THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS THE SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE IN PLASTIC SURGERY
TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE SOCIETY
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MISSION STATEMENT
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PRACTICE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES
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LEADERSHIP & NETWORKING
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ADVOCACY
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EDUCATION
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THE PSF
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RESEARCH
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REGISTRIES
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PUBLICATIONS
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PLASTIC SURGERY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
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HEALTH POLICY
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QUALITY & PERFORMANCE MEASURES
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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PRODUCTS & SERVICES
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THANK YOU
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WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS! The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is honored to count you as a member of the world’s leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The core values of ASPS embody excellence in plastic surgery through education, research, intellectual exchange and patient safety. The Society represents the interests of all board-certified plastic surgeons – innovators and visionaries recognized, trusted and respected worldwide under the ASPS Symbol of Excellence. Thanks to members like you, ASPS is able to translate its core values into action. Since 1931, ASPS has worked tirelessly to support the ongoing success of each plastic surgeon the Society has had the privilege to represent. From cutting-edge education to advocacy and public outreach, ASPS is committed to serving your needs. The plastic surgery specialty has grown monumentally since the Society’s founding, and it will continue to do so as time progresses. One constant, however, is our dedication to you, from residency through retirement. We value your contribution to the Society and the specialty as a whole. Thank you for being a member of ASPS!
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MISSION DRIVEN The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is guided by a mission to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. To support its members in the provision of excellent patient care, ASPS provides education, advocacy, practice support and enhanced public awareness of the value of plastic surgery. The Society fosters the highest professional, ethical and quality standards and is a strong advocate for patient safety. “As a reconstructive microsurgeon, educator and proud member of the YPS Steering Committee, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has continuously inspired and fostered my growth. The Society unites leaders, innovators and mentors who elevate our field. Through ASPS, I have discovered opportunities to contribute, learn and support the next generation of plastic surgeons.” – Saïd Azoury, MD, FACS
LEVERAGE ASPS IN YOUR PRACTICE Whether in the early stages of your career or transitioning your practice model, ASPS is here to support you and provide the resources you need.
PS² Practice Management Consulting Don’t just survive the business of plastic surgery – thrive in it! PS² specializes in plastic surgery practice management, offering tailored insights to optimize operations, improve efficiency and drive financial growth. As trusted plastic surgery consultants, we bring deep industry expertise to every client by evaluating your practice, crafting custom solutions and addressing the unique challenges faced by plastic surgery practices nationwide.
Learn more at ps2pm.com. ASPS Endorsed Practice Solutions
Spend more time caring for patients and less time worrying about managing your practice. ASPS researches and endorses the most effective resources in the specialty to provide a simple way to help build and manage various aspects of your practice. ASPS members continually benefit from exclusive discounts on all endorsed solutions.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Endorsed. PATIENT FINANCING
INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
WEB-BASED ANIMATED PATIENT EDUCATION
CREDIT CARD PROCESSING
MEDICAL COSMETIC COMPLICATIONS INSURANCE
PRACTICE FINANCING
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ASPS President C. Bob Basu, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS, and The PSF President Babak Mehrara, MD, begin their terms at Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2025 in New Orleans.
ADVANCING THE SPECIALTY Shape the Future of Plastic Surgery Each year, more than 1,000 members of the Society dedicate their time and talent to serve on ASPS and PSF committees, work groups, task forces and councils. These inspiring members are actively working not only to support and guide the future of our organizations, but also to advance the plastic surgery specialty and patient care as a whole – domestically and internationally. Committee appointments are one year in length and commence with the ceremonial “Passing of the Gavel” at each annual meeting. The annual application period is Feb. 1-May 31 and there is no better way to help shape the future of organized plastic surgery. We invite you to take part in these vital initiatives! Opportunities to serve on a committee, work group, task force or council are available within virtually every area of interest and expertise, including education, health policy and research. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Committees.
The ASPS Global Leadership Forum fosters international collaboration among plastic surgery societies to promote the highest standards of care worldwide. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/International
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FUTURE LEADERS START HERE Networking and Career Development
Young Plastic Surgeons A vital resource for young plastic surgeons, the YPS Forum acts as a liaison between plastic surgeons in the early stages of their careers and established ASPS Member Surgeons. Among the many initiatives of YPS is PROPEL, an innovative team-based approach to mentorship in plastic surgery. Through programs like PROPEL and others, the diverse YPS community is afforded opportunities for networking, collaboration, political advocacy and leadership development. Plastic surgeons who are younger than 42 years of age or who have been in practice for fewer than eight years are considered part of the YPS Forum. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/YPS.
