The evolution of the association of
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as a specialty
dates back to the close association of Ear, Nose and Throat
Disorders treating functional problems of these areas, as
well as the appearance of these areas as well. This may have
dated back
many decades
to reconstruction of traumatic
injuries to the face in military injuries or traffic
injuries where
the individual areas like the ear injury or
the nose injury was subsequently reconstructed by the ear, nose and throat physician.
The facial injuries would often
also include the soft tissues of the face and these areas
would be repaired and reconstructed at the same time,
requiring expertise in the entire region both functionally and aesthetically.
Thus, the American Academy of Facial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was founded mostly with
members of the specialty of Ear, Nose and Throat, but now
also includes many other specialists from the fields of
General Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Ophthalmology and Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgery.
During the Residency Training Program for Ear, Nose and Throat
Specialists (OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY)
it is estimated that approximately 20-25% of the training is dedicated to plastic and reconstructive medical and surgical
education and training. Some Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists take further fellowship training for 1 or more
years dedicated solely to Facial Plastic Surgery and become
eligible for an additional Board Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The physician with
this additional board certification may provide
additional care that would concentrate on all aspects of
functional and cosmetic procedures of not only the ears and
nose, but also including eyelid surgery, facelift, necklift, reconstructive procedures of the skin of the face,
skin care procedures such as dermabrasions, chemical peels, Botox
and Restylane treatments, as well as many other continuously evolving procedures.
