Doctor Selection · Board Certification
What Is the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) is a private board that certifies physicians in cosmetic surgery. It is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and has substantially different training requirements than the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). For surgical cosmetic procedures, ABPS — or ABFPRS for facial-only — is the appropriate baseline credential.
Why ABCS is not ABMS-recognized
ABMS recognition requires standardized residency training of defined length and structure. ABCS allows certification of physicians from various specialties (dermatology, OB/GYN, family medicine) who have completed shorter cosmetic surgery fellowships rather than an accredited plastic surgery residency.
The credential confusion
ABCS and ABPS sound similar. Patients often assume any board certification is equivalent. They are not. ABPS is ABMS-recognized; ABCS is not.
What to verify
Search certificationmatters.org. If a physician is not ABPS-certified, they are not a board-certified plastic surgeon by ABMS standards — regardless of other credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ABCS-certified physicians safe to use?
Some are highly skilled, but credentials lack standardized external verification. For surgical procedures, ABPS or ABFPRS certification is the recommended standard.
Why does this distinction exist?
ABCS was created to credential physicians from non-plastic-surgery specialties performing cosmetic procedures. ABMS does not recognize it because training requirements differ from plastic surgery residency.
Can a dermatologist legally perform cosmetic surgery?
In most states, yes. Legal does not mean equivalently trained for surgical procedures.
How do I avoid credential confusion?
Always verify ABPS or ABFPRS certification specifically at certificationmatters.org.
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