When considering any surgical procedure — such as rhinoplasty or other operations involving facial structures — it is important to understand the difference between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons.

These terms describe practitioners with different training pathways and registration requirements in Australia.

This information is provided to help patients make informed decisions and understand how specialist qualifications and regulation contribute to patient safety.

Specialist Training and Registration

In Australia, the title “surgeon” is legally protected under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.

Only doctors who have completed accredited specialist surgical training and achieved the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) may use the title surgeon.

Specialist surgeons in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) or Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery undertake many years of medical and surgical education.

This pathway includes:

• Completion of a recognised medical degree.
• Several years of general surgical training.
• Specialist surgical training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
• Ongoing continuing professional development and peer review.

Patients can verify a surgeon’s registration and qualifications on the AHPRA public register.

Cosmetic Surgery and Other Practitioners

The term “cosmetic surgeon” is not a recognised specialist title under Australian law.

Doctors from various medical backgrounds — such as general practice or dermatology — may perform cosmetic procedures if they hold general registration and meet safety and facility standards.

However, these practitioners may not have completed the full specialist surgical training accredited by RACS.

For this reason, patients are encouraged to confirm the specific training, experience and registration of any practitioner before undergoing a cosmetic or surgical procedure.

Key Differences Between Plastic or Facial Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons

Below are the main distinctions between the two categories:

1. Training Pathway
   • Plastic and facial plastic surgeons complete accredited specialist training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
   • Cosmetic surgeons may have undertaken shorter courses or training programs that are not part of RACS specialist qualifications.
2. Protected Title
   • Only practitioners with FRACS certification may lawfully use the title surgeon in Australia.
   • Practitioners without FRACS cannot use the protected title surgeon under the National Law.
3. Scope of Practice
   • Plastic and facial plastic surgeons often perform reconstructive and functional procedures, as well as aesthetic surgeries involving the face, head and neck.
   • Cosmetic surgeons may focus on elective aesthetic procedures, depending on their individual background and skills.
4. Regulatory Oversight
   • FRACS-qualified surgeons are regulated by the Medical Board of Australia, AHPRA, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
   • Cosmetic practitioners are regulated under general medical registration and must operate within facility licensing standards set by Australian health authorities.

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

Before undergoing any procedure, patients should:

• Verify their practitioner’s registration and specialty via the AHPRA public register.
• Ask if the practitioner holds FRACS and in which specialty.
• Discuss the risks, recovery process, and alternative options.
• Ensure that the procedure will take place in a licensed hospital or accredited day surgery facility that meets Australian safety standards.

Taking these steps helps ensure informed decision-making and appropriate care.

About Dr Shahidi

Dr Shahram Shahidi

BSC(MED)(HON I) MB BS(SYD) FRACS FAAFPS

MED0001167352

Specialist Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat) – Head and Neck Surgeon

Member, Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr Shahidi is an Australian-trained FRACS-qualified ENT surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in nasal and facial surgery.

He performs procedures at accredited hospitals and day surgery facilities in Sydney.

During consultation, he reviews each patient’s anatomy and medical history, explains risks and recovery, and discusses suitable treatment options.

Disclaimer:

All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. Individual results vary.

Before proceeding, patients are encouraged to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.