Why You Should Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Plastic Surgery- Whom Do You Choose?

Whether you are considering facial plastic surgery for medical reasons or for purely cosmetic purposes, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is very important.  A facial plastic surgeon devotes his/her entire practice to managing the complex problems of the head and neck.  These problems may require reconstructive surgery (to correct congenital deformities, trauma and cancer defects), or cosmetic surgery (to alter a particular facial feature or to reduce the signs of aging).

Creating a Facial Plastic Surgeon- Training & Experience

Facial plastic surgeons undergo many years of education and training.  Only after four years of college, four years of medical school, then five more years of intensive training focusing solely on head & neck surgery, and yet another additional fellowship year focusing solely on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, can a surgeon meet the qualifications of becoming a facial plastic surgeon.  By the time these surgeons enter the medical community, they have performed well over 2,000 facial surgeries.  Facial plastic surgeons are members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), which is the world's largest association of this specialty.  The AAFPRS represents more than 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons worldwide.  Members achieve board certification by demonstrating their surgical skills, and through a vigorous 2-day written and oral examination administered by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS).  To prove they maintain their skills and training, they undergo recertification testing every 10 years until the end of their career.

Facial Plastic Surgeons in the Community

In addition to serving the immediate needs of their surrounding community, facial plastic surgeons are actively involved with a humanitarian program called Face To Face.  This program is a partnership between the AAFPRS and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).  Through this program AAFPRS surgeons volunteer their time to help victims of domestic abuse who cannot afford to receive treatment for facial injuries. These complimentary efforts repair both physical and psychological scars, helping victims to regain self-esteem and begin to rebuild their lives.  The AAFPRS and NCADV offer a 24-hour toll-free number – 1-800-842-4546 – for victims of domestic violence who are burdened with physical scars or injuries located on the head, face and neck.  Facial plastic surgeons are also involved with assisting those in need at the international level.  AAFPRS surgeons travel all over the world to help individuals whose faces were damaged at birth, by disease or by war.

If you are considering facial plastic surgery, choosing a plastic surgeon you can trust is a vital decision.  In making your final decision, you should consider trusting your face to a facial plastic surgeon.

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