Innovative Surgery Grounded in Science and Training

Skin-sparing breast surgery that promises a scarless mastectomy; growing bone and soft tissue mass to reconstruct part of a jaw; reconstruction of a leg after cancer with a free muscle flap: information about these new techniques and countless others is made available to plastic surgeons every year through numerous research and education opportunities.

Professional clinical education is provided to ASPS members through the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF), founded in 1948, which serves as the educational and research arm of ASPS in developing and supporting clinical symposia and courses, video teleconferences, and self-assessment learning tools. Each year PSEF provides grants for research and investigates new and emerging technology. PSEF's investment in breast implant research and liposuction research is expanding medical knowledge and answering many questions for the public. The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery scientific journal, the ASPS scientific monthly periodical, reports on clinical studies of new techniques and procedures in plastic surgery. The nationally award-winning tabloid publication, Plastic Surgery News, keeps plastic surgeons and other medical professionals informed on issues affecting the specialty.

Plastic surgeons are provided many opportunities to expand their professional knowledge and clinical competence each year through ASPS Annual Scientific Meetings and numerous seminars and training programs. Every four years, the International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery convenes scientific meetings in which plastic surgeons from around the world share knowledge of the specialty.