– For Residents & Graduating Physicians
Your residency ends.
Your cosmetic surgery career starts here.
The AACS Certified Fellowship is the only accredited pathway that combines hands-on surgical training, real-world practice management, and a direct route to board certification through ABCS or ABFCS — all in one year
WHY THE FELLOWSHIP
Three things your residency doesn’t give you.
The AACS Fellowship was designed to close the gap between surgical training and a successful cosmetic surgery practice.
Hands-On Surgical Training
Train directly under AACS-certified cosmetic surgeons in accredited programs. Real cases, real procedures, real mentorship — not simulation.
Path to Board Certification
An AACS Certified Fellowship is a required step toward board certification — through ABCS (General track) or ABFCS (Facial track). Without it, the door doesn’t open.
Practice-Ready From Day One
Learn what residency skips: patient consultations, complication management, post-op protocols, and how to build and run a cosmetic practice.
THE ROAD TO ABCS OR ABFCS CERTIFICATION
A clear path from residency to board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
The AACS Fellowship is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. The program leads to board certification through the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) through the general track of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) through the facial track.
Complete Residency
Complete Residency In a qualifying specialty- surgery, ENT, OB/GYN, Other surgical specialty.
AACS Certified Fellowship
One year of accredited cosmetic surgery training. Required for American Board of Cosmetic Surgery eligibility; not required for American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, but is an approved path
ABCS or ABFCS Candidacy
Apply for candidacy with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery after fellowship.
Board Certified
ABCS for General Cosmetic Surgery, or ABFCS for Facial Cosmetic Surgery — the recognized mark of expertise in the specialty.
WHAT YOU’LL TRAIN IN
Built around what cosmetic surgery actually demands.
Fellowship training covers the full scope of cosmetic surgical practice — clinical, procedural, and operational.
ELIGIBILITY
You are likely eligible to apply.
AACS Certified Fellowships are open to physicians completing or who have completed residency in a range of qualifying specialties.
General Cosmetic Surgery Track
Board certification through ABMS, AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, or an ACGME-accredited program is required.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Track
Board certification through ABMS, AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, or an ACGME-accredited program is required.
2027 FELLOWSHIP MATCH
The match is open. These are the dates that matter.
Programs begin July 1 each year with a few programs having a second opening in January. The match process for July 2027 positions is already underway.
January 1, 2026
Applications for July 2027 fellowship positions are open and being accepted now.
March 1, 2026
Applications received by this date go in the first review batch. Earlier is better.
May 15, 2026
Final cutoff for all applications. Fellowship begins July 1, 2027.
Spots are limited. The priority
window is not.
There are a fixed number of AACS Certified Fellowship positions each year. If you are finishing residency and considering cosmetic surgery, the final deadline is May 15, 2026
Testimonials from Fellows