Women Plastic Surgeons The Women Plastic Surgeons Forum represents and advocates for the interests and concerns of female plastic surgeons who are members or candidates for membership of ASPS. All female plastic surgeons are considered members of the Women Plastic Surgeons Forum. Through networking, education, advocacy and mentoring, the WPS Steering Committee seeks to empower female plastic surgeons within the Society and increase their involvement within organized medicine and plastic surgery as a whole – while simultaneously advancing the mission of ASPS. 8
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/WPS.
Essentials of Leadership The Essentials of Leadership program supplies ASPS Member Surgeons with the knowledge and skills to be effective leaders, combining in-person and virtual sessions showcasing inspirational talks from leaders in diverse fields. Members engage in dynamic group collaborations and enjoy social activities for an enriching educational and networking experience. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/EOL.
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Military Forum The Military Plastic Surgeons Forum (MPSF) supports a community of surgeons who strive to advance the field of reconstructive plastic surgery as it applies to military populations through education, advocacy and military-civilian partnership. Serving as a central hub, the MPSF allows members to network and address issues unique to military plastic surgeons and their patient populations. All members, candidates, residents, associates and affiliate members who are interested in plastic surgery in a military setting are encouraged to join, regardless of whether they have served in the military. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Military.
PRIDE The PRIDE (Plastic and Reconstruction Inclusion Driving Equity) Forum develops programming and resources to support LGBTQIA+ plastic surgeons and residents. The mission of the PRIDE Forum is to support a community of LGBTQIA+ physicians, medical students and allies who advance the field of plastic surgery through education, advocacy and partnerships. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/PRIDE.
Residents Council The ASPS Residents Council strives to foster engagement and advocate for the interests of plastic surgery residents. The ASPS Residents Council gives residents the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects within the Society, as well as to develop new projects specific to residency training and beyond. Through this program, residents may not only gain exposure to organized plastic surgery, but also develop the necessary skills to pursue future positions of leadership. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Residents.
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Professional Resource Opportunities in PRS Education and Leadership (PROPEL) is a mentorship program that brings together teams of plastic surgeons at varying points in their careers to foster greater collaboration and a meaningful mentorship experience. Teams are composed of members from a variety of backgrounds who have been matched according to interests and goals. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/PROPEL.
Visit PlasticSurgery.org/Community to view all of the special interest groups and forums ASPS has to offer.
“Joining ASPS and becoming part of the YPS community has opened the door to meaningful relationships with friends and colleagues across our global plastic surgery family. Serving on the YPS Committee has been truly invaluable – offering mentorship, growth, leadership development and a lot of fun. Together, we navigate the steep learning curve of those early years in practice while giving back to the residents and students rising behind us.” – Raj Sawh-Martinez, MD, MHS, FACS
ADVOCACY IN ACTION We Work for You From legislation, regulation, mandates and competition from practitioners in other specialties, plastic surgeons face an ever-increasing number of practice obstacles. ASPS speaks up on your behalf. ASPS advocates for policies that serve the interests of your patients, advance the specialty and support our members. We promote the highest-quality patient care, and our member surgeons strive to improve functional capacity and quality of life for their patients. Through direct lobbying, member-driven grassroots engagement campaigns, providing financial support for federal candidates and the communication of specialty positions on major issues, ASPS believes advocacy is a core mission to ensure your voice is heard where laws are made.
