Although AACS does not certify cosmetic surgeons, it encourages all members to become certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) prides itself on setting the highest standards for surgeons in the specialty of cosmetic surgery. The ABCS board certification is reserved for surgeons who complete comprehensive fellowship training in cosmetic surgery and pass a rigorous written and oral exam focusing on all aspects of cosmetic surgery.

The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) is an independent certifying board that exclusively tests North American based surgeons’ knowledge and experience in the sub-specialty of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. The ABFCS examines and certifies physicians interested in facial cosmetic surgery who already possess at least one recognized board certificate and have completed a specialized facial cosmetic surgery fellowship and / or have acquired a very extensive knowledge and experience in Facial Cosmetic Surgery.

Train in an AACS Certified Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship to Earn Board Certification

To become an ABCS diplomate, a surgeon must complete a minimum 12-month, full-time cosmetic surgery fellowship certified by AACS.

During their fellowship year, surgeons receive hands-on training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery for the breast, body and face, including minimally invasive procedures. Fellows work alongside our most experienced board certified cosmetic surgeons in established practices, where they learn about the latest surgical techniques and technologies and participate in day-to-day patient care and practice administration, gaining insight and skills in running a cosmetic surgery practice.

Cosmetic treatments and technology have expanded dramatically in recent years, particularly in the area of minimally invasive treatments. By focusing solely on cultivating expertise in the cosmetic surgery specialty, as opposed to treating cosmetic surgery as a peripheral practice, AACS Certified Fellowships continually evolve to provide training and experience in the full scope and variety of cosmetic treatments, technologies and surgical techniques.