This is my last newsletter as President of The Aesthetic Foundation, and it has been a busy and productive year. Our core mission is to support research that is relevant to practicing plastic surgeons and improve the safety and effectiveness of the procedures that we offer to our patients. Over thirty years ago, when ASERF was founded, it began as a humble offshoot of the Society, funding aesthetic surgery related studies with limited funds, and has grown to awarding large grants for some of the most important studies in plastic surgery. In the past year we awarded $117,000 in research grants, with 30 ongoing studies for a wide array of topics important to practicing plastic surgeons and our patients. Additionally, six papers were published in ASJ from studies sponsored by The Foundation.
The ARISE breast implant registry was migrated to a new platform allowing much more function and the publication of the first annual report. This has led to three meetings with the FDA and admittance into ICOBRA, the International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities. Over 140,000 implants are registered and growing rapidly with continued emphasis on improving functionality and gathering data.
The Foundation also awarded $500 grants to one hundred breast cancer patients through the Breast Cancer Journey Assistance Fund to help with living expenses while they undergo treatment. Forty-one young surgeons in training were provided with mentorship, education, and aid to travel to The Aesthetic MEET 2026 through the Externship Program and the Resident & Fellow Travel Scholarships.
Our funding is solely through donations from our members, industry sponsors, and generous individual surgeons. We are truly grateful for the support that allows The Foundation to remain the research, education, and charitable partner to The Society.
I am very excited to turn the gavel over to our next President, Dr. Dave Sieber in Boston who will continue to advance our mission.
Sincerely,
Patricia McGuire, MD
President, The Aesthetic Foundation
