The doctors listed are registered as Fellows, Members, or Associate Members of one or more of the professional organisations listed below.

It is important to note that membership to professional groups only ensures certain levels of training and does not guarantee the cosmetic surgery provider’s experience in a particular procedure. You should arrange a consultation with at least two providers in order to find out a variety of information.

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Plastic Surgery / Facial Plastic Surgery:   Plastic Surgeons are required to have a minimum of eight years training after medical graduation. They must complete the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBBS) and spend at least one year as an intern in a hospital and two years as a junior surgical resident. Thereafter, they begin initial examinations (The Fellowship Examination of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons). They then move onto advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, which takes five years. The first year involves undertaking advanced surgery in general, and then four years of advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)     Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS)

Cosmetic Surgery: Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery Fellows (FACCS) must have three years basic surgical training and a minimum of two years specific cosmetic surgery training, after medical graduation. Doctors are recertified annually and are audited as part of the process. They must also attend conferences, training workshops and clinical meetings as part of their continuing education. 

Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS)

Note: In Australia, medical practitioners are not required to have particular specialised skills, knowledge, or surgical qualifications to claim to be a ‘cosmetic surgeon’, therefore it is essential to verify their training and qualifications.

What is the difference between Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery?

The terms Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery are used interchangeably. Cosmetic surgery is performed on normal healthy structures of the body in order to change or improve the patient's appearance and elevate their self-esteem. Reconstructive surgery is different than Cosmetic Surgery because it is performed on abnormal structures to improve function or repair appearance impaired by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumours or disease.

Cosmetic Physician: Formed in 1998, the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) aims to provide standards for education and accreditation for its members. Members must be medical practitioners and have practised in at least one area of cosmetic procedure for a minimum of 12 months. The majority of members are general practitioners. Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA)

The aims and objectives of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine (ASCM) are to promote the education of Society members and other persons directly associated with Laser and Cosmetic Medicine activities, and of the general public concerning endeavours particular to the profession of Cosmetic Medicine. Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine (ASCM)

Dermatology: The College (Dermcoll) provides training and accreditation for its members. After medical graduation, education and training involves at least two years of basic training in the specific technical skills of the speciality, two years training in a teaching hospital, followed by the successful completion of advanced clinical training for four years and an examination. Australasian College of Dermatology (Dermcoll)

Hair Restoration: These doctors are qualified in hair restoration procedures and are registered with the Australasian Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ASHRS)

Cosmetic Dentistry: The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is an organisation of dentists which has as its aim the encouragement of the health of the public and the promotion of the art and science of dentistry. There are Branches of the Association in all States and a Provisional Branch in the Northern Territory. Membership is voluntary and over 90% of dentists in Australia are members. This membership implies an obligation for members to practise their profession in accordance with the high standards laid down by the Association. www.ada.org.au

Ophthalmology: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) trains and accredits specialist eye surgeons (many of whom perform cosmetic surgery on the eye area). After medical graduation, education and training involves a period of at least two years of basic training in the specific technical skills of the speciality. This is followed by the successful completion of advanced clinical training for four years. www.ranzco.edu

CosmeticSurgeryAustralia.com.au has supplied this information to assist in the research of cosmetic procedures and the specialists who perform them.