27 Jul 2026 | by Vickram Jay Tandon, MD, FACS
Choosing a plastic surgeon for your aesthetic procedure is incredibly important. You want someone who has the technical skill and artistic eye to deliver your desired outcome. It’s also critical to find one who will be completely honest about whether or not your procedure of interest can actually work with your individual anatomy. It’s one thing to scroll Instagram and decide that you want a breast augmentation like your favorite influencer, but your body may actually need something different. A good plastic surgeon will individualize any treatment plan to your unique anatomy and lifestyle, including tolerance for downtime. But while an excellent aesthetic outcome is obviously the goal, it is even more crucial to choose a plastic surgeon who is going to keep you safe. One of the many reasons why I think it is important to choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon is that it is a great shortcut to excellence. Here are three advantages to consider.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Has Extensive Training
The path to become a practicing plastic surgeon is a long one, taking around 14 years to complete. Study includes:
- Bachelor of Arts, 4 years
- Medical Degree, 4 years
- Specialized Residency, 6 years
Some plastic surgeons even go on to complete an additional optional fellowship of 1-2 years. It is a choice of profession that requires dedication, passion and hard work. Becoming a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, takes even more. One must pass both a comprehensive written and oral exam, based on clinical cases, that is administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Then, keeping said certification requires anywhere from 10-50 hours of continuing education annually and a recertification exam every 10 years. What this all means for you as a patient is that any plastic surgeon who is board-certified has undergone the most rigorous study and training possible. And he or she has decades of experience so you can rest assured that you are in very capable hands.
Board-Certified = Commitment to Safety
While there are many positive ways in which the internet has affected aesthetic surgery, an aspect that can be dangerous is that the proliferation of information may diminish the seriousness of certain procedures. It is human nature to assume that if something is popular, such as a breast augmentation with breast implants, then it is safe. This equation, however, is never a guarantee. Placing a breast implant is something I do regularly without incident. But I never lose sight of the fact that this is still a surgical procedure and thus carries a certain amount of risk. Adding fuel to this fire are the less than scrupulous plastic surgeons who put their patients at risk in order to save a few bucks, for example. No outcome is a good outcome if it endangers your health. Being board-certified means that I am up to date on the latest surgical techniques, work with an equally qualified team and only operate in an accredited surgical center or hospital.
More Experience Ensures Refined, Natural Looking Result
Another huge benefit of seeing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon is the comfort of knowing that he or she has years of experience. I have placed hundreds of breast implants. I know the pros and cons of each by type, size, fill and manufacturer. This is what allows me to create the right treatment plan for every patient’s individual body. The best implant for your needs may not be the same one that worked for your sister, for example. Furthermore, the process to board certification has given me years of practice to stretch and refine my artistic eye. My goal with every aesthetic procedure is to create a natural looking result. I want your friends and family to comment on how great you look, but not really know why unless you choose to tell them.
To find out more about any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
