You want to be treated by the best trained doctor with the right qualifications!
In many countries it is not always clear how you can find the right doctor.
This website helps you select REAL plastic surgeons.
Real plastic surgeons have studied Medicine to become a Medical Doctor (MD), after getting that title they need additional training to become a Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, generally after an exam. After graduating they are registered as Plastic Surgeons at the German Doctors Chamber.
In Germany the training to become a doctor consists of:
If you pass the exam you will get a diploma to be a physician.
But in order to become a plastic surgeon you need additional specialist training.
This training consists of:
If you pass this exam you are registered in the german doctors chamber as a fully qualified plastic surgeon.
When you are an official plastic surgeon your training does not stop, most plastic surgeons do additional Fellowships and courses to learn more about specific areas of our specialty, possible directions are:
Depending on the help you need you might want to verify whether your doctor has done additional training, besides fellowships this can be by attending Courses, symposia and congresses.
All European countries have National Societies who represent the Plastic Surgery community. Membership of such a Society is highly recommended for REAL plastic surgeons, you can verify this in the chart of the doctor on this website.
For Germany the National Societies are :
Membership of relevant European and International Societies shows additional Commitment to the area the plastic surgeon is most interested in. Relevant individual member Societies include (non-exhaustive list):
In conclusion:
REAL plastic surgeons have had a thorough training, did an exam and are officially registered at the country’s Ministry of Health. They are member of a National Society and relevant (sub-)specialty societies and continue to learn their entire life.