Plastic Surgery

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. recognizes that facial plastic surgery is an integral part of the specialty and is a fundamental area of expertise for otolaryngologists—head and neck surgeons. An otolaryngology resident spends a minimum of four years training exclusively in the head and neck region, following one or two years of general surgery. This education and expertise includes restoration of form and function of head and neck structures, as well as aesthetic surgery of the face.

Adopted 2/4/89
Reviewed 9/16/95
Reaffirmed 9/16/95
Submitted for Review 3/1/98
Reaffirmed 3/1/98
Revised 10/7/02
Approved 3/9/03
Reaffirmed 1/11/07

Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician and are developed to enhance the physicians' ability to practice evidence-based medicine.

Important Notice

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. and Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Policy Statements are guidelines only. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of an indicator for a procedure, and/or of the process or outcome criteria, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these guidelines will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. The AAO-HNS emphasizes that these policies should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.