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American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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American Society of Plastic Surgeons
IndustryMedicine
Founded1931
HeadquartersArlington Heights, IL, USA
Revenue$30.3 million (2024)[1]
Members11,000
Websiteplasticsurgery.org

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a professional society that represents plastic surgeons primarily in the United States and Canada. ASPS was founded in 1931 and is composed predominantly of surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.[2] Reporting more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is an information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.[3] ASPS publishes the plastic surgery journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and runs the Plastic Surgery Foundation, which supports research through grants, awards, and scholarships.[4]

Positions

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In February 2026, the ASPS became the first major medical association in the U.S. to change its guidance on gender-affirming surgery for minors, recommending to its members that chest, genital, and facial surgeries not be performed until age 19 due to a lack of evidence.[5][6][7] In doing so, it heavily cited the Trump administration HHS gender dysphoria report, which was written in compliance with Executive Order 14187, that made it illegal for the federal government to advocate in favor of gender affirming care under the age of 19; and which recommended conversion therapy instead.[8][9][10] The ASPS also cited its British counterpart, the Cass Review. Both reports have been criticized for spreading misinformation about gender-affirming care.[11] The decision was lauded by the Trump administration including HHS leaders Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jim O'Neill, Mehmet Oz and Mike Stuart.[12] However, ASPS stopped short of issuing new clinical practice guidelines. They also added that they were opposed to governments banning gender-affirming surgery, saying that "regulation of medical care is best achieved through professional self-regulation, rather than criminal law or punitive legislative approaches."[13] Additionally, ASPS said they would be open to revisiting and re assessing the position in the future "should the evidence base evolve to demonstrate clear benefit with acceptable risk".[14] The statement was criticized by other major medical associations and trans advocates who said there is "no definitive age or one-size-fits-all approach for every patient" and emphasized that care should be delivered in case-by-case assessments rather than blanket opposition.[15]

References

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  1. ^ "American Society Of Plastic Surgeons - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  2. ^ "Surgical societies: Their impact on health policy". American College of Surgeons. August 4, 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  3. ^ "About ASPS". American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
  4. ^ "he Plastic Surgery Foundation Appoints Babak J. Mehrara, MD, as New President". The Financial Times. GlobeNewswire. October 12, 2025. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  5. ^ Jacobs, Andrew (2026-02-03). "Woman Wins Malpractice Suit Over Gender Surgery as a Minor". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-02-04.
  6. ^ Winfield Cunningham, Paige (3 February 2026). "First major medical group opposes gender transition surgeries for youth". The Washington Post. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  7. ^ Santhosh, Christy (February 3, 2026). "US plastic surgeons group advises delaying gender surgery until age 19 due to insufficient evidence". Reuters. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
  8. ^ News, A. B. C. "Concern after HHS report advocates for therapy for trans kids over gender-affirming care". ABC News. Retrieved 2026-02-07. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  9. ^ "Controversial Trump HHS report targets care for trans kids | Advocate.com". www.advocate.com. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  10. ^ Glenza, Jessica (2025-05-01). "US health agency's 'review' advocates for therapy for youth gender dysphoria". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
  11. ^ "Medical groups backtrack on gender-affirming care for youth | Advocate.com". www.advocate.com. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  12. ^ "HHS Leaders Commend the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for Disavowing Pediatric Sex-Rejecting Procedures". HHS. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  13. ^ "Plastic surgeons recommend delaying gender surgery until 19". KPVI-DT. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  14. ^ "ASPS urges delay on sex-change surgeries for kids: Childhood gender dysphoria often resolves naturally". Lynnwood Times. Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  15. ^ Sprayregen, Molly (February 5, 2026). "A second major medical org has walked back support for gender-affirming care for youth". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
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