Tissue repositioning is the essence of plastic surgical technique. Tissue can be removed or transferred either locally or from a remote part of the body to another location where it may substitute for damaged, deformed or lost tissue.
The word plastic is derived from the Greek word plastikos, which means "to mold". It does not refer to the use of plastic materials, although implants are sometimes used in plastic surgery. We use a variety of techniques to remove or reposition tissue, including surgical incision and excision, electrosurgery, dermabrasion, laser surgery and chemical application and injection.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) was founded in 1964 and represents more than 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The majority of AAFPRS members and fellows are board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, which includes examination in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures. The American Board of Otolaryngology is the nation's second oldest examining board and one of 23 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Many facial plastic surgeons are double board certified, with a second certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
A facial plastic surgeon has accepted a course of study that requires 10 years of training after completion of an undergraduate degree. This training includes four years of medical school, a one year general surgery internship, and a minimum of four additional years of specialty training. Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons such as Dr. Kashani have completed an additional year of advanced sub-specialty training in a private practice setting. This fellowship program through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is very competitive, as there are only about 42 applicants accepted for training in a given year. A facial plastic surgeon's training and experience allows them to completely focus on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck. This guarantees to the patient that their operating physician is an expert and is precisely trained to perform surgery on the face. Facial plastic surgeons are truly the ones who are fully trained and are the safest choice for quality facial plastic surgery by the public.