Dr. Downs | Dr. Viscardi

What is a plastic surgeon?

A plastic surgeon, sometimes known as a cosmetic surgeon, reconstructs or repairs physical defects of form or function. During thorough and extensive training, a plastic surgeon gains the specific knowledge and surgical skills to complete a multitude of techniques, including replantation (used in reattaching severed or nearly severed digits), tissue transfer, flaps and grafts. A plastic surgeon is also proficient in the management of complex wound care, the use of implantable materials, and the procedures for effective tumor removal.

In recent years, many innovative and creative techniques have been developed in the field of plastic surgery, including cranio-maxillofacial surgery, liposuction and tissue transfer.

What does it mean when a physician is board certified?

The American Board of Medical Specialties The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has approved 24 subspecialty boards out of the hundreds that apply Plastic surgery is a subspecialty that has met the ABMS’s strict examination and qualification criteria. Plastic surgery has one of the most difficult and intensive certification processes within all the subspecialties. A word of caution to consumers looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon: Certification by any other board does not offer the same strict criteria for certification; in some cases, physicians can receive certification by simply paying a fee. A few of the boards which have NOT been approved by the ABMS are:

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Esthetic Surgery, Dermatologic Surgery and Opthalmic Plastic Surgery.

To be properly certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the cosmetic surgeon must spend at least two years in an approved plastic surgical residency. When in practice for at least one year, the surgeon must pass both written and oral examinations to be considered for the prestigious distinction of being called a board certified plastic surgeon.

To check if a plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, call the ABMS at (800) 776-2378.

What is a hand fellowship?

Physicians who have completed their training in general surgery, orthopedic surgery or plastic surgery may elect to gain greater expertise in surgery of the hand and upper extremity. To do so, they commit a year of their time at an institute devoted to this worthy endeavor.

Throughout the year, they may attend lectures, workshops, courses and meetings, and gain experience at various hospitals and clinics. Whether in the office setting, the emergency room or the operating room, fellows assist with surgical procedures, or perform them under direct supervision. Such experience gives them wide exposure to a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to upper limb problems.

In addition to refining their understanding of hand surgery, many of these individuals have contributed immeasurably to the fellowship, bringing new ideas and techniques from around the world.

Click here for more information on our cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures or to schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons. Our cosmetic surgeons serve patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511

South Bend Office

MEDICAL PAVILION I
720 EAST CEDAR STREET, SUITE 450
SOUTH BEND, IN 46617
PHONE: 574-233-9100
FAX: 574-233-9108

Chesterton Office

1830 SOUTH 11TH STREET
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: 219-395-9200

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