Cosmetic Surgery: A Subspecialty That Needs Specialized Training and Recognition

Introduction: This study was performed to provide a comprehensive review of the breadth and depth of fellowship training provided by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), with direct comparison with other current aesthetic surgery training programs available in the United States. We hypothesized that this subspecialty training provides essential experience and confidence to perform aesthetic procedures, which are likely not adequately imparted during traditional residency training. We also address the notion that Cosmetic Surgery is not under the sole ownership of one specialty, but rather a subspecialty that flourishes by collaboration between multidisciplinary surgical backgrounds. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of survey data from 2 distinct groups—current fellows in a 1-year AACS program and surgeons who completed an AACS fellowship between July 2008 and June 2017, who have been in active cosmetic surgery practice ranging from 6 months to over 6 years. A survey was administered via email and distributed by the AACS central office. The responses were compared with data published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery concerning Recent Trends in Resident Career Choices after Plastic Surgery Training. Results: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements for aesthetic surgical cases in a 6-year Plastic Surgery program are 150 cases, but 50% of graduating seniors feel inadequately prepared to transition straight into aesthetic surgery practice, whereas among AACS graduating fellows, 100% feel very prepared to go on the aesthetic surgery practice, having completed an average of 687 cases within the yearlong training program. We note that the survey response rate was 81% among current fellows versus 35% among practicing surgeons. Discussion: We believe that focused subspecialty training in cosmetic surgery after completion of a primary surgical residency in a form of a structured fellowship through AACS, American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Commission on Dental Accreditation, and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Oculoplastic) is the ideal preparation for the future. As we learn from each other through fellowship training, academic conferences, and research, this will further advance the subspecialty and ultimately improve patient care and outcomes. There is no evidence that these training programs provide less adequate preparation, although they are not accredited by the ACGME. To the contrary, the additional experience and knowledge gained during these fellowship training programs result in better outcomes and more competent practitioners. Conclusions: The development of subspecialty training and board certification for surgeons committed to cosmetic surgery yields the highest level of qualified providers. The diverse backgrounds of these providers continue to allow us to expand and innovate in this field. This study is aimed at moving this conversation forward in a positive direction.