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Checking a plastic surgeon in New Zealand

In New Zealand, a doctor's scope of practice tells you what they're registered to do. Look for a vocational scope in plastic and reconstructive surgery on the Medical Council register.

Last checked 18 October 2026
Check a surgeon in New Zealand

What the titles mean in New Zealand

Specialist plastic surgeons in New Zealand are registered by the Medical Council of New Zealand with a vocational scope of practice in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Most trained with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and hold the FRACS.

A doctor with a general scope can still offer some cosmetic treatments. The vocational scope is what shows specialist training in plastic surgery.

A woman in a consultation with a doctor at his desk

What we check for New Zealand surgeons

Medical Council of New Zealand registerRegistration, scope of practice and any conditionsOfficial register
Royal Australasian College of SurgeonsFRACS fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgeryIndependent
New Zealand Association of Plastic SurgeonsMembership of the national 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 doctor's name on the Medical Council register. Medical Council of New Zealand register
  2. Check their scope of practice includes a vocational scope in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
  3. Look for any conditions on their practice.
  4. If you like, look them up in the RACS Find a Surgeon directory.

Common questions

What does FRACS mean for a plastic surgeon?

FRACS means 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. The Medical Council of New Zealand names the FRACS as the prescribed qualification for its vocational scope in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons; Medical Council of New Zealand

What is a vocational scope?

It's the Medical Council's record that a doctor is registered to practise in a particular specialty. For plastic surgery, look for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Do New Zealand plastic surgeons train in Australia?

Training is run by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons across both countries, so many New Zealand plastic surgeons hold the FRACS.

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