Already have a pass?
Find a surgeon
Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from above

Checking a plastic surgeon in Australia

Since 2023 only doctors with specialist surgical registration can call themselves surgeons in Australia. Look for specialist registration in plastic and reconstructive surgery on the AHPRA register.

Last checked 18 October 2026
Check a surgeon in Australia

What the titles mean in Australia

A specialist plastic surgeon in Australia is registered by AHPRA in the specialty of surgery, in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Most have completed surgical training with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and hold the FRACS.

Doctors without specialist surgical registration can still offer some cosmetic procedures, but they can't call themselves surgeons. That's why the register entry matters more than the title on a website.

A woman in a consultation with a doctor at his desk

What we check for Australian surgeons

AHPRA register of practitionersRegistration type, specialty and field of practice, and any conditions, undertakings or reprimandsOfficial register
Royal Australasian College of SurgeonsFRACS fellowship and the specialty it was awarded inIndependent
Australian Society of Plastic SurgeonsMembership of the national plastic surgery societyIndependent
Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsMembership of the aesthetic plastic surgery societyIndependent

Society membership is voluntary. Not being a member doesn't mean a surgeon isn't qualified.

How to check it yourself

  1. Search the surgeon's name on the AHPRA register. AHPRA register of practitioners
  2. Check the registration type says specialist, in surgery, with plastic and reconstructive surgery as the field.
  3. Look for any conditions, undertakings or reprimands on their registration.
  4. If you like, look them up in the RACS Find a Surgeon directory.

Common questions

Who can call themselves a surgeon in Australia?

Only doctors with specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, or ophthalmology. The Medical Board of Australia says this applies to “cosmetic surgeon” too, and took effect on 20 September 2023 in most states and territories. Misusing the title is a criminal offence, with a maximum fine of $60,000, three years' imprisonment, or both.

Source: Medical Board of Australia

What is the Ahpra cosmetic surgery endorsement?

It is an endorsement on a doctor's registration, under a Medical Board of Australia standard in effect from 1 July 2023, showing they have met approved cosmetic surgery training standards. It appears on the public register. The Board says the endorsement does not allow a doctor without specialist surgical registration to call themselves a cosmetic surgeon.

Source: Medical Board of Australia

Can a doctor call themselves a cosmetic surgeon in Australia?

Not since 2023, unless they hold specialist surgical registration. Check the AHPRA register rather than the title on a website.

What does FRACS mean?

Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. It shows a surgeon completed the college's specialist training and exams. Plastic surgeons hold it in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

I'm considering surgery abroad. What should I check?

The same principle applies everywhere: find the official register in that country and look for specialist registration in plastic surgery. See every country we cover