Checking a plastic surgeon in Germany
In Germany, a plastic surgeon should hold the Facharzt title in Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie (or the older Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie). Here's where to check it and what to look for.
We read part of the official register directly. Last checked 18 October 2026What the titles mean in Germany
Germany has no national register. Each of the 17 state medical chambers awards and records specialist titles. 'Plastische Operationen' is an additional qualification held by some ENT, maxillofacial and skin specialists, not the plastic surgery specialty.
We read the chamber searches for Bavaria, Westphalia-Lippe, Hamburg, Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg directly, and check DGPRÄC, whose ordinary members must hold the Facharzt. Other states must be checked with the chamber.
What we check for German surgeons
Society membership is voluntary. Not being a member doesn't mean a surgeon isn't qualified.
How to check it yourself
- Find which state the surgeon practises in, then use that chamber's doctor search (linked from the German Medical Association). German Medical Association doctor search
- Look for 'Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie' or 'Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie'.
- If the state has no online search, call the chamber or check the DGPRÄC surgeon finder.
Common questions
Is there one German register of doctors?
No. The German Medical Association says the state chambers and associations of statutory health insurance physicians hold the qualification data, and only some offer online searches.
Source: BundesärztekammerWhat does DGPRÄC membership mean?
Ordinary members must hold the German Facharzt in plastic surgery, or a recognised foreign title, and work in the field.
Source: DGPRÄCI'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