When it comes to your face, who performs your procedure matters as much as the procedure itself. A facial plastic surgery specialist brings focused, subspecialty training in facial anatomy, aesthetics, and surgical technique expertise that a general plastic surgeon simply cannot replicate. Dr. Matthew D. Brace, MSc, MD, FRCS(C), is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, making him one of Canada's most comprehensively trained facial surgeons.
In this blog, we will discuss what sets facial plastic surgery specialists apart, why board certification and fellowship training matter, and what to look for when choosing a surgeon for your facial procedure.
What Is a Facial Plastic Surgery Specialist?
A facial plastic surgery specialist is a surgeon whose training, certification, and practice focus exclusively on the face, head, and neck. Unlike general plastic surgeons, trained to operate across the entire body, facial plastic surgeons dedicate their careers to one region, building a depth of expertise that directly shapes patient outcomes.
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), facial plastic surgeons complete a dedicated fellowship beyond their primary surgical residency, focusing entirely on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck. Procedures within this subspecialty include:
- Rhinoplasty: surgical reshaping of the nose for aesthetic or functional improvement.
- Facelift and neck lift surgery: restoring definition and youthful contour to the lower face and jawline.
- Blepharoplasty: surgical correction of the upper and/or lower eyelids.
- Facial reconstruction: rebuilding facial structures after cancer surgery, trauma, or injury.
- Non-surgical treatments: injectables, laser skin rejuvenation, and radiofrequency-based therapies.
Why Double Board Certification Matters
Board certification is one of the most important indicators of a surgeon's qualifications, but not all certifications are equal. Double board certification means a surgeon has met the rigorous standards of two separate certifying bodies, demonstrating competency across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Brace holds dual certification through the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This combination reflects advanced training in both Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, giving him an exceptional command of nasal airway function, craniofacial anatomy, and facial aesthetics. When reviewing a surgeon's credentials, look for:
- Board certification: through a recognized national or international certifying body.
- Subspecialty fellowship training: a dedicated program in facial plastic surgery beyond the primary residency.
- High procedural volume: surgeons who operate frequently develop superior technique and more predictable outcomes.
- Academic and teaching roles: faculty appointments signal peer recognition and an ongoing commitment to the field.
How Fellowship Training Shapes Surgical Results
Fellowship training is the defining differentiator between a general plastic surgeon and a true facial plastic surgery specialist. A facial plastic surgery fellowship is a one-to-two-year program devoted entirely to advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.
Dr. Brace completed his fellowship at Ohio State University under nationally recognized surgeons, gaining high-volume training in rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, facial reconstruction, and skin cancer repair. He earned the prestigious Jack Anderson Award, the highest mark on the written and oral board exams administered to facial plastic surgery fellows across North America and internationally. Fellowship-trained facial surgeons bring:
- Deep anatomical knowledge: of facial nerves, vasculature, cartilage frameworks, and soft tissue planes.
- Advanced surgical technique: refined through hundreds of focused, subspecialty cases.
- Aesthetic judgment: developed through years of dedicated study, mentorship, and peer-reviewed practice.
- Reconstructive capability: the ability to address both form and function within the same surgical plan.
What to Look for When Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon is one of the most consequential decisions in any cosmetic or reconstructive journey. The credentials, experience, and philosophy of your surgeon shapes your entire experience.
Before booking a consultation, consider:
- Subspecialty fellowship training: has the surgeon completed a dedicated facial plastic surgery fellowship?
- Board certification: are they certified by a recognized board in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery?
- Procedural volume: how many of your specific procedure does the surgeon perform each year?
- Before-and-after results: do outcomes look natural, balanced, and consistent across different patients?
- Patient testimonials: do patients describe feeling informed, supported, and genuinely heard?
Ready to Meet Dr. Brace? Here's Why Your Next Step Matters
Facial plastic surgery is not the place to generalize. The face is the most visible, most personal part of who you are, and it deserves the most focused expertise available. A double board-certified facial plastic surgery specialist like Dr. Matthew D. Brace, MSc, MD, FRCS(C), brings fellowship training, thousands of surgical procedures, peer-recognized academic credentials, and a genuine commitment to natural-looking results that honour each patient's unique anatomy.
Guelph Facial Plastics serves patients from Guelph, Kitchener, Hamilton, London, and throughout Southwestern Ontario. Contact us at (226) 702-8830 or schedule your consultation online today.
