Members of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) are also members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world with more than 7,000 members and comprising more than 94 percent of all plastic surgeons. However, not all members of the ASPS are members of the ASAPS. With only 2,600 members, the ASAPS is a smaller group of surgeons who are devoted to the advancement of cosmetic surgery.
Importance of Membership
Why is the aforementioned difference important to note when choosing a plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation? The ASAPS members specialize in aesthetic surgery, and membership is by invitation only. It is not against the law for a doctor with only four years of medical school to perform plastic surgery in their office, so making sure your doctor is a part of one or both of these organization that have specific and rigorous requirements to belong is your best chance for a successful breast augmentation.
ASAPS Admission
Admission to the ASAPS is based on the following criteria:
- Certification by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadian surgeons must be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
- Must be in at least the third year of active practice following board certification.
- Participation 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.
- Must be sponsored by two ASAPS plastic surgeon members to help ensure that the applicant's professional reputation meets the high standards required by the ASAPS.
- Must adhere to current ethical standards for professional conduct as outlined in the Code of Ethics observed by all ASAPS member surgeons.
Updated August 2016