ASPS had a 92% success rate in the last general election – 79 out of 86 PlastyPAC-supported candidates won their election. Staff held more than 50 meetings with members of Congress in 2025. An additional 66 meetings took place at the 2025 Advocacy Summit.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Advocacy. Advancing the Specialty Through One Unified Voice Speaking as the unified voice for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, the ASPS political action committee, PlastyPAC, has fought for plastic surgeons and plastic surgery patients for more than two decades. Through member contributions to PlastyPAC, we confront the issues facing plastic surgery today: • Ensuring that unqualified practitioners cannot advertise in a false or misleading way • Increasing the cap on Medicare-funded graduate medical education positions and increasing funding for those additional residency slots • Promoting insurance coverage for reconstructive surgical procedures Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/PlastyPAC. 12
THE MUST-ATTEND EVENT FOR ALL PLASTIC SURGEONS! Answering the Need for Ongoing Education From a wide array of innovative aesthetic and reconstructive programming to leadership training and practice management, ASPS provides industry-leading education and networking events for every vital area of interest within the specialty. PSTM2026 | Oct. 15-18, 2026, in Houston PSTM2027 | Sept. 16-19, 2027, in Baltimore PSTM2028 | Oct. 12-15, 2028, in Los Angeles Plastic Surgery The Meeting: The Specialty’s Largest Scientific Meeting of the Year Every year, the world’s leading plastic surgeons converge at Plastic Surgery The Meeting to share their expertise, network with colleagues, discuss leading-edge scientific advancements and explore the latest surgical techniques. From attending committee meetings and the Annual Board Meeting to recognizing our new members, gathering at receptions and utilizing the many networking opportunities, Plastic Surgery The Meeting is the annual, global flagship event for the absolute latest in the plastic surgery specialty. Learn more at PlasticSurgeryTheMeeting.com.
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ASPS EdNet Developed to support plastic surgeons throughout all stages of their careers, the ASPS Education Network provides a full continuum of free and premium learning resources to keep your skills sharp on your own schedule. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Education.
Enhanced Features: • Intuitive platform improves findability and search options • Recommends peer-reviewed activities tailored to learner interests • Provides detailed content descriptions and AI-generated summaries • Advanced reporting & analytics to track progress and certifications • Option to watch video up to 2x speed and skip through videos using transcripts • Optimized for mobile access across devices
Enhanced Qualities: • Topic-Specific Learning Hubs • Podcasts • Microlearning exercises • More PRS CME articles • CSAT & In-Service Exam (ISE) Study Guide & Performance Insights Report • ASPS Weekly Q&A Challenge (PlastIQ)
Project Well ASPS launched Project Well to lead the Society’s focus on wellness and burnout mitigation for our members and their practices. The Wellness Committee then created the Project Well Modules, which offer a curated and comprehensive resource to boost health, happiness and productivity at work. These modules are tailored to support plastic surgeons in maintaining a fulfilling and sustainable personal and professional life by addressing different facets of wellness – physical, emotional, social, financial, and occupational. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Wellness.
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POWERING THE FUTURE Fueling Discovery The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) is where ideas become breakthroughs. From pilot projects to transformative clinical research, PSF funding gives surgeons the opportunity to explore innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and advance the specialty. The PSF is the most distinguished research foundation in the specialty and collaborates with AAHS, AAPPS, AAPS, ACEPS, ASMS, ASRM, ASPN, CSPS and PSRC. Expanding Access Supported by member donations, The PSF not only promotes, encourages and fosters the next generation of researchers, but also provides meaningful data, develops clinical trials and sponsors programs such as the Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education (SHARE), Global Advancement for Academic Plastic Surgeons (GAAPS), and the International Scholar Program with Smile Train, The Peer Foundation scholarships and more. These initiatives ensure that patients around the world benefit from the latest advances in plastic surgery. Empowering You As an ASPS member, you’re part of a community that both benefits from and contributes to PSF’s mission. Whether you’re applying for a research grant, mentoring through educational programs or making a charitable donation, your involvement helps shape the future of plastic surgery. Learn more and get involved at ThePSF.org. “The PSF-NEPS Grant has allowed me to generate crucial Level 1 evidence on the use of acellular dermal matrices in prepectoral breast reconstruction, which will benefit breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy.” – Evan Matros, MD, MPH, MSc, 2021 NEPS Grant Recipient
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PIONEERING RESEARCH Leading the Way on Tomorrow’s Treatments Charged with identifying emerging and ongoing areas of plastic surgery in need of further research, The PSF’s Research Oversight Council has identified the following high-priority research areas in plastic surgery: breast implant safety; AI applications in plastic surgery; and tissue repair, regeneration and engineering. Opportunities for participation in The PSF Grants program include SmileTrain, BRA Day USA, The Peer Foundation and SHARE. Learn more at ThePSF.org/Research.
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IMPROVING OUTCOMES & PATIENT CARE Plastic Surgery Registries Network The PSF and ASPS help facilitate evidence-based medicine by bringing together plastic surgeons, other specialists and government leaders who seek to answer important questions that can best be addressed through broad registry participation. Actively collecting plastic surgery data since 2002, the PSRN has evolved from one to multiple registries, and now collects data on plastic surgery procedures, outcomes, devices and rare diseases. The goal of the PSRN is to help plastic surgeons identify safe, effective treatments for their patients. PSRN registries also provide a means for quality reporting and practice improvement activities. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/PSRN.
