Not all conferences are created equal. At GAC 2025, the Surgical Strategies track brings together some of the most accomplished names in facial plastic surgery. These are surgeons who don’t just practice at the highest level but have spent decades refining their techniques, mentoring the next generation and pushing the field forward.
Meet three faculty members who exemplify the caliber of expertise you’ll find at GAC 2025.
Dr. Stephen Perkins
Four Decades of Facelift Innovation
After 41 years of practice in Indianapolis, Dr. Stephen Perkins has shaped the way an entire generation of surgeons approaches facial rejuvenation. His career tells the story of American facial plastic surgery’s evolution, from early SMAS techniques to the sophisticated deep plane approaches that define modern practice.
As past president and a current fellowship director of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Perkins is a recognized authority in the teaching (and practice) of facial plastic surgery. He has trained countless surgeons across the country who are now themselves leaders in the field. He also co-founded Facial Plastic Surgery International with colleague Dr. Capi Wever, creating educational opportunities that extend beyond U.S. borders.
Dr. Perkins retired in 2024 to pursue personal passions and spend more time with his family, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to educate the next generation of facial plastic surgeons. He is a much-requested speaker and guest of honor at national and international conferences, sharing the knowledge he gained over his long and successful career.
At GAC 2025, Dr. Perkins will present a live surgical video demonstrating his composite deep plane facelift with firm SMAS and platysma suspension techniques. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They’re real-time demonstrations from a surgeon who has performed thousands of facelifts and can show you exactly how he achieves results that last over a decade.
Dr. Perkins at GAC 2025
Aesthetic Surgical Strategies
What’s Required to Achieve Good Lasting Neck Results in Facelifting and What Is Not
Friday, October 31, 9:06 a.m.
Live Surgery Video
Composite Deep Plane Facelift With Firm SMAS & Platysma Suspension
Saturday, November 1, 8:40 a.m.
Aesthetic Surgical Strategies
The Evolution Of My Extended SMAS Lift to the Deep Plane Lift: Similarities & Differences
Saturday, November 1, 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Nabil Fanous
The Architect of the Optimum Mobility Facelift
Dr. Nabil Fanous brings an international perspective from his practice in Montreal, where he serves as Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at McGill University. Triple board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery, and the American Board of Head and Neck Surgery, his credentials reflect a depth of training few surgeons achieve.
Dr. Fanous completed advanced fellowship training with the renowned Dr. Richard Webster at Harvard, then returned to Canada to build a practice grounded in innovation. Rather than following surgical trends, he developed techniques that challenge the field to think differently about achieving lasting results.
His “Optimum Mobility Facelift” technique achieves durable outcomes through strategic mobilization instead of extensive undermining. The approach reflects his broader surgical philosophy: sometimes the most effective solution isn’t the most aggressive one. He has authored over 60 scientific publications and delivered 77 guest lectures at international conferences, consistently advocating for techniques that balance efficacy with efficiency.
At GAC 2025, Dr. Fanous will lead multiple sessions and demonstrate his Optimum Mobility Facelift. He offers a different perspective on achieving excellent outcomes, proving that multiple paths lead to patient satisfaction.
Dr. Fanous at GAC 2025
Less Invasive Strategies
Life Secret #1 — How to Do “NOW” What You Always Wanted to Do… But Never Did!
Thursday, October 30, 7:20 a.m.
Less Invasive Strategies
Life Secret #2: What’s the “One Sentence”…That Will Get You What You Want!
Thursday, October 30, 10:20 a.m.
Less Invasive Strategies
Life Secret #3: How Can You Criticize and Argue…Yet Remain Liked and Respected!
Friday, October 31, 7:20 a.m.
Less Invasive Strategies
Life Secret #4: How Can You Create a Commanding Presence…Before You Even Utter a Word
Friday, October 31, 10:20 a.m.
Aesthetic Surgical Strategies
“003” Preservation Brow Lift: Very Durable And Safe, Quick, 18 Years Results
Friday, October 31, 2:30 p.m.
Aesthetic Surgical Strategies
True “Tip Preservation Rhinoplasty”
Friday, October 31, 5:30 p.m.
Less Invasive Strategies
Life Secret #5: How to Get People to Love Talking to You…and Be Totally Fascinated by You!
Saturday, November 1, 7:20 a.m.
Less Invasive Strategies
Life Secret #6: What Are the 3 Time-Management Secrets of Doing…What You Don’t Have Time to Do!
Saturday, November 1, 10:30 a.m.
Aesthetic Surgical Strategies
“Optimum Mobility” Face Lift: New Fast Efficient Technique Using “Smart” Sutures And Minimal Dissection
Saturday, November 1, 4:00 p.m.
Live Surgery Video
Connell Live Video
Saturday, November 1, 6:30 a.m.
Live Surgery Video
“Optimum Mobility” Facelift: Short, Safe, Durable Alternative to ‘Deep Plane’
Saturday, November 1, 11:10 a.m.
Dr. Edwin Wiliams
The White Coat Entrepreneur™
When Dr. Edwin Williams founded The Williams Center in 1993, he created a renowned, 21,000-square-foot surgical center with over 75 staff members and, more importantly, a fellowship program that has trained dozens of facial plastic surgeons over two decades.
His influence in plastic surgery runs deep. Dr. Williams served as President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from 2015 to 2016 after spending over a decade on the Board of Directors. He holds the position of Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at Albany Medical Center, where he continues teaching residents. The Castle Connelly Top Doctors award, which he received four consecutive years from 2016 through 2019, came from peer votes recognizing his surgical skill and his contributions to education.
Dr. Williams has performed over 10,000 facial procedures and pioneered the deep plane facelift, influencing how surgeons across the country approach facial rejuvenation. His publication record spans textbooks, journal articles, and book chapters covering everything from rhinoplasty to laser resurfacing. Beyond medicine, he’s been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and national television programs. He founded The Williams Center with a vision of combining excellent patient care with rigorous education, and after 30+ years, that vision continues to shape how facial plastic surgery is taught.
At GAC 2025, Dr. Williams will demonstrate his preservation deep plane technique. His sessions combine academic rigor with the practical wisdom of a surgeon who has performed countless procedures and trained the surgeons now performing thousands more.
Dr. Williams at GAC 2025
Less Invasive Strategies
Session Moderator
Thursday, October 30
Aesthetic Practice Solutions
Session Moderator & Discussion
Thursday, October 30
Aesthetic Surgical Strategies
Advanced Techniques With the Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift
Saturday, November 1, 11:06 a.m.
Aesthetic Surgical Strategies
Conclusions and Nuances of 25 Years of Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation
Saturday, November 1, 2:24 p.m.
Live Surgery Video
Preservation Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift — Extended Lift With Limited Dissection
Saturday, November 1, 8:00 a.m.
Aesthetic Practice Solutions
Manager’s Forum Moderator
Saturday, November 1, 5:00 p.m.
Learn From the Best at GAC 2025
The surgeons leading the Surgical Strategies track at GAC 2025 have spent decades mastering their craft. They’ve published the papers you’ve read, developed the techniques you’ve studied, and trained the surgeons you respect. Now they’re ready to share their knowledge and expertise with you.
Register now to reserve your spot at GAC 2025 and learn from the best.
