This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

ICOPLAST offers guidance, voice for plastic surgeons

A recent publication described the International Confederation of Plastic Surgery, or ICOPLAST, which is a confederation of several national plastic surgery societies. The aim is to provide a voice for plastic surgeons around the world, which in turn, can benefit patients.

There are currently around 21,000 clinicians from 62 countries and multiple professional societies in the organization. Delegates from each country represent their country in ICOPLAST.

The confederation offers opportunities for surgeons and patients to communicate and learn about the specialty. The paper also outlines the advocacy component of the organization, in addition to details about the philosophy, governance and bylaws.

Some of the issues plastic surgeons face include malpractice from nonsurgically-trained aesthetic surgeons, regulations surrounding advertising, the development of guidelines, governmental rules that are created without consulting experts, and the introduction of novel therapies and techniques. The paper outlines strategies for dealing with those obstacles, and how those strategies will be communicated to individual clinicians through online platforms and other means.

Individual clinicians may join ICOPLAST through membership in a professional society. Clinicians are encouraged to peruse the full document for complete information on governance, structure, committee membership, finances, and meeting schedule. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: There are no financial disclosures reported in this paper.