The Academy is the only specialist group in Australasia focusing solely on facial plastic surgery and is a founding member of the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies (IFFPSS).
The AAFPS was formed under the auspice of the American association who represent over 3,000 facial plastic surgeons worldwide. Our members that specialise in facial plastics have undertaken specialist training with a number studying for extended periods in the US. Many of our facial plastic surgeons sit exams with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), a governing body that accredit specialist practitioners globally, adhering to a high standard of distinction.
As a group, we are committed to continual education, research and leadership for doctors and clients with an interest in the field of facial plastic surgery. We convene a conference every year, inviting prominent international speakers and exchange information, participate in interactive discussion and hands on workshops promoting ongoing excellence to advance our medical knowledge.
Our members are involved in registrar and surgeon training, and membership of the academy is open to specialists including, Otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, Ophthalmologists, Dermatologists, general plastic surgeons, oral and faciomaxillary surgeons.
In our comprehensive members directory, each practitioner has listed his or her specialist interest and if they are part of our speakers’ bureau where members give presentations on medical topics.
The Academy aims to provide a sharing environment and we endorse cross-specialty involvement as a means of informing and advancing medical knowledge.
We also endeavour to provide up-to-date information on procedures and developments in facial plastic surgery for our clients to enable them to make informed decisions when choosing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
What is a Facial Plastic Surgeon?
A facial plastic surgeon specialises in cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck only. They commonly perform procedures relating to the eyes, ears, nose, neck, face, chin and skin. Just like a plastic surgeon, a facial plastic surgeon in Australia is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). They will have completed formal training in plastics, ENT or even general surgery, before going on to do further training allowing them to specialise in surgery of the face.
What is the history of Facial Plastic Surgery?
Facial plastic surgery developed from German surgeon Jacques Joseph who treated soldiers suffering disfigurement during WW1. He recognised that those injured had better self esteem if their face was reconstructed favourably. Having a presentable face was even more important than other areas of the body such as arms or legs, with regards to psychological wellbeing.
Read more about the history of facial plastic surgery.