The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
What Is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgeon society in the world, representing more than 11,000 board-certified plastic surgeons. It sets widely recognized standards for ethical practice, patient safety, education, and research across both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
ASPS is recognized globally as a central authority on board-certified american plastic surgery, supported by key educational and research arms such as ASPS EdNet and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF).
Mission
To advance quality care in plastic surgery by promoting high clinical standards, rigorous education, responsible innovation, and patient safety.
Key Focus Areas
Education & Skills Training: Robust CME pathways, ASPS EdNet, and procedure-based learning.
Patient Safety & Standards: Evidence-based guidelines and resources used worldwide.
Advocacy: Supports policies that protect patient access and surgeon autonomy.
Research & Innovation: Funding and studies through PSF.
Public Awareness: Trusted patient education resources, including procedure guides and surgeon finder tools.
ASPS matters because it shapes how modern plastic surgeons learn, practice, and deliver care—making it one of the most influential organizations for any surgeon or med spa professional researching the field.
Why Join the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?
Joining ASPS connects you to the most established network of board-certified plastic surgeons, trusted education pathways, and the standards that shape safe, modern aesthetic and reconstructive care. If you want your practice to stay aligned with national expectations and patient trust, ASPS is one of the most influential organizations to be part of.
Strengthen Your Professional Credibility
Membership signals board certification, ethical practice, and commitment to continuous education—qualities patients use to evaluate a surgeon’s expertise.
Access Structured, Specialty-Specific Education
ASPS EdNet, skills labs, and CME modules offer reliable, updated training tailored to both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Stay Current With Clinical Standards and Safety Guidelines
ASPS publishes evidence-based recommendations used widely across U.S. practices, helping you deliver consistent and defensible care.
Gain Advocacy Support That Protects Your Practice
ASPS works on reimbursement, scope of practice, and regulatory issues that directly impact how plastic surgeons operate and grow their practices.
How to Join the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Joining the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is mainly about verifying that you’re properly trained, board-certified, and practicing within accredited settings. From there, the process is mostly documentation and dues.
- Board-certified in plastic surgery by ABPS or RCPSC
- Actively practicing cosmetic and/or reconstructive plastic surgery
- Privileges in accredited hospitals or surgical facilities
- Good professional standing with no disqualifying discipline
- Active Member: Board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. or Canada
- International Member: Surgeons outside North America who meet comparable standards
- Candidate / Resident: Physicians in accredited plastic surgery training programs
- Start your application through the ASPS website
- Submit proof of board certification and training
- Provide hospital or facility privilege documentation
- Agree to ASPS bylaws, ethics, and dues requirements
- Await review, approval, and membership activation
Events & Conferences
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons hosts several educational events each year, but the centerpiece is Plastic Surgery The Meeting, the largest annual gathering in the specialty.
Plastic Surgery The Meeting (PSTM)
Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2026 will take place October 16–19, 2026 (location to be announced by ASPS).
Each year, the meeting brings together thousands of board-certified surgeons, residents, and industry partners for:
- Focused aesthetic and reconstructive education
- Hands-on skills labs
- Scientific sessions and keynote lectures
- A large exhibit hall featuring new technologies
Here’s a full breakdown of what PSTM offers.
Additional ASPS Educational Opportunities
- Regional symposia and partner society events
- Coding, safety, and practice management courses
- Online CME and virtual training through ASPS EdNet
- Research-focused programs through The Plastic Surgery Foundation
These events help surgeons stay current with evidence-based techniques, practice standards, and innovations shaping modern plastic surgery.
FAQs About AmSpa
No. ASPS is a professional society, while ABPS is the certifying board. ASPS membership requires board certification, but ASPS itself does not certify surgeons.
Yes. ASPS offers International Membership for surgeons certified by an equivalent board outside the U.S. or Canada who meet comparable training and ethical standards.
No. ASPS represents surgeons practicing both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, including microsurgery, craniofacial, hand, breast reconstruction, and aesthetic procedures.
Certain ASPS courses and practice-management sessions allow non-surgeon team members (practice managers, coordinators). The main clinical sessions at PSTM are reserved for surgeons and trainees.
ASPS covers the full specialty (cosmetic + reconstructive).
The Aesthetic Society focuses solely on aesthetic surgery and is open only to ABPS-certified surgeons meeting stricter cosmetic case requirements.
How ClinicGrower Builds on This Standard
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons emphasizes safe care, ethical practice, and continuous education. ClinicGrower aligns with these priorities by helping plastic surgeons grow in ways that reinforce trust, improve patient experience, and support sustainable practice development.
We focus on growth strategies that respect the expectations ASPS sets for board-certified surgeons, including:
Ethical patient acquisition: Messaging that reflects accurate outcomes, safety, and evidence-based procedures.
Practice systems that enhance patient experience: From lead management to pre-consultation education, built to support informed decision-making.
Data-driven marketing: Transparent reporting and strategies that help surgeons grow without compromising clinical standards.
ClinicGrower works with practices that value long-term reputation, high-quality outcomes, and the professionalism associated with ASPS membership.
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.
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