When patients in San Diego begin researching cosmetic surgery, one of the first credentials they encounter is “board certification.” But not all board certifications are equal — and in 2026, understanding the difference can significantly impact your outcome and safety.
Most plastic surgeons hold a single board certification, typically from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This is the standard credential and a baseline requirement for any reputable cosmetic surgeon. However, a small number of surgeons hold dual board certifications — a distinction that reflects an exceptionally broad and rigorous surgical education.
Dr. Reza Sadrian of Sadrian Plastic Surgery (sadrianplasticsurgery.com) is one of the few surgeons in the United States with dual board certifications in both Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. This combination is particularly rare and clinically meaningful for patients seeking facial procedures.
Why Dual Certification in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Matters for Facial Plastic Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) focuses on the bones, muscles, nerves, and soft tissues of the face, jaw, and skull — the same structural anatomy that determines the results of facelifts, rhinoplasties, eyelid surgeries, and chin implants. Most plastic surgeons approach these procedures from a skin and soft tissue perspective. A surgeon with OMS training approaches them with a deeper understanding of the underlying facial skeleton and craniofacial architecture.
For patients considering complex procedures like deep plane facelifts, structural rhinoplasty, or facial rejuvenation after significant weight loss, this extra layer of anatomical knowledge can make the difference between a natural-looking result and an operated appearance.
What to Look for When Verifying Credentials
Before choosing a plastic surgeon in San Diego, verify the following:
1. Board certification status through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Board of Plastic Surgery website — not just the surgeon’s own marketing.
2. Hospital privileges — surgeons with operating privileges at accredited hospitals like Scripps Memorial have undergone independent credentialing reviews. Sadrian Plastic Surgery maintains privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
3. AAAA or AAAASF accreditation for the surgical facility. Sadrian Plastic Surgery holds QUAD A (AAAA) accreditation, the gold standard for outpatient surgical safety.
4. Subspecialty training relevant to your procedure. For facial work specifically, dual board certification in OMS is a rare differentiator worth understanding.
San Diego is home to a competitive cosmetic surgery market. Patients willing to research credentials carefully consistently achieve better outcomes. Practices like Sadrian Plastic Surgery represent the upper tier of what this market offers — combining dual board certification, QUAD A accreditation, and hospital privileges in a single practice.
Vilma Hahn is an Alaskan native who has been blogging about life in the most Northern state for over 10 years. As a freelance writer, Vilma has traveled extensively through Alaska, collecting stories and experiences to share on her blog. She shares stories about hiking and camping, visiting small towns, and outdoor adventures. Vilma loves to share her enthusiasm for life in Alaska and hopes to encourage people from all over the world to visit the 49th state.