What is ASAPS membership?

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS) is the world’s leading professional organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.  Founded in 1967, the mission of The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS is to advance the science, art, and safe practice of aesthetic plastic surgery among qualified plastic surgeons through support and direction of medical education and research, sponsorship of scientific meetings and dissemination of information on current aesthetic surgical techniques. The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery®  ASAPS also promotes and encourages the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care among aesthetic plastic surgeons and serves the public interest by providing accurate and timely information regarding patient safety in cosmetic surgery.  In this way, The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS has been able to consistently and effectively advance this medical profession and assure that aesthetic surgery maintains its proper place within the specialty of plastic surgery.

With only approximately 2,400 members worldwide, The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS represents an elite subset of all plastic surgeons who demonstrate a practice concentration in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and entire body. The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery®  ASAPS membership remains an exclusive privilege for those surgeons who possess the necessary experience and qualifications. Only about one-quarter of all American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeons have been accepted into The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS membership and physicians trained in specialties other than plastic surgery are not eligible for induction into The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS.

Only members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery may display the ASAPS logo.  This symbol of exceptional qualifications, experience, ethics, and standards of patient care is what you should look for when choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic surgery:

Click here to learn more about Dr. Kimmel and his training and credentials or to learn more about why it is important to choose a board certified plastic surgeon

« Back to FAQ page