A Plastic Surgeon is a Specialist Surgeon who has successfully completed the intensive training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in Plastic Surgery. This is the only Government designated body recognised and accredited to train Surgeons in Australia.
Specialist Plastic Surgery in Australia requires surgeons to complete a minimum of 12 years of intensive Medical and Surgical training and at least 5 years of Specialist Plastic Surgery post-graduate training through RACS. Only after successfully completing this arduous pathway you are entitled to become a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and use the registered title of Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Specialist Plastic Surgeons are equipped with highest levels of skill, expertise and knowledge of their specialty and use latest techniques in their field.
What is the difference between a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon?
Currently in most states in Australia including NSW there is no legislation to stop any doctor with basic Medical degree call themselves “Surgeon”. There are no specialist qualifications, skills, training or experience required to label oneself and indeed operate on patients as a “Cosmetic Surgeon”. The so-called “Cosmetic surgeons” are not recognised as specialists by the Medical Board.
Your only safeguard is to look for the letters FRACS (Plas) under a doctor’s name and make sure that they are a member of The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Only fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons are permitted to use these titles and memberships. Our specialist, Dr Safvat MBBS FRACS (Plas) is proud to be a highly trained and fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Any surgical procedure can carry risks, but by consulting a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is trained and fully qualified to perform all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery the chances of risks and complications are minimised.
Our Recommendations
It is strongly recommended that you check the qualifications and credentials of any other doctor you are considering for cosmetic or plastic surgery and procedures with these two organisations. For Members of Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons contact:
ASPS – 1300 367 446 www.plasticsurgery.org.au
Fellows of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons contact:
RACS – (03) 9249 1200 www.surgeons.org
Beware of the term ‘College’ which can be misleading as any group of medical professionals can register a business name as a ‘College’. The College accredited by Australian Medical Council (AMC) for training Specialist Surgeons in Australia is the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
You should never feel pressured by a Surgeon or his staff to choose him/her as your surgeon or go ahead with a procedure. Remember it is Your decision.