Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Training

Here's What to Expect

You’ve completed residency training, and you’re ready to focus on the exciting field of facial cosmetic surgery—a fulfilling line of work that bridges your scientific expertise and fine-tuned aesthetic skills. To gain experience and learn from the best, fellowship training is the next step to establishing a thriving practice. Below, we explain the knowledge you are set to gain from this hands-on training.

But first: an overview of the fellowship, plus how to qualify.

The AACS-certified facial cosmetic surgery fellowship

The first part of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) examination is given as a computer-based written test at Pearson Vue Testing Centers in United States and Canada locations. This exam must be completed during one session with a maximum time allotment of four and a half hours. The material covered involves over 50% facial cosmetic procedure questions, with the remaining questions covering liposuction, dermatological topics, patient safety and ethics, and surgical principles.

Approximately 30% of the ABFCS written test items will be at the recall of facts/recognition level; 40% of the questions will be at the application level; and about 30% of the items will be at the problem solving, synthesis, and evaluation level.

Requirements to qualify for a facial cosmetic fellowship

To qualify for the AACS fellowship training program, surgeons must have completed a residency in, and hold board certification in, one of the following:



• Dermatology
• General surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery 
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery

As such, doctors go into the fellowship program already having a surgical background and at least one primary board certification. Many surgeons practice for several years post-residency before choosing to pursue a fellowship in facial cosmetic surgery. 

Fellowship training prepares surgeons for a successful career in the facial cosmetic specialty and offers an avenue to board certification from the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).

Fellowship training may qualify you for board certification

Further, there are three pathways to ABFCS board certification: (1) an AACS fellowship, (2) demonstration of extensive facial cosmetic surgery experience, or (3) a fellowship deemed equivalent to that of the AACS program. This means that, if you don’t yet have substantial facial cosmetic surgery experience or another fellowship under your belt, then completing a one-year minimum facial cosmetic surgery fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) will give you the experience needed to practice as well as help you qualify to sit for the ABFCS annual certifying exam.

Facial cosmetic surgery training

Should you be accepted into the AACS fellowship program, you’ll receive extensive hands-on training in facial procedures, aesthetic principles, and the latest techniques and technologies.

Fellowship Requirements

During your fellowship, you will have the opportunity to serve as the primary surgeon, co-surgeon, or assistant surgeon for over 125 procedures; many complete far more than this number. To meet the requirements of the program, you will need to perform a minimum number of blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), and rhytidectomy (facelift) surgeries. In addition to these procedures, you’ll gain experience in other surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures commonly offered in cosmetic surgery practices. These typically include, but are not limited to:

What you will gain from facial cosmetic fellowship training

The facial cosmetic fellowship program provides comprehensive training on all aspects of becoming an ABFCS certified cosmetic surgeon.

Becoming a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon

Once you have completed the AACS facial cosmetic surgery fellowship and completed your ABFCS application, you may be eligible to sit for the ABFCS annual certifying exam. The exam consists of written and oral exams and is designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their expertise on a full scope of surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures and best practices in patient care and safety.

The experience you’ll gain from your fellowship training in a busy practice will help to build your reputation as a highly-trained facial cosmetic surgeon.

ABFCS certification is a significant distinction in this specialty: it shows that you have proven your expertise and experience in facial cosmetic surgery, performed numerous aesthetic facial procedures, and passed rigorous written and oral exams. Having ABFCS board certification assures prospective patients that they will be under the care of an expert in facial aesthetics, paving the way for you to enjoy a successful facial cosmetic surgery career.

Join our community of facial cosmetic surgeons dedicated to achieving safe, outstanding aesthetic results 

If you are interested in learning more about the AACS facial cosmetic surgery fellowship program, visit the AACS website. To learn about ABFCS board certification or begin your application, read about how to apply and contact us to get started.