THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS
THE SYMBOL OF EXCELLENCE IN PLASTIC SURGERY
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!
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.
WHY ASPS?
ASPS … From Residency Through Retirement
Recognized, trusted and respected by the public, organized medicine, industry and regulators as the authoritative voice of plastic surgery, ASPS is the world’s largest specialty organization of plastic surgeons. Founded in 1931, the Society represents the vast majority of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States and nearly 12,000 members worldwide, making it a global institution and the leading authority on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
Members of ASPS represent the very best and brightest minds in the specialty, committed to rigorous standards to maintain excellence in medical and ethical conduct. ASPS works tirelessly to position our members for success in a highly competitive environment and we welcome board-certified plastic surgeons, residents, Fellows, associates and international plastic surgeons who seek to advance the science of the specialty.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Join.
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.
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:
• Raising patient awareness of health insurance coverage for breast reconstruction
• Protecting patient safety through policies that prevent non-physicians from performing complex surgical procedures
• 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.
A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Answering the Need for Ongoing Education
From procedure-specific presentations and insightful case reviews to leadership training and practice management, ASPS provides industry-leading education and networking events for every vital area of interest within the specialty.
PSTM2025 | Oct. 9-12, 2025 in New Orleans, LA
PSTM2026 | Oct. 15-18, 2026 in Houston, TX
PSTM2027 | Sept. 16-19, 2027 in Baltimore, MD
PLASTIC SURGERY THE MEETING: THE LARGEST SCIENTIFIC SPECIALTY 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. With instructional courses, educational sessions, hands-on training, social gatherings, networking events and hundreds of exhibits, Plastic Surgery The Meeting is the annual, global flagship event for the absolute latest in the plastic surgery specialty.
Learn more at PlasticSurgeryTheMeeting.com.
ASPS EdNet and ASPS University
Developed to support plastic surgeons throughout all stages of their careers, the ASPS Education Network offers fresh content every month with an increasingly vast collection of multimedia learning activities.
From introductory courses, podcasts and the Resident Education Center to case reports, surgical videos and deep-dive topics, ASPS EdNet 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.
Project Well
ASPS launched Project Well to lead the Society’s focus on wellness and burnout 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.
THE PSF
Advancing the Science of Plastic Surgery
The Plastic Surgery Foundation is the most distinguished research foundation in the specialty and collaborates with the AAHS, AAPPS, AAPS, ACEPS, ASMS, ASRM, ASPN, CSPS, and PSRC. 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 Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign, Visiting Professors, International Visiting Professors, Global Advancement for Academic Plastic Surgeons (GAAPS), Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education (SHARE) and the International Scholar Program with Smile Train and The Peer Foundation scholarships and more.
Research and global outreach embody the core values of The PSF, and programs such as SHARE and the PSF Grants Program help advance the specialty and standards for patient care across the globe. Providing high levels of financial support for investigator-initiated research helps ensure plastic surgeons have the necessary resources to develop tomorrow’s treatments – and supporting plastic surgeons who volunteer internationally gives patients who are most in need access to today’s best care.
Opportunities for participation in The PSF Grants Program are available to surgeonscientists ranging from pilot research grants and research fellowships that support innovative ideas and help foster career development, to the National Endowment for Plastic Surgery Grant, which is designed to translate clinical or basic science research into clinically relevant advancements with a high likelihood of impacting daily practice and patient care within the next few years. The PSF Grants Program also offers multiple grants focusing on specific areas of interest, including wound healing, breast implant safety, breast reconstruction, allograft tissue transplantation and more.
Learn more at ThePSF.org.
PIONEERING RESEARCH
Leading the Way on Tomorrow’s Treatments
Charged with identifying emerging and ongoing plastic surgery areas in need of further scientific research, The Plastic Surgery Foundation’s Research Oversight Council has identified the following high-priority research areas in plastic surgery: tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, fat grafting and adipose matrices, allograft dermis/epidermis for wound healing, vascularized composite allograft, breast reconstruction, the use of biologics in breast reconstruction, surgical education, safety, outcomes and health services research studies, comparative effectiveness/cost studies, breast implants and ALCL.
Opportunities for participation in The PSF Grants program include SmileTrain, BRA Day USA, The Peer Foundation and SHARE.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/Research.
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.
PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE
Scientific Journals
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
There’s a reason why Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal in the world: Since 1946, it has been an unfailingly exceptional reference for every specialist who employs 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, 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 inform readers of the latest research, evidence-based outcomes and scientific developments in all areas related to reconstructive and cosmetic 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
PRS Global Open, the official open-access journal of ASPS, publishes the latest peer-reviewed updates and advances in plastic surgery from nearly 60 nations, 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 peerreview process.
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” features 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. PSN also publishes the annual, award-winning Breast Reconstruction patient-facing magazine that features insights from plastic surgeons, breast cancer survivors and patient advocates on FAQs, support groups and the multiple options available to women after mastectomy.