“Being a member of ASPS has been a chance for me to remain connected to my colleagues in other fields of plastic surgery. It allows me to learn outside my sub-specialization, contribute to my field, and serve the future of plastic surgery through student and resident engagement, committee service and volunteerism.” – Amelia Van Handel, MD
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PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE Scientific Journals Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery There’s a reason why Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the most-cited plastic surgery journal in the world: Since 1946, it has been an unfailingly exceptional reference for every specialist who deploys the broad spectrum of plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. As the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, PRS is a monthly peer-reviewed publication that brings readers breakthrough research, in-depth studies and necessary follow-up in the latest techniques and trends across all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including post-cancer breast surgeries, cosmetic outcomes and advances in reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is guided by a mission to drive innovation and enhance patient outcomes by carefully cultivating and dynamically delivering breakthrough research, evidence-based studies and impactful scientific discourse in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. PRS is also recognized among the most innovative of all medical journals, incorporating video, podcasts and social media to offer the most vibrant reader experience imaginable.
Visit online at PRSJournal.com.
PRS Global Open
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PRS Global Open, the official open-access journal of ASPS, publishes the latest peer-reviewed updates and advances in plastic surgery from around the world, including experimental laboratory research, intriguing and perplexing case reports, personal operative and clinical technique videos, and relevant original content. PRS Global Open educates patients, the public and affiliated specialists about plastic and reconstructive surgery to improve safety, outcomes and care worldwide, one open-access article at a time.
Offering researchers an accelerated time from acceptance to publication, PRS Global Open has become a destination for authors to rapidly publish peer-reviewed, cutting-edge manuscripts that can be accessed worldwide in an open-access format. PRS Global Open is discoverable in PubMed and indexed in PubMed Central, Directory of Open Access Journals and Emerging Sources Citation Index. PRS Global Open received its inaugural impact factor in 2023. These milestones are a testament to the high quality of the journal and its peer-review process.
Visit online at PRSGlobalOpen.com. News Publications Plastic Surgery News The Society’s award-winning news publication is published eight times per year and highlights multiple areas that affect plastic surgeons, from socioeconomic issues, patient safety and practice management to federal and state legislation, health policy, CPT coding, social media use and other hot topics. In addition to print, the magazine and archived issues are accessible online. Featured stories can also be found online at psnextra.org. PSN also features regular “Plastic Surgery Resident” and “YPS Perspective” sections geared specifically toward young plastic surgeons and residents. The features are written by residents and young plastic surgeons, covering topics that include starting a practice, preparing for fellowship, studying for oral and written boards, participating in international mission work and much more. PSN Media Update, a weekly e-newsletter, helps keep plastic surgeons informed of the stories that their patients are reading in the mainstream media.
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PROMOTING SAFETY & EXPERTISE Our Pledge to Public Education Educating the public is a core initiative of ASPS. From national news to social media, the Plastic Surgery Education Campaign (PSEC) improves public awareness of the breadth of the specialty and the importance of choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon.
Proactive Public Relations and Earned Media Strategies The PSEC expertly navigates the evolving media landscape, generating thousands of broadcast, print and online media placements and tens of millions of dollars in advertising value each year. The PSEC combines proactive story pitching with rapid responses to media inquiries, establishing ASPS as the authoritative voice in plastic surgery. Through traditional and digital channels, the PSEC reaches established and emerging audiences, generating impactful awareness and impressions.
Educating and Engaging via Social Media ASPS harnesses the power of social media as a key facet of its public education initiative. The approach is data-informed and audience-focused, utilizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, TikTok and more. By strategically distributing messaging across these channels, ASPS engages with diverse audiences, ensuring they receive relevant, credible information about plastic surgery that aligns with their journeys. This multichannel presence reinforces the ASPS commitment to informed decision-making in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
PlasticSurgery.org: Where Patients Begin Their Search The ASPS website (PlasticSurgery.org) welcomes millions of online visitors each year, giving individuals interested in plastic surgery a resource to find trusted information on plastic surgery procedures, pose questions to board-certified plastic surgeons and find ASPS Member Surgeons in their area. The site provides before-and-after photos, video content, articles, blogs and interactive features while educating patients on the importance of selecting an ASPS Member Surgeon.
