“The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is the only group specifically focused on purely cosmetic surgical training and education,” Dr. Jeff Popp said.
The academy holds seminars, gives demonstrations and distributes information to educate physicians in all specialties.
“The AACS is unique, in a sense, because it doesn’t discriminate against anyone’s educational background if they’re interested in cosmetic surgery,” he said.
He said the AACS is the educational branch of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). The ABCS certifies physicians who specialize in cosmetic surgery.
“They may even have someone judge you as you do procedures,” Dr. Popp said.
Unique perspectives
Dr. Popp said one of the AACS’s founding beliefs is that surgeons in each specialty have unique perspectives on cosmetic surgery and its procedures. For the academy, that means a blending of ideas, concepts and experience in cosmetic surgery that elevates everyone’s understanding.
“For example, the way an Ear, Nose & Throat surgeon might approach a rhinoplasty (nose job) is probably different than the way a general surgeon might approach it,” Dr. Popp said.
“There are more similarities than differences among surgeons. Although the emphasis in early training is different, they will all still arrive at the same point. And all could end up doing a rhinoplasty.”
Elevate the art
A longtime AACS member, Dr. Popp noted membership doesn’t mean a doctor is good or bad.
“It just means they participate in a group whose sole purpose is to elevate the art, science and safety of cosmetic surgery,” he said.
“It probably does give me a bit more credibility, though.”
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