FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons in Cairns, 2026

Yes. Every surgeon listed in this guide is confirmed on the AHPRA Specialist Register as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS qualification). We do NOT list cosmetic doctors, GPs with cosmetic training, or members of any non-AHPRA-recognised "cosmetic surgeon" body. You can verify any practitioner's registration directly at ahpra.gov.au/registration/registers-of-practitioners.aspx.

Pricing varies dramatically by procedure and surgeon: breast augmentation typically $11,000-$20,000 all-inclusive, rhinoplasty $15,000-$25,000, facelift $20,000-$35,000, abdominoplasty $15,000-$25,000. Most listed surgeons quote individual prices only after an in-person consultation, which itself typically costs $200-$500. We've shown each surgeon's published consultation fee where available; procedure-level pricing is not industry standard to publish publicly.

In Australia, "Specialist Plastic Surgeon" is a protected legal title that requires 12+ years of training including a 5-year RACS plastic surgery program (FRACS qualification). "Cosmetic surgeon" is NOT a recognised AHPRA specialty - any registered medical practitioner can use that label after a short course. Following 2023 Medical Board reforms, advertising rules now strongly favour FRACS surgeons. For elective surgery, prefer FRACS-qualified specialists who operate at accredited hospitals.

Australian plastic surgeons strongly advise against overseas cosmetic surgery (particularly Thailand, Turkey and Eastern Europe), citing higher complication rates, no follow-up care, harder access to revision surgery, and complications often requiring expensive Medicare-funded treatment back home. Reputable Australian surgeons offer payment plans (TLC Medical, MediPay) which often work out cheaper than the all-in cost of overseas surgery once flights, accommodation, recovery time, and complication insurance are factored in.

No. "Plastic surgeon" is a protected medical specialty requiring 12+ years of training and FRACS qualification. "Cosmetic surgeon" was an unregulated title that anyone with a basic medical degree could use. Since 2023 Medical Board reforms, only FRACS-qualified specialists can use protected titles. If a doctor calls themselves a "cosmetic surgeon" but isn't FRACS qualified, they have substantially less training in surgical safety, complication management, and reconstructive techniques.

Search the AHPRA register at ahpra.gov.au — type their name and check their specialty registration shows "Specialist Plastic Surgery". Also check the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons directory (plasticsurgery.org.au) which only lists FRACS members. Verify their hospital privileges (legitimate plastic surgeons operate at accredited hospitals, not just office-based clinics). Check Australian regulators, not international ones — overseas qualifications don't automatically translate to Australian standards.

Following 2023 Medical Board of Australia reforms, all cosmetic surgery patients must observe a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period between consultation and booking surgery (or 3 months for under-18s). This applies whether you see a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic doctor. Patients also must receive a referral from their GP for cosmetic procedures. These rules exist to prevent high-pressure sales tactics that were common in the cosmetic surgery industry.

Medicare covers reconstructive plastic surgery (post-cancer, congenital, post-trauma) but NOT purely cosmetic procedures. Private health insurance covers procedures with an MBS item number (which excludes most cosmetic work). Procedures with mixed indications (rhinoplasty for breathing AND cosmetic, breast reduction for back pain, eyelid surgery for vision impairment) may attract partial rebates if you meet eligibility criteria. Discuss with your surgeon and Medicare/insurer beforehand.