Suitably Qualified Surgeons
YOUR SURGEON'S QUALIFICATIONS MEAN A LOT
In Australia and New Zealand, anyone who has a six-year medical degree and has current registration is allowed to perform cosmetic surgery. This leaves the consumer overwhelmed by choice, and a wide range of doctors with varying levels of expertise and training.
As a peak organisation for cosmetic surgery in the region, we represent 250 comprehensively qualified surgeons in the region. ASAPS strongly believes best practice cosmetic surgery is performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeons. Every Specialist Plastic Surgeon has undertaken eight to 12 years of specialist surgical training beyond their medical training and has qualified to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) – the only institution accredited to train surgeons in Australia and New Zealand.
Download a copy of our brochure about why choosing a member from ASAPS is an important decision.
WE DON’T ‘SELL’ SURGERY
Specialist Plastic Surgeons provide genuinely unbiased consultation. So your surgeon will always give you their professional opinion based on a thorough assessment of your individual needs. This means you’ll never be pressured into an operation because all our member surgeons are bound by the RACS code of ethics. It also means they will clearly explain which procedures may suit you.
RECOGNISED AS EXPERTS
ASAPS has strong affiliations with other, internationally respected, aesthetic plastic surgery organisations. ASAPS Members are involved with international collaborative teams that research improved and safer ways of providing aesthetic surgical treatments. Similarly, many ASAPS Members are active on the international stage presenting at conferences and providing teaching and training opportunities to other Specialist Plastic Surgeons.
PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT
Our members regularly attend instructional and scientific meetings organised by ASAPS. They are also involved in professional meetings arranged by other reputable national and international organisations.
EASY REFERRAL
ASAPS members accept referrals from both general practitioners and specialists, and with your permission, keep your GP and specialist informed about your treatment.
TIGHTER REGULATIONS
Australia now has stricter guidelines for doctors performing cosmetic surgery, and new state laws that demand higher standards for cosmetic procedures and facilities. Changes include mandatory cooling off periods before major surgery of seven days for adults and three months for patients under 18.
NOT ALL SURGEONS ARE THE SAME
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Highly qualified personnel in Australia and New Zealand who have been specifically trained to perform cosmetic and plastic surgery.
Qualifications
- Six years medical training plus eight to 12 years of specialist training in surgery and reconstruction
- Trained by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the only organisation to train surgeons in the region, which means they are a FRACS qualified surgeon
- Recognised by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) or the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Highly skilled in reconstruction and surgery – the foundation for cosmetic surgery excellence
Cosmetic Surgeon
Any doctor in Australia or New Zealand with a medical degree and who has current registration can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, physician or doctor.
Qualifications
- Six years medical training
- May have undertaken additional training
- May or may not be recognised as a surgical specialist by the AMC or MCNZ
- May or may not have obtained a FRACS
