The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Approximately 25% of all American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons are members of ASAPS

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) was founded in 1967 and calls itself 'the leading professional organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.' It has 1,900 members in the U.S. and Canada, as well as corresponding members in many other countries. According to the ASAPS, it 'is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery around the world.'

The ASAPS' Mission includes medical education, public education, and patient advocacy:

• ASAPS is an educational organization sponsoring scientific meetings on the latest advances in cosmetic plastic surgery. ASAPS meetings are designed for attendance by qualified plastic surgeons. ASAPS is an accredited sponsor of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Aesthetic Surgery Journal, an official publication of ASAPS, is the most widely read clinical journal of cosmetic plastic surgery in the world.
• ASAPS is a research organization, collecting data on cosmetic plastic surgery, publishing annual statistics on the number of cosmetic procedures performed, and supporting scientific and clinical studies in cosmetic plastic surgery.
• ASAPS is a public information organization, providing accurate and timely information on all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery through their web site and by working extensively with the news media through their Communications Office in New York City.
• ASAPS is a patient advocacy organization, promoting the highest standards of professional conduct among their members as well as representing the rights of patients to be fully informed about the training and credentials of their doctors.

Requirements for membership in ASAPS:

• Be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada;*
• Be in at least the third year of active practice following board certification;
• Participate in accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) to stay current with developments in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery;
• Document the performance of a significant number and variety of cosmetic
  surgical cases to demonstrate wide experience;
• Be sponsored by two ASAPS-member plastic surgeons to help ensure that the applicant's professional reputation meets the high standards required by ASAPS; and
• Adhere to current ethical standards for professional conduct as outlined in the Code of Ethics observed by all ASAPS-member surgeons.

* Plastic surgeons who are not citizens of the United States or Canada who meet the high professional and ethical standards required for ASAPS membership may become ASAPS corresponding members.

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