To find a qualified facial plastic surgeon that is right for you, you may want to consult your family doctor, local aesthetician, or even your hairdresser. The best referral is from a satisfied patient.


There are certain critical facts about the doctor and practice, such as how often they perform the procedure in question, that you should know before undergoing any surgical treatment. There are a number of credentials that a doctor must have to perform facial plastic surgery, and there are a number of specialties within the field. Knowing which one (or ones) your doctor specializes in will help you to make an educated decision. For help finding a surgeon in your area, or for more information on facial plastic surgery, you can contact the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), which qualifies facial plastic surgeons. The American Board of Otolaryngology also includes extensive training in facial plastic surgery, and is recognized to qualify facial plastic surgeons by the ABMS.


Once you find a doctor whose credentials you are satisfied with, you should meet with him or her to see if you feel comfortable. The doctor should be able to explain procedures to your satisfaction, and instill confidence in you. You may wish to inquire into their status within the community, hospital and/or special societies. It is important to ask what the doctor’s area of expertise is. For patients seeking facial plastic surgery, you will want to know if the doctor specializes in the face. Lastly, ask to see examples of the doctor’s work. An informed patient is a happy patient.


Diplomats of the ABFPRS have to meet high standards through a rigorous program of examination and certification. The ABFPRS has been found equivalent to American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in every state that has standards for such equivalence. The American Board of Otolaryngology also includes extensive training in facial plastic surgery and is recognized to qualify Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons by the ABMS.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) is the world's largest specialty association that represents facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA). AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck. AAFPRS members subscribe to a strict code of ethics.

Diplomats of the ABFPRS have to meet high standards through a rigorous program of examination and certification. The ABFPRS has been found equivalent to American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in every state that has standards for such equivalence. The American Board of Otolaryngology also includes extensive training in facial plastic surgery and is recognized to qualify Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons by the ABMS.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) is the world's largest specialty association that represents facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA). AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck. AAFPRS members subscribe to a strict code of ethics.

Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Just because a doctor did an excellent job on one part of your body, does not necessarily mean he or she is the right doctor for another. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor what his or her specialty is and what percentage of their practice is devoted to plastic surgery of the face. Your doctor may be a superb surgeon for non-facial surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and hand surgery, but this does not qualify him or her as a facial surgeon.

A facial plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Pearlman, limits their practice to the face, head and neck, and is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Pearlman’s background in otolaryngology gives him extensive knowledge of the face and its underlying structures.

To be Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery a surgeon must:

Complete an accredited residency-training program after medical school that provides training in facial plastic surgery. Achieved board certification by The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Successfully complete an additional two-day examination focused solely on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Present at least 100 surgical cases in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery for peer review during each of the two years prior to TK.

If you are having surgery in an office-based facility, you should make sure it is accredited.

One of the most important things we do to earn your trust is to voluntarily participate in the quality assessment program of the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Our office and operating room is accredited by the AAAHC, officially recognizing us for delivering excellent health care services to our patients. AAAHC is one of three national organizations recognized to provide certification. The AAAHC only accredits facilities that are committed to providing high-quality medical care and services. It is our way of demonstrating our commitment to providing the best care possible.

What is Otolaryngology?

	In the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency, the physician studies anatomy, physiology, illness and treatment for head and neck diseases, of children and adults.
Otolaryngology training includes the following:
		Rhinology, the subspecialty focused on the nose. The resident learns the internal working of the nose both for breathing and for sinus function. Throughout this period the resident also studies facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
		Head and Neck surgery, the comprehensive surgical care for tumors of the head and neck. This training gives the surgeon intimate knowledge of the deep structures, muscles, and nerves of the head and neck. This background provides an excellent foundation for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face, head and neck.
		After successfully completing this residency, some surgeons, including Dr. Pearlman, decide to bolster their training by participating in the Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship, a full-year program in which participants study with one of the AAFPRS's master surgeons.