Albany Plastic Surgeons
Meet the board-certified and expertly trained Albany plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group, serving the Schenectady, Saratoga and Albany area of New York.
The doctors and entire staff of The Plastic Surgery Group mourn the passing of Dr. Gerald Colman in December 2008.
Dr. Colman’s renowned compassion for and steadfast commitment to his patients and to the profession he loved touched the lives of countless individuals over his more than 30 years of practice in the Capital Region.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his loving family.
The Difference Between an Albany Cosmetic Surgeon and an Albany Plastic Surgeon
As you research cosmetic procedures, you might notice that some doctors call themselves a "plastic surgeon" while others refer to themselves as a "cosmetic surgeon." Albany, Schenectady, and other Upstate residents often are confused about the distinction between a cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgeon, or may think these terms are synonymous.
In short, there is a big difference. By choosing a board certified Albany plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group, you are selecting a doctor who has received advanced training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery techniques, a doctor who has a wealth of knowledge and skill that can make a difference when it comes to the safety and artistry of your surgical result.
Even if you don't choose plastic surgery with us, we want to help you select a highly qualified surgeon by sharing a little more about what makes a plastic surgeon such a good choice for your cosmetic procedure.
Research an Albany Cosmetic Surgeon's Training
First off, you may be surprised to learn that any medical doctor can offer to perform cosmetic surgery. Do you really want a "cosmetic surgeon" who has been trained in pediatrics to perform your breast augmentation? Do you trust a gynecologist to perform your tummy tuck? If you're like most people, you're looking for a cosmetic surgeon in Albany who has received specialized training in cosmetic surgery techniques.
At The Plastic Surgery Group, we believe our patients want peace of mind when making long-term changes to their bodies. That's why each of our doctors is an Albany plastic surgeon who has completed at least five years of medical residency training, including at least two years in a residency program focused on plastic surgery techniques. During this additional training, plastic surgeons learn more about both cosmetic and reconstructive techniques, meaning that they have a better understanding of how to perform surgery to improve both the look and function of body features.
Board Certified Albany Plastic Surgeon: What Does It Mean?
Another common area of confusion for our patients is the meaning of the phrase "board certified." Most doctors performing cosmetic procedures claim to be board certified, but patients need to know that there are several medical boards performing certification, and they are not created equal. To be a "board certified plastic surgeon," a doctor must complete a plastic surgery residency and pass oral and written examinations administered by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to specialize in whole body plastic surgery. ABPS certification is a mark of distinction for a plastic surgeon.
Cosmetic surgeons may have been certified by other boards that are not recognized by the ABMS.
The bottom line is that the most important decision you can make when choosing cosmetic surgery is to select a highly-qualified surgeon. The board certified plastic surgeons in Albany at The Plastic Surgery Group have training and experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. For your health and happiness, choose a doctor who is highly trained and deserves your trust.