The Difference Between a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon
Not all surgeons who call themselves “cosmetic surgeons” have the same training or experience. A facial plastic surgeon (ABFPRS-certified) has completed specialized, board-verified training in surgery of the face, head, and neck, with peer-reviewed experience and strict ethical oversight. In contrast, the title “cosmetic surgeon” is unregulated, meaning any licensed physician can use it, and it does not guarantee formal surgical training, safety, or results.
Dr. Brian P. Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified, meaning he holds:
- Board Certification in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
- Board Certification in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)
He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). This means that he is recognized for his surgical skill, ethics, and professional excellence. This combination ensures patients receive care from a surgeon with verified expertise in facial anatomy, aesthetics, and advanced cosmetic techniques.
Choosing the right surgeon is about safety, precision, and results. With Dr. Maloney, patients can expect:
- Natural, facial rejuvenation
- Expertise in advanced techniques like facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and facial contouring
- Ethical care recognized by peers and professional organizations
Schedule Your Consultation Today with Dr. Brian Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S., one of Atlanta’s leading double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
- Facelift Surgery – Learn more about Dr. Maloney’s facelift techniques
- Rhinoplasty – Explore nasal reshaping procedures
- Blepharoplasty – Eyelid surgery options
Non-Surgical Treatments – Botox, dermal fillers, and skin rejuvenation
FAQ – FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON, COSMETIC SURGEON, DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED & FACS
A facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Brian P. Maloney focuses exclusively on the face, head, and neck, with specialized training in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for those areas. Dr. Maloney completed a residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery followed by a dedicated facial plastic surgery fellowship, giving him advanced expertise that goes beyond general surgical training.
A general plastic surgeon may perform procedures across many parts of the body (e.g., breast, body contouring, limbs). While general plastic surgeons are skilled, they may not have the same depth of facial anatomical and aesthetic focus as a surgeon who limits practice to facial plastic surgery.
Choosing a surgeon with specific facial plastic training helps ensure outcomes that are balanced, natural, and tailored to the unique complexity of facial structures.
Double board certification means a surgeon has met the rigorous training and examination standards of two separate medical boards. Dr. Maloney is certified by:
- American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
This combination confirms that he has completed extensive surgical training in head and neck surgery and advanced facial plastic procedures. These certifications are earned through years of formal residency and fellowship training, plus comprehensive written and oral board exams.
Why this matters:
- It shows verified expertise in facial anatomy, aesthetics, and surgical techniques.
- It reflects greater safety and predictability of results compared with physicians without this level of formal training.
- Double board certification is a meaningful credential in choosing a facial plastic surgeon.
Yes. F.A.C.S. stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a designation given only to surgeons who meet strict standards for education, ethical conduct, and professional competence. Dr. Maloney is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in addition to his board certifications.
This means his peers have reviewed his training, surgical outcomes, and professionalism and determined that he meets the high standards required for fellowship. While F.A.C.S. is not a substitute for board certification, it is a strong indicator of recognized surgical quality and ethical practice.
Yes. Board certification is an important benchmark of surgical excellence, but it’s not the only consideration. Even board-certified surgeons may focus on certain procedures over others. Dr. Brian Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S., specializes in facial plastic surgery and performs each procedure frequently, ensuring expertise and consistently natural results. When choosing a surgeon, it’s always wise to ask how often they perform the procedure you’re interested in and to review their outcomes.
