Top 5 Plastic Surgery Societies

by Wendy Travis

There are many plastic surgeons today and choosing the right doctor for your needs can be challenging at best. One factor to consider is whether the physician you choose is a member of any professional associations. Plastic surgery societies have stringent requirements for joining and maintaining membership, giving a patient peace of mind in knowing the doctor she chooses has the experience and knowledge needed to perform safe and successful procedures. Plastic Surgery Portal has a listing of five of the top plastic surgery societies to help you make an educated choice in doctors based on their professional memberships.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
The ASPS is known as the largest plastic surgery society in the world. This organization was established in 1931 and currently boasts more than 6,000 physicians who perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries in their membership base. Members of this organization must have a minimum of five years of surgical training with two of those years specifically devoted to training in the plastic surgery arena. The organization provides educational forums and develops guidelines to help professionals stay current in their field with the latest procedures and enhancements.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The ASAPS has been in existence since 1967 and continues to provide education and support to doctors and patients alike in the field of cosmetic surgery. Members of this organization must by certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. They also must be in at least their third year of active practice and have the sponsorship of at least two other ASAPS-member plastic surgeons. Members are committed to ongoing education in the cosmetic surgery industry and must adhere to the ASAPS Code of Ethics.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The AAFPRS boasts a current membership of more than 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons across the globe. The organization holds a seat in both the American Medical Association House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons Board of Governors. All of the members of AAFPRS are board-certified and specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face, head and neck. These doctors have all completed a rigorous specialty training program that is focused on surgery to the head and neck.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The ISAPS was founded nearly four decades ago and touts a current membership of board certified plastic surgeons in 86 countries. The goal of the organization is to provide current information to physicians as well as the media and general public. Qualifications for membership include years of surgical specialty training and board certification. Doctors must also agree to adhere to the code of ethics established by ISAPS. Current ISAPS members are committed to providing patients with the highest quality of care in a safe setting.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
The AACS was established in 1985 in consists of doctors who specialize in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. The AACS also holds a seat in the American Medical Association House of Delegates. Members of this organization must demonstrate experience and skill in their field, and need to be dedicated to patient safety and ongoing education. This organization stresses the importance of ongoing education for all physicians in the cosmetic surgery field and provides a wealth of opportunities in this area, including lectures, workshops and concentrated learning sessions.

Professional organizations are an important component when choosing a plastic surgeon, because membership in such organizations usually indicated the physician is experienced and committed to ongoing training. These societies also provide substantial information for patients, to help them make educated decisions about the cosmetic procedures they are interested in.