What is Board Certified in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Australia?

For many years, Specialist Plastic Surgeons have had to educate the public about the difference in their training compared to other doctors who perform cosmetic surgery. The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery was established in 1978 and has since been the peak body for cosmetic plastic surgery in Australia and New Zealand. Despite this long-standing expertise in cosmetic plastic surgery training and education, it has been difficult for Specialist Plastic Surgeons to cut through the noise from non-surgeons who wish to perform cosmetic surgery. It is my opinion that the use of aesthetic rather than cosmetic in the title of the society in 1978 was a mistake, and contributed to confusion of the public as to whom is adequately trained in cosmetic plastic surgery.

The amendment to Federal Health Laws regarding cosmetic surgery on 1^st July 2023 created the concept of ‘endorsement’ for cosmetic surgery. This has been poorly defined and leaves potential for doctors to become ‘endorsed’ to perform cosmetic surgery by AHPRA even if they are not surgeons and cannot use ‘surgeon’ in their title. I mean, WTAF??

This has led to the introduction of the Australian & New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery (ANZBCPS) in January 2025. ‘Board Certified by ANZBCPS’ is a further step in helping the public understand how to choose a specialist surgeon who is properly trained and experienced in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Who can become Board Certified in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Australia?

At its inception in January 2025, the pre-requisites for Board Certification by the Australian and New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery are: –

1. Specialist Plastic Surgeon (and therefore also Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgery in the Plastic Surgery field) as recognised by AHPRA
2. Member of Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
3. Evidence of training and current practice in cosmetic plastic surgery
4. Evidence of continuing medical education in cosmetic plastic surgery
5. Specialist plastic surgeons who meet the board’s standards of ethical and evidence-based practice

At the time of writing this page (February 2025), Board Certification will be achieved yearly, and that means we’ll all need to change logos on our websites etc yearly. Please be patient with me and other colleagues who might be slow to update each year about this time.

Is this different to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in the USA?

Although ‘board certified’ is borrowing terminology from the US system, it is different. In the USA, doctors are selected to enter plastic surgery training through a competitive process. Once they complete the required training duration, they become ‘Board Eligible’. They then need to pass an exam to become ‘Board Certified’. In Australia & New Zealand, surgeons do not complete their training until the exit exam is successfully completed.

Is Dr Gavin Sandercoe Board Certified by the Australian & New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

Yes. I will not be advertising with personalised social media tiles at this stage – I’m used to being behind the camera, not in front of it.