior and the subtle adjustments that produce natural-looking results. That kind of knowledge cannot be taught in a classroom. It is accumulated over years of hands-on practice.
When researching a potential surgeon, ask how long they have been in practice and how frequently they perform the procedure you are considering. Review before-and-after galleries with a critical eye. Look at patients whose starting point resembles yours. Ask whether the surgeon has privileges at an accredited hospital, which is an additional indicator of professional standing.
A surgeon with decades of focused experience has likely encountered a wide range of cases. That depth of exposure prepares them to respond effectively if something unexpected arises.
Why Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center Stands Out as a Premier Choice
Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center brings together the credentials, experience and facility standards that patients should prioritize when making this decision.
The center is led by Dr. Cristina Keusch, a distinguished surgeon who is double board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery (General Surgery). In practice since 1990, Dr. Keusch brings more than three decades of advanced surgical expertise, clinical intuition, and precision to every procedure. Her exceptional standard of care is further demonstrated by her recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2004, a distinction awarded based on peer nominations and a rigorous review process. Castle Connolly Top Doctors represent the top tier of physicians across specialties in the United States.
Dr. Keusch’s double board certification, combined with her long-standing reputation for precision and patient-centered care, reflects a standard of professional commitment that patients can trust.
Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical services. Surgical procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift, rhinoplasty, facelift, eyelid surgery and body contouring. Non-surgical options include advanced laser treatments, Sofwave skin tightening and other aesthetic services designed to refresh and restore without surgical downtime. Having access to this breadth of services under one roof means patients receive cohesive care from providers who know their full history and goals.
What Questions Should You Ask a Plastic Surgeon Before Booking a Procedure?
Going into a consultation prepared makes a significant difference. Here are the questions worth asking before you commit:
- Is the surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many years have they been in practice, and how frequently do they perform this specific procedure?
- Can you review before-and-after photos of previous patients with similar goals?
- What does the recovery process look like, and what support is available afterward?
A qualified surgeon will welcome these questions. Their answers will tell you a great deal about their transparency and their commitment to informed patient care.
Make the Right Choice From the Start
Selecting a plastic surgeon deserves the same level of research you would apply to any major life decision. Board certification confirms that a surgeon has met a nationally recognized standard of training. Experience reflects their ability to deliver consistent and refined results. Facility accreditation ensures that the environment surrounding your care meets rigorous safety requirements.
Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center checks every one of these boxes. With Dr. Keusch’s double board certification and more than three decades of experience, the center is a trusted choice for patients seeking both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic care in South Florida.
If you are ready to take the next step, contact Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Keusch and achieve your aesthetic goals safely and confidently.