The newly formed Australian and New Zealand Board of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery (ANZBCPS) is aiming to eliminate confusion for cosmetic surgery patients by providing a ‘tick of approval’ for eligible specialist plastic surgeons.
Surgeons who participate in the ‘Board Certified Program’ can use the title ‘ANZBCPS Board Certified’, signalling to cosmetic surgery patients that the surgeon not only has the qualifications and expertise required but also adhere to a stringent program of quality and safety annually. This includes mandatory compliance with the cosmetic surgery-specific continuing professional development (CPD) set by the Australian medical regulator, AHPRA.
44% of consumers lack trust in online sources for choosing a surgeon
The launch of the Board Certified Program aligns with recent ANZBCPS research highlighting a concerning lack of patient confidence in selecting a cosmetic surgeon based on online information.
The research, conducted in January 2025 found that almost 3 in 5 people surveyed (58%) faced challenges in finding the right surgeon, and 44% of all respondents lacked trust in online sources that would help them choose the right surgeon.
Additionally, 1 in 4 (27%) respondents were unsure about who is legally allowed to perform cosmetic surgery in Australia. The survey also revealed that 37% need more confidence in the information guiding their choice of surgeon.
‘To learn that this is the state of affairs nearly two years since the cosmetic surgery regulations were introduced following the ‘cosmetic cowboys’ exposé is very disappointing. As long as there is a lack of public confidence in understanding the qualifications and experience of cosmetic surgeons, there is the potential for patient safety to be compromised,’ said Dr Lily Vrtik, President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
‘Making an informed choice is a fundamental requisite for safe surgery,” she said. “I am alarmed at the lack of consumer confidence in the information. It is disheartening to note the frustrations and confusion of consumers trying to verify a surgeon’s expertise.’
How to become an ANZBCPS Board Certified surgeon
You are eligible to apply to join ANZBCPS Board Certification if you:
✔ Successfully awarded FRACS following accredited plastic surgery training
✔ Registered as a specialist in the recognised speciality of plastic surgery by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) or the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
✔ Membership of good standing on ASAPS or ASPS or NZAPS
✔ Involved in the practice of cosmetic surgery
✔ Complete the CPD of RACS
✔ Nominate RACS as CPD home
✔ Complete cosmetic surgery specific CPD as specified by the board
Patients can search for an ANZBCPS board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon at boardcertified.org.au.
Board Certification by ANZBCPS is available to eligible members of ASAPS, ASPS and NZAPS. Applications can be completed on the ANZBCPS website.
