Certification granted by the European Board for Examination and Certification in Facial Plastic Surgery (EBEC-FPRS) serves as a distinguished mark of excellence within the realm of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Surgeons who attain this prestigious certification are entitled to refer to themselves as board-certified sub-specialists in facial plastic surgery or as Diplomates in facial plastic surgery of the EBEC-FPRS under the auspices of the UEMS-ORL.

Has completed an approved residency in Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Has successfully completed and passed the two-day written and oral examination.

Has submitted for peer-review of his records of 100 consecutive cases performed personally as the primary surgeon in two years in the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery.

The oral exam typically involves questions on the fundamental principles of surgery, aesthetic procedures, functional surgical approaches, and patient management. Here are general guidelines and preparation recommendations for the oral exam:

1. Exam Purpose

The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s surgical knowledge and skills, patient management skills, approach to surgical procedures, and clinical judgment.

It also tests the candidate’s ability to propose balanced and effective surgical solutions, both aesthetically and functionally.

2. Exam Format

Theoretical Knowledge: Fundamental knowledge of facial plastic surgery (anatomy, biomechanics, aesthetic principles, etc.) will be examined.

Clinical Case Discussion: Topics such as treatment planning, surgical approach, complications, and postoperative management will be discussed using a real patient case.

Practical Approach: The candidate may be asked to verbally explain how surgical techniques and procedures will be performed.

Patient Communication: The candidate will be assessed on how to explain the surgical procedure to a patient and how to explain the risks and benefits.

3. Exam Rules

Time Limits: There will be 12 protocols in this exam. Each candidate is generally given a 6 minutes for each protocol where 5-6 questions will be asked. Soo the oral exam will be completed in 90 minutes for each candidate.

Dress and Professionalism: Candidates are expected to dress professionally, present themselves neatly, and maintain a demeanor appropriate for the clinical environment.

Effective Communication: Your answers must be clear and concise. After answering a question, you may provide a detailed explanation if necessary, but unnecessary details should be avoided.

Rely on Your Own Knowledge: If you cannot provide a definitive answer to a question, honestly explain your situation to the examination committee and offer your assumptions. Otherwise, an ambiguous answer may be viewed negatively.

Clinical Decision Making: Not only surgery but also decisions regarding patient management, postoperative follow-up, and complications are important.

Teamwork: Facial plastic surgery often requires a multidisciplinary approach. The candidate may be expected to demonstrate knowledge of how to collaborate with different specialties.

4. Issues to Consider

Aesthetic and Functional Balance: One of the fundamental principles of facial plastic surgery is achieving aesthetic and functional balance. You should have a clear understanding of how to maintain this balance.

Complication Management: You should have an in-depth understanding of common complications associated with facial surgery and have clear plans for how to manage them.

Anatomical Details: You should have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, particularly regarding safety precautions and surgical approaches related to important anatomical structures.

Aesthetic Perception: It is important to be able to evaluate cosmetic surgery not only from a surgical perspective but also from an artistic perspective. Your opinions on issues such as facial symmetry, volume balance, and tissue harmony are important.

5. Topics to Ask in the Exam

Facial Plastic Surgery: Detailed information on procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, facelift, Botox, and fillers.

Facial Reconstructive Surgery: Questions may be asked about facial reconstruction after trauma, wounds, burns, and congenital deformities.

Facial Anomaly Management: Surgical treatment of congenital facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate.

Skin Cancer and Reconstruction: Treatment of skin cancers in the facial area and subsequent reconstructive surgical techniques.

Complications: Questions about surgical complications such as infection, hematoma, scar formation, seroma, and vascular damage.

6. Preparation Tips

Conduct Case Studies: Working with real clinical cases will help you better understand surgical approaches.

Refresh Theory: Conduct an extensive literature review on facial anatomy, surgical techniques, and complication management.

Conduct Simulations: If possible, simulate surgical procedures and patient communication. This can help you feel more comfortable during the exam.

Answer Frequently Asked Questions: Prepare frequently asked questions about aesthetic and functional surgical procedures and plan how you will answer them.

7. Post-Exam

Feedback: It’s important to receive feedback from committee members at the end of the exam. This feedback can help you identify your shortcomings and improve.

These guidelines and recommendations will guide your overall preparation. The depth of your knowledge in facial plastic surgery and your approach to surgery are critical factors for your success on the exam.

The first group must be in the preparation room at 8:30 a.m., the second at 10:00 a.m., and the third at 11:30 a.m.. We’ll collect all your electronic equipment and bags at the preparation room and return them to you at the waiting room after the exam. The clinical scenario and the first questions of all protocols will be given to you, and you’ll have 20 minutes to prepare. You will then be taken to the exam room, where the exam will last 90 minutes. At the end of the exam, you’ll be taken to the waiting room, where you can collect your equipment and leave after a predetermined time. We will send you the exam plan on Tuesday, 23th September.
Prepared by Prof. Dr. Aysenur Hafiz and Prof. Dr. Fazil Apaydin

Exam Sections:

The exam will be held in two sections.

Each section will last 2 hours.

There will be a 1-hour break between the two sections.

Food and Beverage:

Candidates may only bring water.

No other food, except candy and chocolate, may be brought into the exam room.

Electronic Devices:

Candidates must return their phones, headphone, smart glasses, and smartwatches at the beginning of the exam. These devices will not be used during the exam.

Candidates must bring their computers and chargers. Materials other than this, such as books and notes, are not allowed. Please keep in mind that the exam will be in Dublin and British type of power plugs are used. Therefore please do not forget to bring an adapter with you.

Court Order and Quietness:

The exam room must be quiet throughout the exam.

The use of any audio or visual distractions is prohibited.

Exam Beginning and Ending:

The exam will begin at 9:00 am, and the first section will end at 11:00 am.

 The break is one hour long, and the second part will begin at 12:00 pm.

The exam ends at 02:00 pm.

Exam Hall Rules:

Candidates must show their ID before the exam begins.

Candidates will not be able to leave the exam hall during the exam period. If you inform the supervisor when you want to go to the restroom, he will accompany you.

Distractions:

If you inform the supervisor when you want to go to the toilet, he will accompany you.

You can ask the supervisors about the exam if they have any questions.

Answering other Candidates’ questions, taking notes, or assisting in any way is prohibited.

If any cheating is detected during the exam, disciplinary action will be taken against the student involved.

Break Rules:

During the break, care should be taken to use the time spent outside the exam room efficiently.

Identification will be checked before Candidates return to the exam room during the break.

These rules will generally organize the exam environment and prevent student distractions. All that remains is for Candidates to adapt!