The Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc. (PAPRAS) holds the position taken by the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine, (as articulated in its position paper on Stem Cell Medicine), that "at the present time, there is a universally accepted pathway to attaining the status of specialists, which is structured residency training with extensive supervised clinical experience, and with a system of quality assurance before a physician specialist is allowed to practice the specialty."

Cosmetic surgery is an integral part of the field of plastic surgery. The only accepted pathway to attaining the status of a specialist practicing cosmetic surgery in the Philippines is to undergo structured residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, which involves a minimum of three years in general surgery in an accredited general surgery training program recognized by the Philippine Society of General Surgery, and three years in plastic and reconstructive surgery, in an accredited training program recognized by PAPRAS and the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery. Furthermore, PAPRAS is the only component society recognized by the Philippine College of Surgeons as truly representative of plastic surgeon-specialists practicing both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Non-PAPRAS physicians practicing cosmetic surgery, to be recognized as specialists in cosmetic surgery, must undergo the structured residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and must pass the written and oral examinations for certification given by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery. Fellows of the Philippine College of Surgeons who have specialized in other surgical specialties must likewise undergo the three year residency program in plastic and reconstructive surgery to be recognized by the PAPRAS as a specialist in cosmetic surgery.