From Beginning to Beautiful Result…What’s Your Journey?Castellon Plastic Surgery Melbourne, FL

When a patient takes the first step in revealing their inner beauty on the outside, it should be an exciting time! The search begins to find a surgeon, compare ratings and reviews, look at before and after pictures, and find a convenient location. But wait, what is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon? Aren't they the same? The answer is No. Cosmetic surgery can be legally performed by any licensed physician without the proper training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and without the guidance of a properly credentialed board. The demand for plastic surgery and minimally invasive procedures has risen in recent years, creating a financial motive for untrained cosmetic physicians to perform these procedures at the rising expense of the patient's safety and outcome. This issue is not only prevalent to the United States, but also heavily marketed abroad.

Plastic Surgeons, unlike “cosmetic surgeons”, are board-certified in the full spectrum of plastic surgery for the full body. In order to call themselves plastic surgeons, doctors much be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only board acknowledged and approved by the National Board of Medical Specialties. Doctors that are certified by that board are held to the highest standards as it pertains to skills, knowledge, judgment, safety and ethics. Members of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are dedicated to continuously improving plastic surgery techniques through intense research and clinical trials driven towards patient safety and outcomes.

It may seem to be the easier and less expensive route in the beginning of your journey. Isn't a breast augmentation just a breast augmentation? Unfortunately, when your “routine” breast augmentation doesn't go as planned or complications arise after surgery, a surgeon that is not competent in plastic surgery may not know how to properly handle your care. If you have decided to travel abroad and you no longer have access to your surgeon, you may have to turn to your local hospital for care, and the bills are not generally covered by your insurance. A savings upfront can easily turn into a financial nightmare..

You can rest easy knowing that most hospitals require an extensive credentialing process that takes months to complete and only allow plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform plastic surgery at their facilities. A surgeon is granted privileges to perform plastic surgery only after proof of competency, training in an accredited residency, proof of liability insurance (voluntary in Florida) and the proper board certification. No surgeon should perform a procedure on you if they don't have privileges to perform that same procedure at a reputable hospital. Some surgeons have their own operating room in their facilities, but they should also have hospital privileges should the need arise to admit a patient for further care.

So before you go in for plastic surgery, make sure you're seeing a plastic surgeon that has earned his Board Certification in Plastic Surgery. Anyone can wear a white coat and call themselves a “cosmetic surgeon”, but not everyone has the training and expertise to give you the safest possible experience. Read those ads or websites carefully! “Cosmetic” Surgeons may claim to be “board-certified” or “board-eligible”, but do not specify the board or they may have a board certification in ophthalmology, cardiology, liposuction or cosmetic surgery. These doctors are not properly trained Plastic Surgeons.

Any doctor who is properly Board Certified in Plastic Surgery will be happy to share their background, training and achievements. Dr. Castellon has earned his Board Certification in Plastic Surgeon and has served the patients of Melbourne, FL for over 18 years. Dr. Castellon is extensively trained in general, plastic and reconstructive plastic surgery at Albany Medical Center in New York. His undergraduate study was at the University of Florida and he went on to receive his medical degree (M.D.) from the well-respected Ponce School of Medicine. He is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Castellon serves as the sector Chair of Plastic Surgery for Holmes Regional Medical Center and served as President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has privileges at Crane Creek Surgery Center, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne Same Day Surgery Center, and Steward Hospital.

With a deep commitment to his profession, Dr. Castellon is passionate about top-quality care, precise surgical artistry, offering the most innovative solutions, and sharing genuine warmth for his patients. From the initial consultation to recovery care, Castellon Plastic Surgery Center is dedicated to reflecting your inner beauty on the outside and making health and well-being a top priority.