“Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery” has been a recognised specialist medical title since 2005, when “aesthetic surgeon” was added to the original title of “plastic surgeon” in order to reflect the holder’s additional training in the area of aesthetic surgery. Becoming a plastic and aesthetic surgeon requires at least six years of additional medical training: after completing a degree in human medicine and receiving their medical license, physicians undergo two years of basic surgical training followed by four years of specialist training in plastic and aesthetic surgery, plus an optional year in another specialty related to surgery, anaesthesiology, gynaecology, or pathology. By the end of this training, the physician will have personally performed more than 600 procedures under the guidance of an experienced specialist. Physicians must demonstrate this comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical experience through a state medical board exam before being officially awarded the title of Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Though “cosmetic surgeon” is a commonly used term, it is not protected and in no way reflects a particular doctor’s professional qualifications. As such, when choosing a medical professional to consult regarding an aesthetic-plastic procedure, it is important to note that “Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery” is the only state-approved, trustworthy designation.
