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If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, one of the most important decisions is selecting a highly qualified surgeon you can trust. However, understanding the differences between “plastic surgeons” and “cosmetic surgeons” can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know.
Plastic Surgeons are medical doctors who have completed a minimum of 9 years of intensive surgical training through an accredited plastic surgery residency program certified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). This RACS Fellowship is the only qualification in plastic and cosmetic surgery recognized by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
During their residencies, plastic surgeons receive comprehensive training in all aspects of reconstructive surgery to repair traumatic injuries, congenital defects, and the effects of cancer/disease. This training provides them with advanced surgical skills like microsurgery. Importantly, the same techniques and principles from reconstructive procedures are directly applied to cosmetic surgeries as well.
In contrast, the term “Cosmetic Surgeon” is quite broad. It can refer to various medical professionals like plastic surgeons, dentists, GPs, or dermatologists who have received some training specifically in cosmetic procedures. However, they have not completed the full plastic surgery residency program.
Some cosmetic surgeons are certified by organisations like the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS). But this certification is not recognized by the AMC since it does not involve the same level of comprehensive plastic surgery training.
When researching cosmetic surgery providers, be sure to verify if your surgeon is certified as a Plastic Surgeon by the RACS/FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australiasian College of Surgeons). While cosmetic surgeons may have specialised training, only FRACS plastic surgeons have the highest level of surgical skill, emergency readiness, and reconstructive experience to ensure optimal results and safety, even if complications occur.
Your safety, results, and satisfaction are simply too important to risk. Request a plastic surgeon’s qualifications upfront to ensure you are receiving cosmetic treatment from a true specialist certified at the highest national standards.
At Plastic Surgery Queensland, all of our surgeons are board-certified FRACS Plastic & Reconstructive surgeons. You can find their qualifications here.
The team would be honoured to discuss your goals and answer any questions.