<< Back to the abstract archive
Trends in Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship Training Part 2: How Desirable is Post-Graduate Aesthetic Surgery Training? Comparing Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fellowship Applications, Positions, and Fill Rate
Isaac James, M.D., M.S., Elad T. Fraiman, B.A., M.P.H., Pierce L. Janssen, M.D, Marjorie C. Kragel, M.D., Osama Darras M.D., James E. Zins, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Cleveland Clinic
2025-01-10
Presenter: Elad Fraiman
Affidavit:
Elad Fraiman
Director Name: Raymond Isakov
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
PURPOSE: Aesthetic plastic surgery fellowships endorsed by The Aesthetic Society participated in the San Francisco Match for the first time in 2017-2018. Despite the corresponding increases in fellowship positions and streamlined application processes, an expected rise in applications did not occur through the 2022 cycle. The current study expands analysis through the 2024 application cycle, comparing match statistics for aesthetic plastic surgery with facial plastic surgery and oculofacial (formerly oculoplastic) surgery.
METHODS: San Francisco Match data (2018-2024) for aesthetic plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and oculofacial plastic surgery were analyzed. Relevant data included participating programs, positions offered, positions filled, participating applicants, and applicant match rates. The 2023-2024 ACGME Data Resource Book provided data on graduating residents by specialty and subspecialty.
RESULTS: Aesthetic plastic surgery programs and available positions more than doubled between 2018 and 2024. Applicant numbers remained flat through 2022, but then increased by 39.2% between 2022 and 2024. Applicant match rates peaked at 89.3% in 2022 before declining to 74.3% and 79.5% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Facial plastic surgery fellowship positions increased by about a one-third, with corresponding increases in applicants and match rates between 2018-2024. Oculofacial surgery positions, applicants, and match rates remained steady.
CONCLUSION: More recent data from 2022-2024 documents a delayed but significant increase in plastic fellowship applications and interest when compared to earlier data. Facial plastics demonstrated a similar increase in applications in 2024 only while oculoplastic fellowships remained stable but most competitive of the three.
