Checking a plastic surgeon in the United Kingdom
In the UK, any doctor can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon. The title to look for is plastic surgery on the GMC specialist register.
Last checked 18 October 2026What the titles mean in the United Kingdom
A surgeon on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery has completed higher surgical training in the specialty, usually including the FRCS (Plast) exam set by the surgical royal colleges.
“Cosmetic surgeon” isn't a protected title. A doctor can use it without specialist surgical training, which is why the register matters.
What we check for UK surgeons
Society membership is voluntary. Not being a member doesn't mean a surgeon isn't qualified.
How to check it yourself
- Search the surgeon's name on the GMC medical register. GMC medical register
- Look for “Specialist register” with “Plastic surgery” listed.
- Check for any conditions, warnings or undertakings on their record.
- If you like, look them up in the BAPRAS or BAAPS member directories.
Common questions
How do I check if a plastic surgeon is qualified in the UK?
Search the surgeon's name on the General Medical Council's online register. Check they hold a licence to practise, that they are on the specialist register with plastic surgery listed, and whether any conditions or warnings appear. The NHS also advises checking that a clinic in England is registered with the Care Quality Commission.
Source: General Medical Council; NHSWhat is the GMC specialist register?
The specialist register is the General Medical Council's list of doctors eligible to be appointed as consultants. The GMC says doctors must be on it to take up most NHS consultant posts, though it is not a legal requirement in NHS foundation trusts. For plastic surgery, look for “plastic surgery” shown against the specialist register entry.
Source: General Medical CouncilDoes a cosmetic surgery clinic need to be registered in England?
Yes. The NHS says hospitals and clinics in England providing cosmetic surgery must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. You can search the CQC website or ask the clinic to show you its certificate. The Royal College of Surgeons of England advises against surgery anywhere that cannot show it is registered.
Source: NHS; Royal College of Surgeons of EnglandWhat is Royal College of Surgeons cosmetic surgery certification?
It is a voluntary certification run by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Surgeons on the GMC or Irish Medical Council specialist register, in a specialty that includes cosmetic work, can apply for certification in specific areas such as breast, face or body contouring. The NHS says certified surgeons meet an agreed national standard.
Source: Royal College of Surgeons of England; NHSIs “cosmetic surgeon” a protected title in the UK?
No. Look for plastic surgery on the GMC specialist register instead.
What does FRCS (Plast) mean?
It's the specialty fellowship exam in plastic surgery from the UK and Irish surgical royal colleges, usually taken at the end of specialist training.
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