LABS, WORKSHOPS & SPECIAL SESSIONS

 

In additional to traditional lectures, #AAFPRS2026 hosts numerous hands-on labs, special presentations, and interactive workshops, to help enhance your learning experience. Take a look at the exciting educational content offered at this year's meeting. You must be registered for the AAFPRS Annual Meeting to participate in any of these events.
 

  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 

Women in Facial Plastic Surgery Symposium | 12:45 PM–4:15 PM
Empower, inspire, and connect at the Women in Facial Plastic Surgery (WFPS) Symposium! This brand-new event is designed to foster camaraderie and provide a forum that represents–and advances–your interests. The WFPS Symposium highlights and celebrates diversity in our specialty and aims to promote and encourage the personal and professional development of this important, powerful group. This is a collaborative setting and safe space to discuss the experiences, challenges and opportunities you face and serves as an authentic vehicle to inspire the next generation of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with peers in a supportive and empowering environment.
 
Physicians Business Forum | 2 PM–4:15 PM
Kick-off your AAFPRS Annual Meeting learning experience at the Physicians Business Forum. This unique event is designed for both young and seasoned physicians and is intended to allow for candid discussions about important issues affecting the health and vitality of your practice. Young physicians will receive support and guidance to help navigate life after residency. Whether you're transitioning into practice or looking to sharpen your business acumen, this Forum offers valuable insights and actionable advice. It’s also the perfect place for experienced physicians come together to explore best practices, discuss challenges, share insights, and learn vital strategies to thrive in a competitive market. Join us and take your practice to the next level!
 

  THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 

Cadaver Lab: Injectables, Fillers & Facial Anatomy | 3:45–6:15 PM
Take your injection skills to the next level!
Elevate your skills and boost your expertise in the art of dermal filler injections. This hands-on dissection lab is taught by world-renowned facial aesthetics experts who will demonstrate and explain their methods for improving outcomes, minimizing complications, and ensuring optimal results. You will receive personalized guidance as you to practice in a realistic, controlled environment with cadaver specimens, ensuring you master the anatomy and techniques required to achieve natural-looking, beautiful results for your patients. Spaces are limited – secure your spot today!

 Instructors: Erika Barry, NP-C, MSN / Jason Bloom, MD, FACS / Connie Brennan, NP-C / Anthony E. Brissett, MD / Tara Delle Chiaie, DNP / Kian Karimi, MD / Jennifer Murdock, MD / Jennifer Prince, FNP-C / Morgan Renfro, RN / Daryoush (David) Saadat, MD / Michael T. Somenek, MD / Steven Sorr, NMD
 

  FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 

Patient Care Coordinator Essentials Course | 10:15 AM–12:30 PM
Featuring a Special Presentation by CareCredit
 Instructors: Mara L. Shorr, BS, Jean Moody and Amy Anderson, MBA

Become the Confident, Conversion-Focused PCC Your Practice Needs!
Whether you’re new to the role, a seasoned professional, or a returning participant, this course is designed to help you thrive as a Patient Care Coordinator (PCC). We combine strong foundational training with advanced, next-level strategies to help you build on prior knowledge and experience. You’ll gain a clear understanding of what it means to be a high-performing PCC—and how to master patient communication, consult conversion, and schedule management. You’ll also connect with PCCs from across the country, sharing real-world insights and learning what’s working in top-tier practices.

As part of the workshop, Jean Moody will lead hands-on training for navigating financial conversations with confidence, including presenting CareCredit financing, handling discount requests, communicating value versus cost, and applying proven strategies through role-play and interactive discussion.

While designed for PCCS, Practice Managers will also gain valuable insight into improving front-end operations, coaching teams, optimizing conversion metrics, and driving overall practice growth. Join us to build the skills, confidence, and strategies that lead to better patient experiences—and more booked surgeries.

In this course, you’ll learn how to:
• Respond to leads and book high-quality consultations
• Deliver standout consultations that build trust and connection
• Convert more consults into surgeries with confidence
• Overcome common pricing objections without sounding “salesy”
• Role-Play to Results: Mastering Patient Financing Discussions
• Communicate effectively using mirroring techniques and personality profiling
• Stay organized and proactive in a fast-paced surgical office
• Implement follow-up strategies that keep patients engaged and your surgeon’s schedule full
 

Compliance is a Team Sport: Legal & Risk Essentials | 10:15 AM–12:15 PM
This interactive, practice-wide workshop is designed for young physicians, business owners, practice managers, and key clinical staff who want to better understand the legal, financial, and operational risks that impact every aspect of their practice. From establishing a practice and structuring contracts to documentation standards, HIPAA, malpractice basics, informed consent, HR pitfalls, and financial safeguards, this session delivers actionable insights your team can immediately implement. Participants will gain clarity on roles, responsibilities, patient rights, and the internal controls that protect both the organization and the people within it—while learning how to identify red flags and when to escalate concerns appropriately.

