It means everything! Any medical doctor can legally perform surgery, so you must do your homework when choosing your plastic surgeon. Upon the completion of high school, college, and four years of medical school, then comes residency training, which lasts between 6-8 years. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) requires very strict specifications in order to “sit” for the board examination, which is a 2-step process first necessitating a written examination followed by review of cases performed by the surgeon and finally a 2-day grueling oral examination by leaders in the field of plastic surgery. In addition, plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS must prove ongoing self-education in order to keep up with the ever-changing field and maintain their certification status. These steps ensure your board-certified plastic surgeon has the knowledge, the skill and meets the ethical standards necessary to be certified by the ABPS. There are other “cosmetic surgery boards” out there, but do not be fooled. The ABPS is the only board that verifies a plastic surgeon is qualified to perform plastic and reconstructive surgery on the entire body. Dr. Audrey Klenke is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Dr. Sarah Cazorla (link to bio) is board-eligible, meaning she is on-track to complete all the steps necessary to become board-certified.