The Difference Between a Doctor and a Plastic Surgeon: Are You Having Surgery With a Qualified Plastic Surgeon?

Understanding the Misconceptions: Cosmetic Surgeon vs Plastic Surgeon

The distinction between a cosmetic doctor and a plastic surgeon may not be clear to many, with nearly 3 in 5 women unsure of the difference.

This lack of awareness can lead to choosing a less qualified surgeon for aesthetic procedures. A Harris Poll conducted for RealSelf in the US found that this confusion is widespread, with many patients unclear about the credentials necessary for a qualified surgeon to perform their cosmetic surgery. This confusion extends to Australia as well, with patients often misinterpreting a surgeon’s qualifications.

Identifying a Genuine Plastic Surgeon

When selecting a surgeon, it is crucial to understand the significant differences in training and qualifications. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Training

Specialist Plastic Surgeons undergo 8-12 years of additional surgical training after medical school. In contrast, cosmetic doctors might only possess basic medical degrees yet are permitted to perform cosmetic surgeries.

2. Qualifications:

Specialist plastic surgeons are Fellows of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). They are highly trained specialists, consistently updated with advancements in their field, and have undergone rigorous board examinations by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Look for the title FRACS (Plastic Surgery) to verify their qualifications.

3. Safety

A Specialist Plastic Surgeon prioritises safety above all. They belong to peak bodies and industry organisations that require them to uphold extremely high codes of conduct and professional development in order to maintain their membership. Importantly, they have the required training, credentials and expertise to obtain practising rights at major private and public hospitals. If you are having your cosmetic surgery with a non plastic surgeon, they will not have the same admitting rights, which may impact the quality of the hospitals where your procedure can be performed and whether or not you can be admitted to an appropriately equipped hospital should you require specialised inpatient postoperative care.

Remember: Verify that your surgeon is certified by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons by looking for the title Specialist Plastic Surgeon (MBBS FRACS Plastic Surgery).

Distinguishing Between Plastic Surgeon and Cosmetic Surgeon

Knowledge is power, and never is this more important than when it comes to making informed decisions about your body. For more information about specialist plastic surgeons and how to verify their qualifications, explore the following resources:

– Learn how to check your surgeon’s qualifications.
– Discover more about Specialist Surgeons.
– Confirm if your surgeon is a Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
– Read about patient safety and surgeon qualifications.

About Dr. David Sharp:

Dr. David Sharp is an experienced specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane, with a special interest in breast, body and facial cosmetic surgery.

With over two decades of experience in medicine, Dr. Sharp has performed over 20,000 surgical procedures in Australia and has an established surgical and non surgical practice in Brisbane.

Read more about Dr Sharp's credentials and expertise here. 

For more information and to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Sharp, please contact our patient support team at 3202 4744 or visit our online booking request form here.

This information is intended for general knowledge and should not replace personalised advice from your surgeon. Always consult with your surgeon for individual care.