Direct Answer
Most facial plastic surgeons trained in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, and some in plastic surgery. Some also complete a facial plastic surgery fellowship. Certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) is a separate credential. It requires prior ABOto or ABPS certification, at least two years in practice, 100 peer-reviewed operative reports and an 8-hour written and oral exam (ABFPRS). Not every facial plastic surgeon holds it. A plastic surgeon completed a plastic surgery residency covering the whole body and is certified by ABPS.
Training comparison
| Facial Plastic Surgeon | Plastic Surgeon | |
|---|---|---|
| Residency | Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery | Plastic Surgery (integrated or independent) |
| Fellowship | Optional (e.g., AAFPRS Foundation fellowship); not required for ABFPRS | Optional subspecialty (e.g. aesthetic, microsurgery) |
| Board Certification | ABOto (or ABPS); ABFPRS is an additional certification some hold | ABPS |
| Scope of Practice | Face and neck only | Full body — face, breast, body, reconstructive |
| Best Suited For | Rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, facial reconstruction | Body contouring, breast surgery, and full-face procedures combined with body work |
Which procedures is each better suited for?
- Rhinoplasty — Facial plastic surgeons typically have the deepest training in nasal anatomy and airway function due to their otolaryngology background.
- Facelift (deep plane) — Both specialties produce excellent results; what matters most is the individual surgeon's volume in the deep plane technique.
- Blepharoplasty — Both perform this routinely; oculoplastic surgeons (ophthalmology-trained) are also a strong option for upper-lid work.
- Breast and body procedures — Plastic surgeons only. Facial plastic surgeons do not perform breast or body contouring.
Featured Haute MD physicians
Haute MD's featured facial plastic surgeons include nationally recognized leaders in rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift, and revision facial surgery. See the sidebar for the physicians editorially featured in this guide.
Related reading
- Browse the Haute MD facial plastic surgery network
- Best facial plastic surgeons in New York
- What is a deep plane facelift?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a facial plastic surgeon a real plastic surgeon?
Yes — facial plastic surgeons are fully trained physician-surgeons. Most complete a residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (some in plastic surgery) and are board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (or the American Board of Plastic Surgery). A facial plastic surgery fellowship is optional, and certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is an additional credential some hold. They specialize exclusively in face and neck procedures.
Should I see a facial plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty?
Both can perform excellent rhinoplasty. Facial plastic surgeons often have deeper nasal anatomy training because of their otolaryngology background, which can be advantageous for functional rhinoplasty or revision cases. The most important factor is the individual surgeon's volume and outcomes — request to see results from patients with similar anatomy.
Can a facial plastic surgeon perform a facelift?
Yes — facelift is one of the most commonly performed procedures by facial plastic surgeons, and many of the most prominent deep plane facelift specialists in the United States are facial plastic surgeons (ABFPRS certified).
How do I verify a facial plastic surgeon's board certification?
Verify ABOto certification at the American Board of Otolaryngology (aboto.org) and ABFPRS certification at the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (abfprs.org). Cross-check at certificationmatters.org.