Plastic surgeons from around the world convened at the Javits Convention Center in New York City last April 19-24, 2007 for the annual meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF). Recognizing the need for quality continuing education for aesthetic plastic surgeons, the convention was themed “The Aesthetic Meeting 2007 – Be a Part of It – An Interactive Educational Experience.”
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Aesthetic Society, the convention featured the most renowned plastic surgeons in the world sharing their knowledge and experience with the participants. Various topics were presented through panel presentations, scientific papers, interactive videos, teaching courses or seminars and attending aesthetic surgeons could choose among these educational opportunities.
“Aesthetic surgery is a field with many new developments and it is important that surgeons keep up to date with the innovations that are taking place. That’s why we are willing to travel halfway around the world to attend conventions like this,” Dr. Carlos Lasa, Jr., one of the participants from the Philippines explained. Dr. Lasa was mentored by Dr. John Lewis, founder and first president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Presented in the convention were topics that related to facial rejuvenation such as: a review of different facial rejuvenation techniques to determine which has withstood the test of time, avoidance of facelift complications such as hematomas and nerve injuries, short scar facelift techniques, and techniques for male brow rejuvenation.
In the area of breast and body contouring, there were presentations on the advantages of silicone gel implants, management of breast implant malposition, and precision shaping in abdominoplasty.
Aside from surgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures such as the technical challenges in the use of fillers, the role of barbed sutures in facial rejuvenation and the equivocal results from Thermage technology were also discussed.
ASAPS President, Dr. James Stuzin encouraged the participants to attend not only the educational events but also the social events, saying “The Aesthetic Meeting has always been an excellent opportunity to meet with colleagues, not only nationally, but also provide an opportunity to meet and learn from our international associates throughout the world.”
