The AACS Certified Fellowship Programs provide hands-on training and real-world experience for surgeons who want to pursue a career in cosmetic surgery. The application process for the July 2026 cohort will begin on January 1, 2025. Applications submitted before March 1 will be forwarded to the Program Directors for consideration. Applications will still be accepted from March 1 to June 3, 2025, and will be sent to the selected programs listed in the application.
Program Directors review applications from candidates who have expressed interest in their fellowship program and extend interview invitations to selected applicants. For programs starting in January, applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
What You Can Do Now to Prepare Your Application
- Review program eligibility and prerequisite requirements
- AACS Program Requirements for Clinical Fellowship Training in General Cosmetic Surgery
- AACS Program Requirements for Clinical Fellowship Training in Facial Cosmetic Surgery
- Request letters of recommendation – 3 are required
- Research Fellowship Programs that meet your professional and personal goals
Steps to Success and Process
January-February 2025:
To prepare your fellowship application, review the program requirements for a Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship or General Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship, preview the application, and gather the necessary documents, including three letters of recommendation and research Fellowship Programs.
Before March 1, 2025:
Complete the fellowship application.
March 1, 2025:
Program Directors receive July 2026 Training Fellow applications.
March 1 – June 3, 2025:
Program Directors invite applicants to interview. Applications continue to be accepted and sent to the programs selected chosen in the application
June 3, 2025:
Applicant and Program Directors’ rank lists are due.
June 13, 2025:
Training Fellow match is announced.
Applications that are received post-match will be sent to open programs only. Applications for the January start date are handled on a rolling basis.
There are a few open July 2025 positions. To receive the link or for any Fellowship questions, please contact Kelly Van Zandt at gro.yregruscitemsoc@tdnaznavk.
We held a successful 2024 Resident Forum at the Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans. Members of the New Surgeon Committee and current Training Fellows shared their insights and advice on transitioning into a cosmetic surgery career. Watch the replay below.
Apply for Free AACS Resident Membership
Your complimentary American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Resident Membership allows you to explore the cosmetic surgery specialty. It gives you the resources to transition into a cosmetic surgery practice successfully.
Since no dedicated residencies exist solely for cosmetic surgery, the AACS proudly serves as the premier provider of resources and programs to support residents from all surgical specialties. Through comprehensive education and career development opportunities, we empower future cosmetic surgeons to achieve excellence and thrive in this rewarding field.
Cosmetic surgeons enjoy schedule flexibility and rewarding, close relationships with their patients that go beyond improving their appearance. They can give patients a boost of confidence and dramatically improve their quality of life. For details on joining, scroll down to the bottom of this page.
For current AACS Resident Members:
If you haven’t done so, please sign in and renew your 2025 Resident Membership. During the renewal process:
- Confirm your personal address is correct. This is the mailing address for your American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery.
- Include your personal email address. Your institutional email won’t be valid once your transition out of residency.
- If you have transitioned out of residency, your membership will automatically shift to a New Surgeon Year 1 membership. This is a discounted membership level for surgeons new to practice.