The World's Largest International Meeting of Plastic Surgeons to be held at
Metro Toronto Convention Centre

TORONTO, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - From October 1 - 5 the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in conjunction this year with the Canadian Society of Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgeons (CSACPS), will hold their 79th international meeting at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). The ASPS annual scientific meeting has an estimated attendance of 5,000 doctors, medical personnel, exhibitors and industry representatives in the field of plastic surgery.

This premier educational meeting of ASPS members and other plastic surgery groups will feature international guests from 61 different countries, 117 scientific study abstracts covering 6 tracks and 300 exhibitors displaying their great products and services.

"Plastic Surgery 2010 is the complete plastic surgery experience featuring the latest information on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques," said ASPS President Michael McGuire, MD. "Held in Toronto this year, the meeting will serve as a first 'congress of plastic surgery' whereby international and U.S. physicians can easily come together to investigate and refine new techniques, review the safety and effectiveness of devices and procedures, and explore emerging trends in plastic surgery."

Board-certified plastic surgeons are surgical specialists who have completed a minimum of 6 years of training and experience in surgery, with 3 years specifically in plastic surgery, after receiving a medical degree. Most people are familiar with cosmetic surgery such as facelifts and breast augmentation. However, many do not realize that plastic surgeons manage a large number of patients with reconstructive issues - from treating patients who suffer large wounds or burns following severe accidents to repairing congenital deformities like cleft lips and other body abnormalities. Plastic surgeons also treat patients with skin cancer.

"The MTCC and Toronto is the ideal location for this international gathering. Our accessible location will bring experts from around the world to share positive advances and success in the practice of plastic surgery," said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. "Our local economy will benefit from over $13 million in delegate spending."

About the MTCC

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's No.1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

About the ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons was established in 1931. It is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, it is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royale College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. For further information please visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org

About CSACPS

Membership of over 160 surgeons fully trained and certified in Plastic Surgery. The first meeting of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons was held at Queen Mary Veterans' Hospital in Montreal on November 7, 1947. It is the only professional organization in Canada dedicated to improve cosmetic surgery outcomes through education, research, and the maintenance of high surgical standards of clinical practice. For further information please visit http://www.csaps.ca

For further information: LaSandra Cooper, Senior Media Relations Associate, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), P: 847-981-5414, E: [email protected]; Christine Tse, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, [phone], [email protected]