Overview
The AACS Certified Fellowship Training Programs (programs) use a formal match process to coordinate fellowship appointments. Our matching process is governed by the AACS Certified Fellowship Training Program Match Policy and Procedure (Match Policy).
Please review the Match Policy along with the Match Timeline below for the steps and associated key dates.
The formal matching process begins approximately 18 months before the fellowship start date, allowing applicants and Program Directors adequate time for application review, interviews, ranking, and matching. Only AACS Certified Fellowship Programs participate in the AACS Fellowship Match. Following the Match, certified programs with available positions may continue recruiting eligible applicants in accordance with AACS policies. Programs begin on July 1st, with a few having an additional start in January, and run for one year. The Match Timeline below applies to both start dates for programs.
Fellowship Interest Form
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Get Connected to an AACS Fellowship managerJuly 2027 Positions
The formal position match process for July 2027 and January 2028 is complete. Any new applications received will be sent to open fellowship programs only. For a list of open programs, please contact Kelly Van Zandt, CPHQ.
Match Timeline
Below is the calendar for the AACS Certified Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Match for July 2028 fellowship positions.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
All Applicants must submit a centralized application through AACS’ Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Match website. Along with their application, Applicants must execute AACS’ Training Fellow Candidate Match Agreement. To prepare your application:
- Review the prerequisites for eligibility outlined in the Guidelines. The documents are located at the bottom of the General and Facial fellowship pages.
- Research General and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Programs.
- Review the Fellowship Training Program Match Policy and Procedure.
- Review, sign, and upload the AACS Training Fellow Candidate Match Agreement as part of your application submission.
- Preview the application and identify three separate individuals to prepare letters of recommendation.
- Applicants are encouraged to ask for recommendations early to allow time for completion.
- Recommendation letters should be submitted on letterhead whenever possible.
- Letters of recommendation may be submitted
- By the applicant and directly attached to the application
- Sent directly to the AACS Fellowship Program Manager
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all three letters are included as part of the application.
- As of January 1, 2026, a new application fee will apply: $150 for the first 10 programs and $20 for each additional program thereafter.
Step 2: Application Process Opens
January 1, 2027
- Applications for July 2028 and January 2029 fellowship positions are accepted.
- To be included in the first batch of applications sent to the fellowship programs, applications meeting or exceeding the program requirements (Qualified Applications) must be received between January 1 and March 1, 2027.
- This application phase is open until May 15, 2027.
Step 3: Applying Continues and Interview Period
March 1 – May 15, 2027
- Program Directors receive the Qualified Applications that designated their fellowship programs.
- Programs review Applications, including letters of recommendation, and conduct and consider their own fact investigation to determine whether to interview Applicant(s) of the Qualified Application(s).
- Interviews must be completed before June 1, 2027.
- Applications received during this time will be forwarded to the fellowship programs identified in their application.
- A link to the ranking list form may be obtained from the FPM on or after May 1, 2027.
Step 4: Rank List Deadline
June 1, 2027
- Program Directors and Applicants must submit their respective Lists of Applicant Rankings and Program Rankings on or before June 1, 2027.
- No ranking list changes will be accepted after the deadline.
- Applicants may rank programs in their true order of preference. Program Directors separately rank applicants they are willing to train. Match results are generated based on these rankings according to AACS Match Policy.
Step 5: Match Results Announced
June 2 – 15, 2027
- Match results are provided to Program Directors and Applicants via a Program Match Letter and an Applicant Match Letter, respectively
Step 6: Post-Match Vacancies
- Unmatched applicants and programs are notified via email.
- Applicants who do not initially match may request that their application be forwarded to programs with available positions.
- Unfilled programs may continue reviewing applicants and conducting interviews after Match Day until positions are filled.
Step 7: Training Position Starts
- Cosmetic surgery fellowship training begins July 1, 2028.
Questions?
Contact Kelly Van Zandt, CPHQ at gro.yregruscitemsoc@tdnaznavk