How do I choose a plastic surgeon for facial feminization surgery?

Gender affirmation surgeries involve many choices. The first and most important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

ASPS Member Surgeons meet rigorous standards:

• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
• Graduate from an accredited medical school
• Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
• Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities

Do not be confused by other official-sounding boards and certifications.

The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS-recognized certifying board with "cosmetic surgery" in its name.

By choosing a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon who is board certified by the ABPS or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Equally as important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Surgeons in WPATH have usually received additional training in the medical care of the transgender patient, and have expressed a strong desire to treat members of the transgender population.

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