PROMOTING SAFETY & EXPERTISE
A 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. 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 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X and TikTok. 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 multi-channel 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.
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. At ASPS, our 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 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.
RAISING THE BAR ON QUALITY CARE
Promoting Excellence Through Evidence-Based Guidelines
Under guidance from the Quality & Performance Measurement Committee, ASPS produces evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and systematic literature reviews.
Practice guidelines are developed using national standards, combining graded research evidence with expert opinion and leadership review.
The Society also responds to federal quality legislation and mandates that impact plastic surgeons in order to support ASPS members in meeting quality benchmarks and maximizing reimbursement.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Quality.
Expanding the Specialty’s Impact in the Global Health Arena
Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstructive, Research and Education (SHARE) seeks to enhance collaboration to improve care and surgical capacity in regions of the world with limited numbers of plastic surgeons – but high incidence of conditions requiring plastic surgery treatment. The SHARE program is tailored to local learners and their environment through education, research and collaboration.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/SHARE.
The PSF President Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS, and ASPS President Scott T. Hollenbeck, MD, FACS, begin their terms at Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2024 in San Diego, California.
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 The 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 to 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
FUTURE LEADERS START HERE
Networking and Career Development
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.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/WPS.
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 young plastic surgeons.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/YPS.
The Essentials of Leadership program gives you the knowledge and skills to be an effective leader, 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.
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.
WPS Symposium 2024
To improve resident involvement within the Society and advocate for the interests of residents at the highest levels of plastic surgery — those are the goals of the ASPS Residents Council. 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.
The Jewish Plastic Surgeons Forum (JPS) is committed to advancing the field of plastic surgery while fostering alliances and understanding through education and bridge-building. Serving as a central hub, the JPS offers opportunities for members to network and engage on issues of interest to Jewish plastic surgeons and their patient populations.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/JPS
The Plastic Surgeons of Chinese Descent special interest group supports a community of plastic surgeons who either come from a Chinese background or have an interest in learning about the culture. The goal of this group is to create a platform within ASPS to promote current ideas, scientific exchange, friendship and develop future leaders in this specialty while sharing their unique culture and heritage.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Chinese.
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.
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 consist of a combination of senior and junior faculty and residents and are curated based on individual preferences and interests. The goal of each group is to build relationships and create a continuum of learning opportunities that reflects the vast, yet overlapping experiences between faculty members and trainees in a longitudinal fashion, offering participants the opportunity to serve as both a mentor and a mentee.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/PROPEL.
ASPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024/2025
Scott Hollenbeck, MD, FACS
ASPS President
C. Bob Basu, MD, MBA, MPH, FACS
ASPS President-Elect
Sara R. Dickie, MD
Board Vice President, Development (2025)
Justin Sacks, MD, MBA
Board Vice President, Finance & Treasurer (2026)
David Mathes, MD
Board Vice President, Academic Affairs (2026)
Geoffrey C. Gurtner, MD
Board Vice President, Research (2025)
Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS
The PSF President
Babak J. Mehrara, MD
The PSF President-Elect
Peter Taub, MD
Board Vice President, Education (2025)
Lynn A. Damitz, MD
Board Vice President, Health Policy & Advocacy (2025)
Michele Manahan, MD, MBA, FACS
Board Vice President, Membership (2025)
ASPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024/2025
Steven Williams, MD
Immediate Past ASPS President
Ashley N. Amalfi, MD
Chair of the Assembly of Member Sections
Scot Glasberg, MD, FACS
Immediate Past PSF President
Joseph J. Disa, MD
Chair of the Assembly of National and Specialty Societies
Abigail E. Chaffin, MD
Chair of the Assembly of State and Regional Societies
Michael D. Costelloe
Executive Vice President
Caitlin Podbielski, Esq. Legal Counsel
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Peer-Reviewed to Support Your Practice
The Society offers a one-stop shop to expand or establish a practice through a vast array of membership products and services, as well as the ASPS Endorsed Practice Solutions program. Through established relationships with medical liability insurance providers, patient and practice financing, credit card processing and more, ASPS has the business resources you need. In addition, the Society also offers a full suite of peer-reviewed materials to not only help educate your patients, but also keep your practice top of mind following a consultation. Patient education brochures, informed-consent documents, coding and staffing resources are also available to keep your office running smoothly while you focus on providing excellence in patient care.
Build Trust with a Custom Online Profile
Millions visit the ASPS website to get informed, be prepared and find a great surgeon — like you! With a custom online profile, your practice microsite is visible throughout PlasticSurgery.org, so potential patients are introduced to you, not just your practice information. Plus, ASPS members with custom online profiles enjoy five times the consultation requests through the ASPS referral service and patient community. Set up your profile today and be the answer where patients search.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Shop.
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 contribution to the Society and the plastic surgery 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 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
