The Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS) is the only group of qualified specialists in Australasia focusing exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures. As part of its mission to promote education and excellence in the field, the AAFPS participates in the fellowship program offered by The International Board for Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (IBCFPRS).

The goals and objectives of the program include:

• Improving academic knowledge, surgical judgment and experience
• Stimulating interest in unanswered questions in the area of facial plastic surgery
• Enhancing the development of an investigative mind
• Creating a new generation of facial plastic surgery experts

AAFPS Facial Plastics Fellowship Program

As of December 2013, the AAFPS offers two Perth-based fellowship programs under the leadership of Dr Tuan V. Pham, MBBS, FRACS. In order to qualify, Fellows must have completed the FRACS training program Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.

The Fellowship program seeks to pick up where RACS training leaves off. Emphasis is on facial plastic surgery, specifically rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation surgery, including:

• Facelift
• Blepharoplasty
• Browlift
• Otoplasty
• Cheek and chin augmentation
• Facial scar
• Injectable fillers and wrinkle relaxers
• Non-surgical skin rejuvenation

During the year-long AAFPS program, Fellows are exposed to more than 500 facial plastic and reconstructive cases. They focus on a wide rangeof clinical experience in order to gain enhanced skills and knowledge for managing the full spectrum of clinical issues related to the field.

Facial Plastics Fellowship Program Slated for Sydney

The AAFPS hopes to establish a Fellowship Program in Sydney in the near future. In the interim, students may participate in 2-4 week and 3 month programs known as observerships.

The intensive, short-term nature of observerships is particularly useful for facial plastic surgeons from abroad traveling to Australia to broaden their expertise.