Innovation, progress and growth have marked the 70 years that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has been in existence. Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the ASPS was established in 1931 to promote research, education and board certification of plastic surgeons. Today, its more than 5,000 member board-certified plastic surgeons perform both cosmetic surgery, reshaping normal body structures to improve appearance, and reconstructive surgery to correct abnormal structures of the body.

Millions of people have benefited from the skill and artistry of board-certified ASPS plastic surgeons. In 1999 more than two million plastic surgery procedures were performed (the latest year for which statistics are available). Cosmetic surgery procedures have nearly tripled since 1992.

"Plastic surgeons offer hope and happiness to their patients, both cosmetic and reconstructive," says Walter Erhardt, MD, ASPS president. "Over the past 70 years, plastic surgery has grown from treating horrible war wounds inflicted on soldiers of World War I to correcting the abnormal appearance of the body caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, tumors and disease to purely aesthetic improvements that allow people to achieve the look they're striving for when exercise and skin care can't help them."

Cosmetic surgery is more popular than ever. Both men and women are choosing cosmetic procedures to keep their youthful appearance and feel good about themselves. Advances in the specialty have made cosmetic surgery easier and safer than ever before. The five most popular procedures in 1999 were: liposuction, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, facelifts and tummy tucks.

More men are taking advantage of the expertise of ASPS members. Since 1992, there has been an almost 50 percent increase in cosmetic surgery procedures for men. Eleven percent of all cosmetic surgery procedures are now performed on men. Liposuction, eyelid surgery and nose reshaping are the three most popular male procedures.

ASPS members take their talents across the country and world to help patients in need. Since 1988, more than 2 million people in developing countries and throughout the U.S. have benefited from the humanitarian work of plastic surgeons who provide free reconstructive surgery for the correction of deformities. The Reconstructive Surgeons Volunteer Program (RSVP) is an umbrella organization formed by the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, the educational and research arm of ASPS.

The care and concern of plastic surgeons for their patients goes beyond the operating room. The ASPS supported and worked for passage of the landmark 1998 Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, which requires insurance companies to cover the cost of breast reconstruction for women who have undergone a mastectomy after breast cancer. The Act has made breast reconstruction more available to women, and through a wealth of information, patients now have more knowledge about the procedure and its benefits. The number of women who had breast reconstruction following mastectomy increased 180 percent since 1992.

ASPS members' advocacy work on behalf of their patients continues in its support of and fight for passage of The Treatment of Children's Deformities Act (TCDA). This bill would require insurance companies to cover reconstructive surgery for children with congenital or developmental deformities, diseases or injuries.

In response to public concern regarding office-based surgery, ASPS established a task force in 2000 to study the safety of office-based surgical facilities and fully examine the benefits of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who works in an accredited facility. ASPS members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. These surgeons must have graduated from an accredited medical school; completed a combination of at least five years of general surgery and plastic surgery residency training; and passed comprehensive oral and written exams. The ASPS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. It represents physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. To find an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon in your area or to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, call the Plastic Surgery Information Service at 1-888-4-PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784).