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American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) Overview

Published On: November 3, 2025

6 minutes

Category: Plastic Surgery Marketing

American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS)

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Founded

1921

Members

Board-certified plastic surgeons and researchers

Focus

Advancing the science, education, and ethical standards of plastic surgery.

Key Activities

AAPS Annual Meeting — the academic highlight of the specialty
Webinars & Academic Medicine Leadership Academy
ICON Project (oral histories of pioneers and leaders)
Fellowship & training opportunities directory

Contact

Phone: +1 978-927-8330

Fax: +1 978-524-0461

Email: admin@aaps1921.org

Website: aaps1921.org

What is the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS)?

The American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) is the oldest organized plastic surgery association in the world, founded in 1921. It brings together board-certified plastic surgeons, researchers, and educators who are dedicated to improving the science and standards of plastic surgery.

Mission: Leadership and Innovation in Academic Plastic Surgery

The organization focuses on:

Promoting education and research in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery
Encouraging collaboration among leading surgeons and academics
Upholding ethics and excellence in patient care

For anyone in the medical aesthetics space, including med spa owners, AAPS is valuable to understand because it sets the academic and ethical benchmarks that influence how modern plastic surgery is practiced and taught.

AAPS Membership Benefits

Membership in the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) is considered one of the highest honors in the field. It recognizes surgeons who have made significant contributions to academic plastic surgery, research, and clinical excellence.

Key benefits include:

Networking and collaboration: Connect with leading surgeons, educators, and innovators shaping the future of the specialty.
Educational opportunities: Access advanced research, webinars, and continuing medical education programs to stay current with new surgical techniques.
Professional recognition: AAPS membership reflects a surgeon’s commitment to scholarship, ethics, and leadership in plastic surgery.
Annual scientific meeting: Participate in one of the most respected academic events in the field, featuring top-tier research and surgical discussions.
Advocacy and mentorship: Contribute to efforts that promote diversity, ethics, and mentorship within the profession.

For aesthetic and med spa professionals, being connected to or learning from AAPS members helps ensure their own standards of care align with the highest levels of clinical and academic integrity in the plastic surgery community.

How to Join the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS)

Membership in AAPS is by invitation only, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on excellence and leadership within academic plastic surgery. Candidates are typically board-certified plastic surgeons who have demonstrated notable contributions to research, education, and clinical practice.

Eligibility requirements:

Must be a board-certified plastic surgeon in good standing
Must have an established record of academic achievement or significant contributions to the specialty
Must be nominated and sponsored by current AAPS members

Application process:

A current member submits a nomination and supporting documentation.
The Membership Committee reviews qualifications and academic contributions.
Approved candidates are invited to join and formally inducted at the Annual Meeting.

The AAPS does not offer open enrollment, making its membership one of the most respected distinctions in plastic surgery.

To learn more about eligibility or sponsorship, visit the official AAPS membership page.

AAPS Conference and Events

The AAPS Annual Meeting is the signature event for the American Association of Plastic Surgeons and one of the most respected gatherings in the specialty. It’s where top surgeons, educators, and researchers come together to share breakthroughs and discuss the future of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

What to know:

Who attends: Leading plastic surgeons, educators, and innovators
What’s included: Research presentations, expert panels, and networking sessions
Why it’s valuable: Offers fresh insights and connections that shape modern surgical practice

You can explore event details, updates, and registration information on our dedicated page:
👉 AAPS Annual Meeting Overview

AAPS & Other Plastic Surgery Organizations

While several major organizations support plastic surgeons, the AAPS stands apart for its academic focus and invitation-only membership.

Here’s how it compares to other leading groups:

AAPS (American Association of Plastic Surgeons): Dedicated to advancing academic plastic surgery through research, education, and leadership development. Membership is selective and honors lifetime achievement and contribution to the field.
ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons): The largest plastic surgery organization, focusing on clinical practice, patient safety, and continuing education for all board-certified surgeons.
The Aesthetic Society: Specializes in cosmetic surgery, emphasizing aesthetic innovation, patient outcomes, and surgeon training.

For medical aesthetics professionals, understanding these distinctions helps identify where clinical standards, educational opportunities, and ethical frameworks originate within the broader field of plastic surgery.

How the AAPS Shapes the Future of Plastic Surgery

The AAPS continues to influence every aspect of modern plastic surgery—from advancing academic research to setting standards for surgical excellence. Its commitment to education, ethics, and innovation keeps the specialty moving forward and ensures patients receive the highest quality care.

By fostering collaboration among the world’s leading surgeons, the AAPS helps drive:

Cutting-edge research that improves patient outcomes
Mentorship and leadership development for future surgeons
Ethical and evidence-based practices that define professional integrity

For board-certified surgeons, staying connected with AAPS means staying at the forefront of surgical advancement, thought leadership, and patient trust.

How ClinicGrower Builds on the AAPS Standard of Excellence

At ClinicGrower, we share the same values that define the American Association of Plastic Surgeons—excellence, ethics, and innovation. While AAPS advances the science and education behind plastic surgery, ClinicGrower helps surgeons translate that expertise into meaningful, sustainable practice growth.

We help surgeons:

Strengthen their online authority through SEO, content, and branding that reflect their professional credibility
Build patient trust with educational campaigns that align with AAPS-level standards of care
Generate qualified consultations through proven digital marketing strategies tailored for plastic surgery practices

Our approach honors the same dedication to quality that drives the AAPS—helping board-certified surgeons grow their practices with integrity and impact.

Learn More About The Author

Bref McHugh is a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary business builder. As the co-owner of ClinicGrower, he spearheads the #1 Growth Marketing agency for medical and aesthetic practices in America.

We’re trying to make growing your medical, dental, or aesthetic practice a whole lot easier, quicker, less stressful, and more fun!

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