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American Board of Plastic Surgery Certification Logo

The logo above may only be used by surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Continuous Board Certification

According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s website, continuous certification includes continuous self-assessment and Practice Improvement throughout the certification period(s). Certificates issued since 1995 are valid for 10 years and all requirements must be met in order to continue certification for an additional 10 year period.

On the site, you can search your Plastic Surgeon, and make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Searching Dr. Mele gives the following results:

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Dr. Mele is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

There are four sections. The first section identifies the Plastic Surgeon. The second section shows if the Plastic Surgeon is certified. The third section shows the details of certification and recertification and is show larger below. The last section shows if the Plastic Surgeon is participating in continuous certification program.

How Ofter Does a Plastic Surgeon Certify?

I started my private practice 25 years ago in 1997. At that time it took two years to complete the initial certification process, so I was initially Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeon in 1999. Certification is good for 10 years, so every 10 years I must recertify. The graphic below as my details.

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Currently the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery require continuous certification, which means every year a test is given and the surgeon’s background is checked.

Double Board Certified

I am also certified by the American Board of Surgery. My initial certification was in 1995, and I have recertified in 2005, 2015, and currently certified until 2025.

American Board of Surgery Certification - Dr. Mele

The American Board of Surgery also requires recertification.

You can check for yourself on the American Board of Surgery’s Website.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Consultation Appointments

Board Certification is a must when it comes to elective cosmetic plastic surgery, and the only ABMS board that certifies plastic surgeons is the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be certain to check your surgeon’s credentials online.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Mele in the San Francisco Bay Area call (925) 943-6353.

More information about the procedures offered is available on our websites:

(925) 943-6353
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