A Plastic Surgeon is a recognised specialist surgeon who has successfully completed the intensive training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in plastic surgery.

At the completion of the RACS training, which is a minimum of 8 years on top of their medical degree, the doctor achieves the qualification award – “F.R.A.C.S.” (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons).

Only qualified Plastic Surgeons can then become a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Plastic Surgeons have a broader and far more extensive range of surgical techniques and innovative solutions for difficult reconstructive and aesthetic problems. Plastic Surgeons also have a more comprehensive view of the human body, and are the pioneers and leaders in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

In Australia, many doctors who describe themselves as cosmetic surgeons are not plastic surgeons. Many of these doctors are not surgically trained or qualified. Only an FRACS qualified plastic surgeon is legally entitled to call themselves a “specialist” plastic surgeon, despite a number of doctors marketing themselves as such or similar. When considering any cosmetic or plastic surgeon, we recommend you check their credentials with these organisations:

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons “ASPS”
1300 367 446
www.plasticsurgery.org.au

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons “RACS”
(03) 9249 1200
www.surgeons.org