IPRAS

Dear colleagues,The IPRAS International Committee for Quality Assurance and Medical Devices in PlasticSurgery (IQUAM) celebrates the 20-year anniversary from its foundation, in 1992. Thiscelebration will take place during the 10th Congress and Consensus Conference to be heldin Athens on Nov 1st – 4th, 2012.The organization was founded as EQUAM by a group of Plastic Surgeons from variousEuropean, Central and South American, African, Southeast Asian and Middle-Easterncountries. Representatives participating in meetings are Plastic Surgeons, scientists,manufacturers and delegates from governmental bodies involved in the development andsurveillance of advanced technologies, devices and techniques in the field of Plastic Surgery.Consensus Conferences are held biennially. At the close of meetings, a Position Statementis drawn up, summarizing the conclusions of the meeting. This statement is presented to thehealth ministry and Plastic Surgery society of each member country, the industry and anyother interested party. Over the years, these statements acquired an important significancein the practice of the Specialty and proved helpful for all.No doubt, this type of meeting is unique in its purpose and, besides clinical practice, it alsofocuses on evaluating technology and methodology. Among others, topics like Fat Grafting,Stem cells and Growth Factors will be addressed, as well as results from recent and olderprocedures like breast augmentation and ALCL, quality of silicone implants, injectablefillers, Botulinum toxin A, suturing materials, wound dressings, medical equipment,instruments, LASER apparatuses and so many others. The recent issue regarding PIP,which alarmed Plastic Surgeons and the public worldwide, will be particularly discussedin detail.Besides science, a rich social program is planned, including a guided evening tour at theilluminated Acropolis. Most of all please be assured that the organizing committee shallspare no effort in putting together a successful congress.A cordial invitation to all,C. Neuhann-LorenzIQUAM PresidentJan PoëllCongress PresidentDaniel MarchacChair Organizing Co.Andreas YiacoumettisChair Scientific Co.108 IPRAS Journal www.ipras.org Issue 7