What Does the Title of Specialist Plastic Surgeon Mean?

If you’ve been researching surgery options, you’ve probably noticed that some surgeons hold the title of Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Importantly, unlike some other common titles, the term refers to a surgeon who has completed extensive medical and surgical training, recognised and regulated under Australian law.

Essentially, the title reflects a defined level of education, formal recognition, and registration. In this blog, we’ll explore what it actually means in the Australian context, and how it differs from other terms you might come across.

What is the training pathway to become a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Australia?

To be recognised as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Australia, a minimum of 12 years of education is required, which includes at least five years of specialist postgraduate training in plastic surgery.

Typically, surgeons start with an undergraduate or postgraduate medical degree before moving onto an internship and a surgical residency. They will then undertake a number of years in a non-accredited plastic surgery or accredited general surgical training program to give them a solid foundation of managing surgical patients in multiple settings, before applying to the very competitive specialised plastic surgery training program. Approximately 10 trainees are accepted on the program each year, which extends across both Australia and New Zealand.

Once accepted onto the Plastic Surgery program, trainees complete their training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to become a Fellow in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FRACS Plast), which allows them to use the title of Specialist Plastic Surgeon. This training is extremely rigorous and demanding over no less than a five year period, and covers all areas of plastic surgery – including reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. It involves rotations through different hospitals and clinics to gain extensive experience, exposure and operating time. Comprehensive written and clinical examinations must be passed, as well as attaining high levels of attainment in clinical competencies, including research, leadership, health advocacy, and technical ability must be achieved.

After being awarded the prestigious FRACS (Plast) degree, some Specialist Plastic Surgeons elect to undertake further training in areas of interest in centres of excellence around the world. Dr Jeremy Richardson was the Senior Plastic Surgery Clinical Fellow in Oxford, United Kingdom, where he undertook further training in cleft lip and palate, head and neck, and breast surgery; prior to undertaking further cosmetic (aesthetic) training in Harley Street, London, and Salisbury. To complete his fellowship, Dr Jeremy Richardson joined a team, performing cleft lip and palate surgery in Pakistan.

Cosmetic Surgeon vs Specialist Plastic Surgeon

When you’re searching for surgeons, it’s important to know the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

Whilst only doctors who have completed Australian Medical Council (AMC) recognised training can call themselves a “Surgeon”, the term “cosmetic surgeon” is not regulated in Australia. That means any doctor who has a general medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), even without specialist surgical qualifications, can call themselves a “cosmetic surgeon”. This includes GPs or doctors with experience only in non-surgical cosmetic treatments who then move into offering cosmetic procedures, like breast augmentation or liposuction.

Since there’s no formal training or recognised qualification required to use the term “cosmetic surgeon,” it doesn’t tell you much about the surgeon’s background, training, or surgical experience. This is very different from a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, who has undergone years of accredited surgical training.

It’s important that patients know these differences before choosing a surgeon, as the level of training and surgical experience can vary quite significantly depending on the title.

What procedures do Specialist Plastic Surgeons perform?

Specialist Plastic Surgeons are trained across both reconstructive and cosmetic (aesthetic) surgery.

Reconstructive surgery includes procedures like skin grafts, microsurgery, and surgery for trauma injuries or post-cancer reconstruction. These procedures are medically necessary and may be performed in both public and private hospital settings.

On the cosmetic side, Specialist Plastic Surgeons may perform procedures such as rhinoplasty, breast reduction, abdominoplasty, and facelifts. These procedures require a solid understanding of anatomy, surgical technique, and the ability to manage complex cases, including revisions or complications from previous surgeries.

Specialist Plastic Surgeons are trained to assess and manage tissue quality, vascular supply, and the patient’s healing, and employ both cosmetic and reconstructive techniques in their surgical approach to obtain a reliable and the best result possible.

How is the title regulated in Australia?

The use of the term “Specialist Plastic Surgeon” is regulated by AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia.

Only doctors who have completed their Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through RACS can use this title. It is listed on their AHPRA registration, and patients can check this information online by searching the surgeon’s name on the AHPRA website.

At the same time, not every FRACS surgeon is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. FRACS is awarded across different surgical specialties, such as general surgery, ear nose and throat (ENT) and other specialist areas, which is why it’s always important to check that the surgeon’s specialty is specifically in Plastic Surgery.

Why training matters when it comes to complex procedures

The level of surgical training a Specialist Plastic Surgeon undergoes means they are equipped with the skills to address more than just the procedure.

Specialist Plastic Surgeons are trained to deal with unexpected outcomes, anatomical variations, complications during surgery, and complex revision cases. Sometimes, patients may be referred to a Specialist Plastic Surgeon after complications occur from a procedure that was performed elsewhere, particularly when the initial procedure was performed by someone without formal surgical training.

Seeing a surgeon with this background can also make a difference when it comes to assessing what is physically possible or appropriate for a patient’s body. For example, they can assess whether or not the tissue can support an implant, whether certain areas may need additional support, or whether combining procedures would be suitable. These kinds of decisions rely heavily on surgical knowledge that comes from proper training and experience.

What to expect when meeting with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon

When you book a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, your consultation will usually involve a detailed assessment of your medical history, a physical examination, and a discussion of your goals and expectations.

With your expectations made clear, your surgeon can then explain what kind of results are possible to achieve with the procedure.

They will then also go through the steps involved with the surgery, where incisions are likely to be placed, and what the healing process will involve. You’ll also be informed of the procedure’s risks, and discuss the steps you can take to help minimise them.

Overall, the purpose of meeting with your surgeon beforehand is to assess your individual suitability, discuss what you would like to achieve, cover the details of the procedure and help you make an informed decision.

Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson

After undergoing the important years of training and experience, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Richardson regularly performs cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in Melbourne.

Dr Richardson has international fellowship training and has gained a specific interest in facial cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including facelifts (rhytidectomy / meloplasty), brow lifts, neck lifts (cervicoplasty), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), lip lift, fat grafting and rhinoplasty. With his vast skillset and experience, he also performs procedures on the breasts, body and skin.

If you would like to have a consultation with Dr Jeremy Richardson, please get in touch with our team. You can request a consultation or submit an enquiry on our website, or you can call or email us if you have any questions.