 

Cadaver Lab: Preservation & Structural Rhinoplasty | 2 PM–6 PM
Hone your craft and enhance your skills at our exclusive cadaver dissection lab taught by the most respected names in rhinoplasty. This elite educational course blends surgical precision with expert mentorship in Structural and Preservation Rhinoplasty, including advanced techniques using ultrasonic Piezotome technology. With a low faculty-to-participant ratio, you’ll benefit from personalized guidance and one-on-one instruction. This is a rare opportunity to take part in meaningful, experiential education as you and perform each procedure under expert supervision. This isn’t just a course—it’s a transformative learning experience that will reshape the way you approach rhinoplasty.

Instructors: Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, MD, PhD / Olivier F. Gerbault, MD / Abdülkadir Göksel, MD / Russel W. H. Kridel, MD / Sam P. Most, MD /  José Carlos Neves, MD / Grace Lee Peng, MD / Jorge A. Espinosa Reyes, MD / Rod J. Rohrich, MD / Renato Castro Alves de Sousa, MD / Dean M. Toriumi, MD

 


Neurorrhaphy Workshop, Supported by Axogen | 4:30–6 PM
Join us for an immersive, hands-on neurorrhaphy workshop, where you’ll gain practical experience in nerve repair techniques under expert guidance. This workshop is designed for residents and fellows-in-training and early career faculty who are eager to enhance their surgical skills and discover methods for improving facial function. Offering step-by-step instruction and real-time practice, this is the perfect opportunity to advance your expertise in a focused and supportive environment. Space is limited–Register Today!
Instructors: Laura T. Hetzler, MD, FACS / Amit Kochhar, MD, FACS / Jessyka G. Lighthall, MD / Scott J. Stephan, MD / Christina M. Yver, MD

 

  SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26  

NON-CME Social Media Workshop with Jonathan P. Jacques, BS | 8:30 AM–10 AM

How to Go Viral & Gain 1,000s of Patients!
Let’s face it... social media is no longer “optional” for your practice, it’s essential for survival. Discover how the top 1% of facial plastic surgeons turn followers into high-ticket patients. Designed for the whole practice—from beginners to seasoned content creators—this workshop delivers practical tips, proven tactics, and actionable strategies to strengthen your social media presence. In this must-see session, you’ll discover:
  • Why social media is the #1 most profitable channel to scale your practice! 
  • The "authority shortcut" that positions you as the most sought-after surgeon in your city. 
  • Time-saving tactics and powerful A.I. tools to automate your social media! 
  • How to ethically scale to 100k+ followers even if you're "too busy" to film content and have no idea what to post. 
  • The secret to attracting "premium patients" and booking 100s of qualified appointments via Instagram!

Jon Jacques is a Social Media Expert with over 1 Million followers. He’s been featured by The Ellen Show, BuzzFeed & Entrepreneur Magazine and worked with Logan Paul, Sly Stallone, Chris Hemsworth & Billie Eilish. To date, Jon has helped 4,000+ aesthetic practitioners scale their practices via social media. His clients have generated Billions of views and over $250M in sales! 
 

Legal Essentials for Your Practice’s Social Media Presence | 10:45 AM–12:15 PM
Gain practical legal insights to help your practice navigate today's digital landscape. This two-part workshop explores the key compliance issues surrounding social media, patient privacy, and online reputation management, offering actionable guidance for physicians and practice staff alike.

Led by Samuel E. Pondrom, JD, and Jay D. Reyero, JD, of ByrdAdatto, this workshop provides practical legal insights tailored to today's aesthetic and facial plastic surgery practices.

Part 1: Social Media Compliance: What Every Practice Should Know
Now that you know how to grow your audience and create engaging content, it’s equally important to understand how to protect your practice while doing it. Social media can be one of your practice’s most powerful tools, but it also comes with important responsibilities. This session will teach physicians and office staff how to safely build the practice brand while understanding patient consent, privacy protections, content boundaries, internal protocols, and when to escalate concerns before small mistakes turn into costly consequences.

Part 2: Legal Compliance with Patient Reviews
Patient reviews are one of the most influential factors in a prospective patient's decision-making process, making online reputation management a critical component of every facial plastic surgery practice. Yet responding to reviews, encouraging patient feedback, and leveraging testimonials for marketing purposes can create significant legal and regulatory exposure when handled incorrectly. This presentation will provide attendees with a practical roadmap for navigating the complex legal landscape.

 

 

Cadaver Lab: Facelift | 9 AM–12:30 PM
Gain Unparalleled Insight from the Masters of Facial Rejuvenation!
This immersive, hands-on dissection lab gives you a rare opportunity to refine your skills, deepen your anatomical understanding, obtain invaluable insight, and get instruction from the world’s best face lift experts. With a low faculty-to-participant ratio, you’ll benefit from personalized, one-on-one instruction—ensuring you develop the confidence and precision to perform advanced techniques, optimize outcomes, and minimize complications. Take advantage of this chance to be mentored by masters of the craft as you try each procedure on your own. 
 
