How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon in Australia

Choosing a plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions a patient will make, and it is a decision that deserves time, careful thought, and good information. This page is intended to support that process by explaining what qualifications to look for, what questions are worth asking, and where to find independent information.

In Australia, the title “Specialist Plastic Surgeon” is protected by law, while the title “cosmetic surgeon” is not. Understanding the difference between the two is a helpful first step for any patient considering surgery.

The information that follows is offered to help patients feel confident, prepared, and well informed when meeting any plastic surgeon

Specialist Plastic Surgeon versus cosmetic surgeon

Only doctors who have completed the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) training programme in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are entitled to use the title Specialist Plastic Surgeon. This training typically requires eight to twelve years of post graduate study and supervised surgical practice. Specialist Plastic Surgeons hold Specialist Registration in Surgery (Plastic Surgery) with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and their credentials can be verified on the public register.

The title “cosmetic surgeon” has historically been used by medical practitioners holding general medical registration only, the same level of registration held by a general practitioner (GP). Some have undertaken additional private training in cosmetic procedures, while others have less formal training in this area. AHPRA introduced reforms in 2023 to help patients better understand this distinction, including a new endorsement for approved cosmetic surgery training. The simplest way to confirm a surgeon’s qualifications is the AHPRA register, which is publicly searchable at any time.

Dr Isolde Hertess is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon holding AHPRA Specialist Registration MED0001372020. Her registration can be verified at any time on the public register at ahpra.gov.au

How to verify your surgeon

Every patient is encouraged to independently verify the credentials of any plastic surgeon they are considering, including Dr Hertess. The process takes only a few minutes and is the most reliable form of due diligence available.

1. Check the AHPRA register

Visit the AHPRA public register at ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners and search the surgeon’s name. Confirm that the specialty listed reads “Surgery, Plastic Surgery.” If the entry shows general medical registration only, the practitioner is not a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, regardless of the title used in their advertising.

2. Check membership of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) maintains a public directory of its members. ASPS membership is restricted to Specialist Plastic Surgeons who hold FRACS in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The directory is available at plasticsurgery.org.au/find-a-surgeon.

3. Confirm FRACS through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is the governing body responsible for surgical training in Australia and New Zealand. The Find a Surgeon directory allows patients to confirm Fellowship status and specialty. Available at surgeons.org/Find-a-surgeon.

Patients are warmly invited to verify Dr Hertess’s credentials in the same way. Her AHPRA Specialist Registration number is MED0001372020, and direct links to each of her professional society memberships are provided on the About Dr Hertess page.

Seven points to verify before booking surgery

1. AHPRA Specialist Registration in Surgery (Plastic Surgery)

This is a clear and reliable starting point. A simple search of the surgeon’s name on the AHPRA register will show whether their specialty is listed as “Surgery, Plastic Surgery,” which confirms they hold Specialist Registration. If a different description appears, it can be helpful to ask the surgeon directly about their qualifications and training pathway.

2. FRACS in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery confirms completion of the recognised specialist training pathway. Membership of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) provides a further indicator of peer recognition and ongoing professional standards.

3. The hospital or facility where the surgery is performed

Major plastic surgery should be performed in a licensed, accredited private hospital. Patients are encouraged to ask which hospital, who will administer the anaesthetic (a specialist anaesthetist is the appropriate standard), and what overnight care is available should it be required.

4. Procedure specific experience

Surgical volume is relevant. A surgeon who regularly performs a particular procedure develops a depth of judgement that informs every stage of care. Patients may wish to ask how often the surgeon performs the procedure being considered, and what their complication and revision rates look like.

5. A thorough, unhurried consultation

A good consultation includes a full medical history, an open and honest discussion of what the procedure can and cannot achieve, alternative options, expected recovery, and associated risks. The surgeon, rather than a patient coordinator, should lead this conversation. Patients should never feel pressured to make a decision on the day of consultation, and a thoughtful surgeon will always encourage time to reflect.

6. Transparent costing

A written quotation should set out the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, the hospital fee, the cost of any implants or devices, and follow up care. No additional charges should arise later. Patients are encouraged to ask what is included if a revision becomes necessary and within what timeframe.

7. Ongoing aftercare

Recovery is the stage at which complications, where they arise, are identified and managed. Patients are encouraged to ask how follow up appointments are scheduled, who to contact between appointments, and how long the practice continues to support patients post operatively.

Things to consider before proceeding

The following are observations that experienced patients and clinicians tend to look out for. None of them are reasons to feel alarmed in isolation, but if any appear, they can be a helpful prompt to slow down, ask more questions, or seek a further opinion.

• Feeling pressured to book on the day of consultation.
• Time limited discounts, package deals, or finance prompts presented before clinical details have been fully discussed.
• Difficulty getting clear answers about qualifications, training, or registration.
• Major surgery being proposed in a facility that is not an accredited private hospital.
• A consultation that does not allow time to fully discuss risks, recovery, or revision policy.
• Marketing that focuses heavily on filtered social media imagery rather than clinical information.
• A consultation conducted primarily by sales or administrative staff rather than the surgeon.

Suggested questions for a consultation

A considered consultation welcomes questions. Patients may wish to bring the following:

• Are you a Specialist Plastic Surgeon registered with AHPRA?
• What is your AHPRA registration number?
• How often do you perform this procedure?
• What are the risks specific to my case?
• Where will the surgery take place, and who will administer the anaesthetic?
• What does the total cost include, and what would a revision cost?
• What is the realistic recovery timeline?
• Who do I contact during recovery if I have a concern?
• May I see a range of before and after examples from your own patients?
• What outcomes are not achievable in my case?

The final question is often the most informative. A trustworthy surgeon will answer it directly.

Patients seeking a female Specialist Plastic Surgeon

For some patients, particularly those considering breast surgery, body contouring following significant weight loss, or revision procedures, the option to consult with a female Specialist Plastic Surgeon is an important consideration. Female Specialist Plastic Surgeons remain a minority of the profession in Australia.

Dr Hertess has practised as a female Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon for over
thirty years and offers consultations in a private, unhurried setting.

The value of a second opinion

Seeking a second, or even a third, opinion before proceeding with surgery is a sound and considered step. It allows patients to compare clinical recommendations, costs, and approaches, and to feel confident that the decision being made is the right one.

A Specialist Plastic Surgeon will always support and encourage a patient to seek further opinions. If a patient ever feels that further opinions are being discouraged, or that a decision must be made quickly, it is a good reminder to take more time and speak with another surgeon.

Dr Hertess welcomes patients who wish to consult with her for a second opinion. There is no expectation of proceeding, and the consultation is an opportunity to ask further questions, review previous recommendations, and consider all available options.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

Patients ready to discuss their options with Dr Hertess are welcome to book a consultation or to request a complimentary photo assessment as a first step.