Bertha Torres, MD, MEXICO
Local Scientific Committee Chair for the ISAPS World Congress 2026
& the ISAPS National Secretary Chair 

We recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Bertha Torres, the Local Scientific Committee Chair for the ISAPS World Congress 2026, who shared insights into what attendees can expect next year. Dr. Torres also serves as the ISAPS National Secretary Chair and past President for the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER).   

ISAPS: What an exciting meeting to be a part of next year! What can attendees expect at next year’s World Congress, and what will make it unique?

TORRES: Attendees can anticipate a first-world-class academic event in Cancun, Quintana Roo, one of the most visited places in the world for its natural beauty and cultural traditions, such as "Día de los Muertos." Our President, Dr. Arturo Ramírez-Montañana, and the entire organizing committee, the Education Chair and Co-Chair, Drs. André Auersvald and Ahmad Saad want to provide an unforgettable and enriching experience through a very attractive academic program that includes more than 100 of the world's most renowned international faculty in plastic surgery.

Additionally, attendees will have the option to register for paid master class courses to gain advanced learning from experts on specific, highly interesting topics, as well as to take advantage of a commercial expo with very appealing offers. We expect a large attendance because this is one of the most attractive tourist destinations and because we have the sponsorship of our national association, AMCPER.

The social program will be remarkable as well, allowing attendees to enjoy time with friends and network. ISAPS congresses are unique because they offer the invaluable opportunity to see a wide range of approaches to surgical and non-surgical techniques, with participants from all over the world in a family-like atmosphere. It will be an honor for our country to host all of you in Cancun from October 27 to 31, 2026.

ISAPS: As Local Scientific Committee Chair, what would you say to someone who is considering sharing an abstract submission, but hasn’t done so yet?

TORRES: I would encourage them to share their work with us. Free papers and posters are an excellent way to contribute to our international society and receive valuable feedback. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to learn new things, highlight research and patient safety, and connect with colleagues who share similar interests.

ISAPS: What makes Cancun such an important destination for aesthetic plastic surgery, and what impact does Mexico have on our specialty?

TORRES: Cancun is a top-tier tourist destination, very attractive not only for its natural beauty but also for its quality infrastructure and hospitality. It offers great travel connectivity and a wide variety of hotel options that are very close to the convention center where the event will take place. We recommend taking a few extra days to enjoy beautiful tourist spots nearby, such as Tulum, Chichén Itzá, Playa del Carmen, and Xcaret. According to the ISAPS Global Survey, Mexico has emerged as a leader in plastic surgery, driven by the number of plastic surgeons and the volume of aesthetic procedures performed each year, with well-trained professionals offering cutting-edge treatments and innovative approaches to patient safety. And we want to thank all the Mexican members of ISAPS for their trust and support over the years, which have made Mexico one of the countries with the largest membership in this Society and helped us realize the dream of holding this meeting in our country again, after 34 years. We are also very proud to have, for the third time in ISAPS history, a president from Mexico: Arturo Ramirez-Montañana, 2024-2026, who is preceded by Dr. Jose Guerrerosantos, 1989-1992, and Dr. Mario González Ulloa, 1973-1975.

ISAPS: The Congress is like an annual reunion of the #ISAPSFamily. What makes our Congress feel more like a family gathering rather than just another typical professional meeting?

TORRES: The camaraderie among ISAPS members is remarkable. The shared history, lived experiences, and commitment to supporting one another create a unique, warm, and welcoming environment. ISAPS not only unites plastic surgeons but also cultures, enabling rich international exchanges of diversity. We strengthen bonds and take care of each other, transforming congresses into events filled with warmth and brotherhood.

ISAPS: From your perspective as a faculty member, what makes the ISAPS Face Masters Meeting in St. Louis such an exclusive event, and why is it important to attend?

TORRES: This event stands out for its format, specifically focusing on the most used techniques in facial surgery, with cadaver dissections and an advanced learning approach in ideal facilities that allow attendees to observe all dissections and facilitate closer interaction with more than 20 amazing international experts in this field. It provides us with the opportunity to update and improve our training, gaining knowledge of the latest trends in a single topic, which will undoubtedly exceed our expectations in every way.

ISAPS: This year, you have been representing ISAPS at numerous events. What essential insights and impactful experiences do you take home from these meetings?

TORRES: I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel a lot and to attend many ISAPS events in different countries, where we always bring back new knowledge, experience different cultures, and meet various experts, opinion leaders, and colleagues with similar interests. This undoubtedly enriches our practice, opens new horizons, and allows us to build bonds of collaboration and friendship to address the common challenges we face in aesthetic plastic surgery globally. I thank Dr. Pavel Kurial, the National Secretary of the Czech Republic, and Dr. Vadimir Marik for endorsing the meeting in Prague, and Dr. George Sulamanidze, the National Secretary of Georgia, for the initiative to gather several past presidents and the current president of ISAPS. What I learned most from them—and what they have in common—is great leadership.