This is more than a course—it’s a transformative learning experience. Observe. Practice. Perfect.
Register now to take your surgical mastery to the next level!

Instructors: Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS / Elizabeth W. Chance, MD / Ritu Chopra, MD / Neil A. Gordon, MD / Jill L. Hessler, MD /
John B. Holds, MD, FACS / Marc Mani, MD, FACS / Timothy J. Marten, MD / Guy Massry MD / Daryoush David Saadat, MD / Benjamin A. Talei, MD
 

Synkinesis Workshop | 11 AM—12:15 PM
Discover cutting-edge treatments for patients with facial synkinesis at this engaging educational session. This workshop will provide targeted practical tips for chemodenervation, selective neurectomy, and selective myectomy that you can incorporate into your practice. Additionally, this year will feature a challenging case discussion in a “tumor board” format. Participants who register for the workshop will have the opportunity to submit their own challenging cases to the expert panel for a real-time discussion and recommendations from the experts. This dynamic session will enables collaborative opportunities to share knowledge and refine your skills with fellow experts in the field. This workshop is included with the registration fee.

Moderator: Samuel L. Oyer, MD | Panelists: Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS / Tessa A. Hadlock, MD / and Myriam Loyo-Li, MD
 

Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair Workshop | 1:30 PM—3:30 PM
Back by Popular Demand! Led by world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, this workshop delivers immersive, hands-on training and comprehensive instruction in contemporary cleft lip repair with a focus on unilateral lip split into Fisher and Millard techniques. Gain in-depth instruction in the most widely used and effective techniques for cleft cheiloplasty, while practicing on life-like surgical simulation models.

Expert faculty will share technical pearls, step-by-step instruction, and best practices honed through extensive clinical experience. Participants will develop practical understanding of surgical planning, tissue handling, and execution of key maneuvers, with ample time to practice procedures in a realistic, skills-based learning environment. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to refine your operative approach, exchange best practices with peers, and learn directly from leaders in cleft care. Space is limited—sign up today!

Instructors: Anais Eid, MD / Laura T. Hetzler, MD, FACS / Linda N. Lee, MD / Jessyka G. Lighthall, MD / Lisa M. Morris, MD / David A. Shaye, MD, MPH, FACS /
Ryan Winters, MD, MPH
 

Dermal Filler Injection Demo with Ultrasound Correlation | 3:45 PM—5:45 PM
Nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments are a cornerstone of a modern, successful facial plastic surgery practice. Attend this session to elevate your expertise! Join leading facial aesthetics experts for an exciting demonstration enhanced by real-time ultrasound correlation. Gain deeper insight into facial anatomy, product placement, and tissue response, while learning advanced techniques and proven strategies for achieving stunning, natural-looking results. Watch and learn effective—and safe—approaches to restoring youthful volume in the lips, temples, cheeks, nose, lower third, and more. Whether you’re refining your technique or expanding your treatment offerings, this session offers practical ways to personalize care and exceed patient expectations.
Instructors: Kian Karimi, MD, FACS and Steven Sorr, NMD
 

Free Flap Extravaganza—Mini Microvascular Workshop | 3:45–6:15 PM
Dive into a high-yield, fast-paced exploration of microvascular head and neck reconstruction in this focused two-hour workshop. Leading experts will highlight practical pearls, debate key principles and techniques, and share real-world insights on flap selection, execution, and the latest technologies shaping modern reconstruction.

Facilitator: Mark K. Wax, MD

 

  SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27   

Morning Mimosas & Mastery! Special Presentation| 9 AM—11 AM
Revision Deep Plane Facelift: Safety, Technical Pearls, and Avoiding Pitfalls
 Be sure to extend your stay in Las Vegas to access invaluable content you won’t find anywhere else—ever.
This unique program features a series of focused lectures from renowned facelift surgeons, each sharing their approach, key technical pearls, and strategies for optimizing results. The lectures will be followed by an interactive panel with some of the field’s most respected voices, offering lively discussion on complex cases, surgical decision-making, complication management, and revision surgery outcomes. Audience participation is encouraged, offering a valuable opportunity to gain practical insights and understand how leading surgeons approach these challenging scenarios.

These presentations were developed specifically for this Sunday session and will be delivered for the first—and only—time, making this a truly one-of-a-kind educational experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the masters, elevate your skills, and refine your craft. Plan your travel accordingly and register now.

Speakers Include: Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS / Samuel M. Lam, MD, FISHRS / Michael Roskies, MD, MSc / Mehdi Sina, MD, MBA / Benjamin A. Talei, MD