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ENSURING VALUE Achieving Health Care Goals Maintaining accurate, up-to-date health policy is crucial for ASPS members, plastic surgery patients and the specialty as a whole. ASPS health policy experts monitor changes in the healthcare environment, analyze specific issues impacting plastic surgeons, create position statements; evaluate health policies and publications that influence patient safety; collaborate with government organizations; work with other societies and more – all for the good of the members we serve and for patient safety. The ASPS Health Policy Department also provides advice on reimbursement policy issues and participates in the American Medical Association’s CPT and RUC panel to advocate for appropriate descriptors and relative value units for plastic surgery procedures. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Health-Policy.
RAISE THE BAR ON QUALITY CARE Leading With Evidence, Grounded in Expertise ASPS sets the standard for quality and safety through evidence-based medicine. Our systematic reviews and Clinical Practice Guidelines are built on rigorous methodology – combining the latest research with the real-world experience of expert plastic surgeons. Every recommendation reflects a balance of scientific integrity and clinical insight, empowering surgeons to deliver care that is both innovative and proven. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Quality. Expanding the Specialty’s Impact in the Global Health Arena Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education (SHARE) seek to enhance collaboration to improve care and surgical capacity in regions of the world with limited numbers of plastic surgeons – but a high incidence of conditions requiring plastic surgery treatment. The SHARE program is tailored to local learners and their environments through education, research and collaboration. Learn more at ThePSF.org/SHARE.
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ASPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025/2026 C. Bob Basu, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS
Babak J. Mehrara, MD
ASPS President
The PSF President
Lynn A. Damitz, MD
Sara R. Dickie, MD
ASPS President-Elect
The PSF President-Elect
Chris A. Campbell, MD, FACS Board Vice President, Development (2027)
Peter Taub, MD Board Vice President, Education (2026)
Justin Sacks, MD, MBA
Warren A. Ellsworth IV, MD
Board Vice President, Finance & Treasurer (2026)
Board Vice President, Health Policy & Advocacy (2026)
David Mathes, MD
Michele Manahan, MD, MBA, FACS Board Vice President, Membership (2026)
Board Vice President, Academic Affairs (2026)
Geoffrey C. Gurtner, MD
Board Vice President, Research (2027)
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ASPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025/2026 Scott T. Hollenbeck, MD, FACS
Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS
Immediate Past ASPS President
Immediate Past PSF President
Angela Cheng, MD
Joseph J. Disa, MD
Chair of the Assembly of Member Sections
Chair of the Assembly of National and Specialty Societies
Abigail E. Chaffin, MD Chair of the Assembly of State and Regional Societies
Caitlin Podbielski, Esq.
Legal Counsel
Michael D. Costelloe
Executive Vice President
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PRODUCTS & SERVICES Support for Running a Modern, Patient-Centered Practice ASPS provides practical tools to help surgeons operate efficiently and communicate clearly with patients. Our patient education resources – including eNLIGHTEN™️ digital brochures and printed brochure sets – support informed consultations and reinforce understanding after the visit. Standardized informed-consent documents further help ensure patients are prepared and expectations are aligned.
Build Trust with Plastic Surgery Connect Every year, millions visit PlasticSurgery.org to learn, prepare and connect with boardcertified surgeons – such as you. With a Plastic Surgery Connect profile, your practice microsite is visible throughout the site, introducing potential patients to you and your expertise, not just your location. Your profile enhances visibility in one of the most trusted destinations for plastic surgery information, helping patients recognize your credentials and act with confidence when choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon. Subscribe to Connect to strengthen your presence, showcase your qualifications and let patients discover your practice with ease. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Shop.
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THANK YOU! The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the world’s leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for one reason: members like you. We value your contributions to the Society and our specialty as a whole, and we are honored to serve our members from residency to retirement. Thank you for your dedication to excellence in plastic surgery, your unwavering commitment to patient safety and your membership in ASPS. Together, we are leading the future of plastic surgery! ASPS is plastic surgery.
ASPS Is Here to Serve You The ASPS Member Services Center is only a phone call or email away. Call: 847-228-9900 or 1-800-766-4955 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT), Monday through Friday Email: Membership@PlasticSurgery.org
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@PlasticSurgeryASPS @plasticsurgeryasps
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