American Society of Plastic Surgeons

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in l93l, the society is composed of board-certified plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. The society advocates for patient safety, such as requiring its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing.

Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Only members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons may display this ASPS logo. This symbol of excellence in plastic surgery is what to look for when deciding on a surgeon. It tells you that you are choosing a physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada ­ important credentials.

What Makes ASPS Members Uniquely Qualified?

In most states, a licensed physician may perform plastic surgery without being board-certified in plastic surgery. Just because a doctor is board-certified does not mean he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

All members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are certified by the ABPS or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The ABPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of
the body.

To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these rigid requirements:

• Graduate from an accredited medical school
• Complete a combination of at least five years of general surgery and plastic surgery residency training
• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams

Besides certification, membership in ASPS requires a plastic surgeon to regularly attend continuing medical education courses and to adhere to a strict code of ethics. All ASPS members are required to perform surgery in accredited surgical facilities.

Don't settle for less

When choosing your plastic surgeon, first check for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ®, the board-certification that indicates complete training in plastic surgery. Then ask if your surgeon is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.