The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), a U.S. medical board that certifies surgeons in the specialty of cosmetic surgery, is marking Cosmetic Patient Safety Awareness Month, observed March 1-31, 2026, by reaffirming its commitment to patient safety standards in cosmetic surgery. The organization uses the occasion to direct patients to resources that support informed decision-making when selecting a cosmetic surgeon.
Cosmetic Patient Safety Awareness Month draws attention to the importance of safe practices. For the ABCS, the observance aligns closely with its core mission of certifying fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeons and educating the public about the qualifications that contribute to safe outcomes.
"Patient safety is the foundation of everything the ABCS stands for," said Amiya Prasad, MD, FACS, President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. "Cosmetic Patient Safety Awareness Month is an opportunity to remind patients that verifying a surgeon's credentials, confirming that procedures will be performed in an accredited facility, and asking thorough questions during a consultation are all essential steps toward a safe experience."
ABCS diplomates are required to complete a one- to two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, during which they perform a minimum of 300 cosmetic procedures under supervision. Following fellowship, candidates must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations that specifically test knowledge and experience in cosmetic surgery. ABCS diplomates are also required to operate exclusively in accredited surgical facilities or hospitals, and the organization recertifies its diplomates every 10 years to ensure adherence to current best practices.
The ABCS also offers the Cosmetic Surgery Patient Safety® Certification, a voluntary credential available to diplomates who pass a specialized patient safety examination beyond standard board certification requirements. The certification is intended to provide patients with an additional indicator of a surgeon's commitment to safe practice.
"The qualifications required of ABCS diplomates exist because patient safety depends on verifiable standards, not assumptions," Dr. Prasad noted. "We encourage anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to use this month as an opportunity to research their surgeon's credentials and ask the right questions before moving forward."
Additional resources including an educational blog, before and after photo gallery, procedure guides, and information on cosmetic surgery training and certification are available on the ABCS website. Blog topics covered include those that affect patients in the changing landscape of cosmetic medicine, such as cosmetic surgery after weight loss medications, the difference in FDA approval and FDA clearance, how to choose a safe medspa, and considerations before traveling overseas for cosmetic surgery. Available procedure guides include those about skin removal after weight loss, Botox®-type injectables and dermal fillers, and breast implants. And the “For Patients” menu educates patients about preparing for cosmetic surgery consultations, understanding procedure pricing, understanding before and after images, and surgeon training and credentials.
The site also includes a surgeon search tool that allows patients to locate and verify the credentials of ABCS-certified cosmetic surgeons, including the option to find a surgeon by geographical area.
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is the only certifying board that exclusively tests a surgeon's knowledge and experience in cosmetic surgery. The organization evaluates a surgeon's training, experience, and clinical knowledge through a rigorous examination process. For over 40 years, the ABCS has maintained standards for ethical practice and patient safety in cosmetic surgery procedures including facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and body contouring.
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is headquartered at 8840 Calumet Avenue, Suite 205, Munster, IN 46321. Information about ABCS certification and finding a board-certified cosmetic surgeon is available at https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/.
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American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
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8840 Calumet Ave Ste 205, Munster, IN 46321