If you are contemplating surgery, it is crucial that you carefully research your doctor before committing to any surgical procedure.  The first question you should ask during a consultation for a plastic surgery procedure is, ‘Are you a Plastic Surgeon?’ While a doctor may list several cosmetic surgery societies they belong to in order to appear reputable, many of the societies are not a reliable indicator of education or experience. Only recognized plastic surgeons can join the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons. If they do not list this society and are referring to themselves as a cosmetic surgeon, they are most likely not a plastic surgeon. There are even cases where non plastic surgeons referencing themselves as plastic surgeons will turn up under “plastic surgery” in a Yellow Pages online search. 

Unfortunately, there are currently no regulations stipulating minimum training or education levels in order to advertise and perform cosmetic surgery in Canada.  This means it is critically important for the patient to educate themselves about the doctors they’re considering for their cosmetic procedure.    

There are provinces in Canada where a doctor who is licensed to practice “medicine”, is not prevented from performing ‘cosmetic surgery’. The reality of this is a doctor who has virtually no surgical training presents themselves to the public as a cosmetic surgeon, performing even the most invasive plastic surgery procedures. Would you trust your family physician to perform your liposuction or give you a new nose? It is for this reason that is extremely important you research the credentials of your surgeon before undergoing any surgery.

In order to become a plastic surgeon, five years of intense plastic surgery training must be completed after obtaining a medical degree. By choosing a plastic surgeon over a cosmetic surgeon, you’re guaranteed the surgeon performing your operation has undergone extensive plastic and reconstructive surgery training and residency as well as having passed multiple comprehensive written and oral examinations.

While some provinces do have regulations in place that prevent non plastic surgeons from performing these invasive procedures, you can only be sure by researching your surgeon. Using the search guidelines below, you can confirm the specialty of any Canadian doctor.