How important is the FACS designation on a plastic surgeon?

FACS means you are a Fellow in the America College of Surgeons. To be a member you have to be in practice and be certified by one of the surgery boards. As a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you are eligible to belong to FACS. You pay a big fee and continue to pay every year to belong. Only surgeons with good credentials can become members. I am a member and use the FACS after my name. It made me feel good but I don't know if it has ever done anything for me. Most of the members are general surgeons and it is a lot more important for them. For a plastic surgeon I believe it has lost a lot of its relevance. To a plastic surgeon it is a lot more important and prestigious to belong the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a lot of us belong to this as well. Hope this answers your question.

FACS is the Fellow in the American College of Surgeons which a prestigious designation open to all board-certified surgeons who qualify for this. It does go beyond board certification in their specialty. Not all board-certified surgeons apply and not all qualify for this. These initials do get to go behind our name. Some younger surgeons may be in the process of applying and have not yet received. However, just having these added letters does not mean the surgeon is the best one in the area. Do check out their photos.