Richard Webster, MD referred to as “the father of cosmetic surgery”, was instrumental in the formation of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). As the first AACS President, 1985-1987, his organizational practices reflected his vision of cosmetic surgeons from multiple surgical specialties teaching and learning from one other.
As AACS continues to grow and change, Dr. Webster’s philosophy still guides the organization and is reflected in the current mission statement, a “multi-disciplinary professional association advancing excellence and safety in cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine.” His emphasis on education is built into a current strategic pillar, “AACS seeks to raise the standard of cosmetic surgical practice and improve the quality of care for cosmetic surgery patients.”
Dr. Webster’s legacy is weaved into the Annual Scientific Meeting programming. The Cosmetic Surgery Foundation Webster Lecturer recognizes a leader that has advanced the cosmetic surgery specialty. Webster Society donations fund cosmetic surgery education for the next generation of cosmetic surgeons. Finally, Dr. Webster’s lasting imprint is celebrated at the Webster Dinner.
“In our social system, monopoly is bad! No one discipline consists of just excellent or poor doctors. All of us can and should learn from those in other fields. When confronted with the choice to restrict rather than to enhance opportunity for others, good people choose the latter. This is how excellence will be achieved in the field of cosmetic surgery.”
2025 Webster Dinner Photos
Honoring Richard C. Webster, MD
“Personally, Dr. Webster was a major influence on my professional life and career that molded me into a cosmetic surgeon…..Being able to observe Dr. Webster’s regard for the individual patient as a person and not just another case or technique was a significant lesson in my life.”
“Richard Webster showed us righteousness. That’ s a wonderful heritage. He is known the world over for his unselfish sharing, teaching and straight forward delivery of facts. When Richard wasn’t lecturing from the Dias, he was in the front row listening intently.”
Cosmetic Surgery: The Genesis and Evolution of a Specialty
“I knew Richard Webster. Richard was not only my teacher and colleague, he was my friend. He was a brilliant strategist and a relentless competitor one on whose side you’d want to be in battle, or in the courtroom. Today, Richard’s vision is shared by many of us the vision that someday, all the specialties involved in appearance-enhancing surgery will recognize our shared heritage and realize that we have much more in common than not.”
Cosmetic Surgery History of the Specialty: The Importance of AACS Fellowships and the Webster Legacy
“Although I never met Dr. Webster personally, his passion for teaching and sharing and expanding the knowledge of cosmetic surgery has been greatly influenced by him. This legacy has been passed to me through such mentors such as Dr. Tobin, Dr. Jackson, and Dr. Mangubat and other giants in our specialty. That is one of the main reasons I chose to become a fellowship director 16 years ago. Dr. Webster realized over 50 years ago that cosmetic surgery is a unique specialty and that we all need to protect the patient, demand that everyone practice at their best, learn from each other, and choose to expand not restrict each other’s knowledge. These are principles that I carry with me on a daily basis and teach my fellows and future generation of cosmetic surgeons.”