Regardless of the type of surgery you are planning, the most important decision is the choice of surgeon. Qualities to consider include the surgeon's training, credentials, experience, office and operating facilities, and personality.

It may surprise you to know that almost any type of medical doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery, and many do. Some even represent that they are plastic surgery "specialists." However, only those physicians who have completed an accredited residency program specifically in plastic surgery can call themselves "Plastic Surgeons."

The residency programs for plastic surgeons are highly competitive and take between six and eight years beyond the basic four years of medical school to complete. Some plastic surgeons, like Dr. Bartell, expand their training after completing their residency by qualifying for a practical fellowship, lasting an additional six months to two years, performed under the auspices of a leading plastic surgery specialist or institution.

After these extra years of rigorous post-medical school training are satisfactorily completed, a physician becomes a qualified Plastic Surgeon. However, he or she must still satisfy further stringent requirements to become "Board-Certified."

Many people know that confirming "board-certification" is a fundamental priority when looking for a qualified physician in any field. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) accredits all qualified medical boards in the United States. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and certification by this board is as important to plastic surgeons as passing the bar is to practicing attorneys. It is the primary stamp of approval by their medical specialty.

To qualify for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, plastic surgeons who have completed an accredited residency must pass a series of comprehensive written and oral examinations and have been in practice for at least two years. Once certified, the physician then may become a member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Inc.

If this seems like a lot of training, time, and testing, it is. Board-Certified plastic surgeons are a select group of specialists who have dedicated many years to education and training specifically in plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. Other physicians may perform plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures but they did not undergo the same extensive specialized training and qualifying testing that Board-Certified plastic surgeons have completed.

As you research, you will become aware of plastic surgery practitioners who claim to be "board-certified," but aren't necessarily true Plastic Surgeons. They may be dermatologists certified by the American Board of Dermatology, or received their primary medical training in Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology or another board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. They may be outstanding physicians, highly skilled at the procedures they offer. But if they are not true Plastic Surgeons, and if you are looking to have a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure performed, that difference in qualification may make a difference to you.

Many non-plastic surgeon practitioners belong to one of numerous "Academies" of Plastic Surgery and other "Boards" that sound like the American Board of Plastic Surgery and its membership society, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. One has to look carefully to avoid confusion. The requirements necessary for membership in these groups and academies are usually not as rigorous as those for true Plastic Surgeons. It is important in making an informed choice of surgeon to perform cosmetic, plastic, or reconstructive surgery that you know, understand, and consider these basic differences in qualifications.

In sum, if a physician's qualifications are important to you (and they should be), and you are looking for a plastic, cosmetic, or reconstructive surgeon, do your homework. Ask the right questions...Is the doctor you are considering a qualified "Plastic Surgeon?" Is he or she Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons?

One short-cut when looking for a qualified Plastic Surgeon is to look for this symbol on yellow pages or newspaper ads, on letterhead or brochures, in literature at the doctor's office or waiting room:

Only members of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons can display this symbol. You can be sure that these are qualified Plastic Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and, like Dr. Bartell, are dedicated to the highest standard of patient care and the continued development of professional skills.

For More Information

If you would like more information about Dr. Bartell or any cosmetic surgical procedure, you may contact us by mail, phone, fax or E-mail:

By mail: 6418 Normandy Lane, Suite 210 Madison, WI 53719

By phone: 608-271-0500

By fax: 608-271-0502

By E-mail: bartell@execpc.com

Or, if you prefer, simply fill out the form below, and the information you request will be mailed to you immediately:

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