How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon in Australia

Start with people you trust

Ask people you know who have had plastic surgery about their experiences. Word-of-mouth can be very helpful. You can also look at community forums and Google reviews, but interpret them with care: research on online reviews shows that people who post are not a representative sample — ratings cluster at the extremes because people are far more likely to write a review when they are either delighted or upset (the so-called "brag and moan" effect). The average rating may say little about the typical patient's experience.

I strongly recommend speaking with your regular GP. Your GP knows you well and may be able to recommend a surgeon they believe would be a good fit for your situation and personality. For cosmetic surgery, a GP referral is now also a requirement before your consultation.

Check the credentials that matter

It is essential to confirm that your surgeon is a FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. The Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the recognised specialist surgical training pathway in Australia. For cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, it is also highly desirable that they are a member of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) — ASAPS members are board-certified Specialist Plastic Surgeons who have undertaken further training specifically in aesthetic surgery.

Be aware that in Australia the title “surgeon” is now legally protected. Since 2023, only doctors with accredited specialist surgical training — such as Specialist Plastic Surgeons — can call themselves a surgeon. This change was made to protect patients, and it makes checking credentials more straightforward than it used to be.

You can easily verify a surgeon’s credentials on the official ASPS (plasticsurgery.org.au) and ASAPS (aestheticplasticsurgeons.org.au) websites. It is also wise to check the AHPRA register (ahpra.gov.au) to confirm their specialist registration and ensure there are no restrictions or conditions against their name.

Pay attention to how the consultation feels

When you meet the surgeon, notice how the consultation feels. You should never feel rushed. Your questions should be answered clearly, and you should leave feeling fully informed about both the benefits and the risks of surgery. A good surgeon will be honest with you about whether your goals are realistic — and will tell you if surgery is not the right option for you.

Looking at before and after photos can be helpful, but treat them with caution. Galleries are usually curated, and showing only the very best outcomes can be misleading — everyone’s skin, genetics and healing are different, so your result will be unique to you. This is one of the reasons I prefer not to rely on generic before and after images on my own website: I would rather show you relevant, realistic examples and discuss what is achievable for you, in person at your consultation.

Trust your instincts

Ultimately, choosing a plastic surgeon is very personal. You need to feel comfortable, heard, and confident in the person who will be performing your surgery. If you don’t feel that connection with a surgeon, seek a second opinion — any good surgeon will support you in doing so.