Practitioner title checker
Some titles used in cosmetic practice are restricted by law and some are not. Choose a title to see who may use it and what the Ahpra public register shows.
Check a title
Restricted by law
Cosmetic surgeon
A doctor may be called a cosmetic surgeon only if they hold specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, or ophthalmology. Cosmetic surgery is not a recognised medical specialty.
- Who may use it
- Medical practitioners with specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, or ophthalmology. Not doctors with general registration and not specialist GPs.
- Check on the register
- Specialist registration with the specialty Surgery, Obstetrics and gynaecology, or Ophthalmology.
- Basis
- National Law s115A (in force from 20 September 2023; NSW, SA and WA by state legislation, WA from 14 May 2024). The rule applies to 'surgeon' with or without other words. Medical Board FAQ: a cosmetic surgery endorsement does not allow a doctor to call themselves a cosmetic surgeon.
A summary of the law and regulator guidance, not legal advice.
What the Ahpra register shows
Under section 225 of the National Law the public register lists, for each registered practitioner: profession and division, registration type (general or specialist), recognised specialty, endorsements, conditions, undertakings, reprimands and suspension, principal place of practice and registration number. Search by name, profession, suburb or postcode. A person who does not appear is not registered as a health practitioner.