Choosing a surgeon for a facial procedure deserves careful research. Board certification is an important starting point because it provides a way to evaluate a surgeon’s training, examination history, professional standards, and specialty focus. It should not, however, be the only factor in your decision.
What Does Board Certification Tell You?
A medical license allows a physician to practice medicine, while board certification is an additional professional credential awarded after a physician meets a certifying board’s requirements. Those requirements may include specialty residency training, examinations, peer review, appropriate licensure, operative experience, and continuing-certification activities.
The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) states that applicants must hold prior certification in an eligible specialty, complete approved residency training, document facial plastic surgery experience, pass written and oral examinations, operate in an accredited facility, maintain appropriate licensure, and follow its code of ethics.
That credential demonstrates that defined standards have been met. It does not guarantee a particular result, and the ABFPRS itself advises patients to consider board certification as one part of the surgeon-selection process.
What Does “Double Board-Certified” Mean?
“Double board-certified” means a physician holds active certifications from two certifying boards. Dr. Jason Champagne’s professional background includes certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. You can review his education, certifications, licensure, and professional background on his biography page.
The specific boards matter. Patients should verify the full names of the certifying organizations and confirm that the certifications are relevant to the face, head, and neck—not rely solely on the phrase “board-certified” in advertising.
Why Specialty Focus Matters for Facial Procedures
The face contains closely connected structures that affect appearance, expression, function, and identity. A surgeon whose practice is focused on facial procedures brings training and experience centered on this anatomy. The next question is whether the surgeon regularly performs the exact procedure you are considering.
For example, someone researching a facelift should ask about the surgeon’s experience with facelift techniques, view results involving patients with similar concerns, and understand the surgeon’s approach to the face and neck as a whole. Our guide to choosing a facelift surgeon in Beverly Hills provides a procedure-specific checklist.
Board Certification Is a Starting Point, Not the Entire Decision
Credentials help you establish a baseline, but they do not tell you everything about surgical judgment, aesthetic style, communication, or the suitability of a particular treatment. Consider these additional factors:
- Procedure-specific experience: Ask how often the surgeon performs the procedure you are considering.
- Before-and-after photographs: Review consistent examples and look for patients whose anatomy or concerns resemble yours. You can explore Dr. Champagne’s facelift before-and-after gallery.
- Facility accreditation: Ask where surgery is performed and whether the facility is appropriately accredited.
- A personalized plan: The recommendation should be based on your anatomy, goals, health history, and tolerance for recovery—not a standard package.
- Clear communication: You should receive realistic information about alternatives, limitations, risks, recovery, follow-up, and cost.
- Continuity of care: Understand who will monitor your recovery and how questions or concerns are handled after the procedure.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
- Which boards have certified you, and are those certifications current?
- How frequently do you perform this specific procedure?
- May I see results from patients with concerns similar to mine?
- Where will the procedure be performed, and is the facility accredited?
- What are the realistic benefits, limitations, alternatives, and risks for me?
- What should I expect during recovery and follow-up care?
- Who should I contact if I have a concern after surgery?
Making an Informed Choice
A qualified surgeon should welcome thoughtful questions and explain why a recommendation fits your individual anatomy and goals. Verify credentials directly, evaluate relevant experience, examine results, and pay attention to whether the consultation feels thorough rather than rushed.
If you are considering a facelift or another facial procedure, you may request a private consultation with Dr. Champagne to discuss your goals, available options, and whether treatment is appropriate for you.
