Board Certification and Subcertification in Cosmetic Surgery: How to Qualify and What to Study

In 1989, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery introduced changes to its certification process, allowing physicians to obtain either full certification in cosmetic surgery or subcertification in specific areas. To be eligible for the January 1990 board examination, candidates had to be board certified in a primary specialty, such as Dermatology or General Surgery, and have specific surgical experience. Full certification required passing an oral exam in multiple areas, while subcertification needed at least 50 procedures in the chosen area and an oral exam in that category. All candidates had to pass a written exam and show knowledge of general cosmetic surgical procedures. As of the article's publication, 246 physicians were certified. The article emphasized the need for dermatologists to become board certified in cosmetic surgery due to medical "turf wars" and provided a list of resources for exam preparation. Additionally, a peer review program for board members was established, requiring updates every 5 years on educational activities and professional details.