Like every industry, cosmetic surgery has a language all its own. For the most part, it’s not essential that you understand all the technical terms. You can always ask your doctor to explain things to you in everyday language.
That being said, cosmetic medical acronyms can help guide you in
- Finding the right doctor or surgeon
- Choosing a safe product
Let’s start with the acronyms of organisations that set the standards for the cosmetic surgery industry.
Australian Organisations for Cosmetic Surgery
In both Australia and New Zealand, independent standards bodies oversee medical education and training. Surgeons who are aligned with professional organisations such as the ones listed below are bound by a code of conduct and ethics.
This helps ensure the best possible outcomes for patients like you.
- ACCS – The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery – The ACCS dedicates itself to raising standards and protecting patients. Its primary goal is to ensure the safe provision of cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgical procedures to the Australian general community through the supply of appropriately trained and certified health care practitioners
Members of this not-for-profit, multi-disciplinary fellowship-based body are cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, dermatologists, ear nose and throat surgeons, ophthalmologists and other doctors and health care practitioners who practice cosmetic medicine and surgery for men and women.
- ASAPS – Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – The Society’s primary objectives are the advancement of education in, and the practice of, aesthetic plastic surgery. The ASAPS works to promote an interchange of knowledge for the advancement of Aesthetic Plastic surgery among suitably qualified surgeons
All members of the ASAPS are registered in either New Zealand or Australia with their respective medical boards as specialists in plastic and reconstructive Surgery and maintain a specialist interest in cosmetic surgery.
- ASCM – Australian Society of Cosmetic Medicine – The ASCM promotes the advancement of cosmetic medicine by providing a forum for expression of professional opinion on cosmetic medicine activities.
The overall objective of the society’s training program is to produce medical practitioners who are safe, skilled and competent in the management of all aspects of aesthetic medicine.
- ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons – The main goal of the ASPS is to protect the integrity of plastic surgery as a specialty and provide the highest quality plastic surgery care to all Australians.
ASPS members are specialist plastic surgeons, both reconstructive and cosmetic. They are governed by the ASPS Code of Practice, which provides specific guidance on professional excellence, ethics, and behaviour.
- CPSA – Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia – The CPSA provides the public with up-to-date information about cosmetic medicine and helps consumers locate qualified doctors who specialise in non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
In order to be admitted to the CPSA, cosmetic professionals must meet relevant training and experience prerequisites, and it is a condition of membership that doctors keep abreast of the latest medical and scientific advances.
- RACS – Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – The RACS is a non-profit organisation that trains surgeons and maintains surgical standards in Australia and New Zealand. Its major activities are surgical training and examination, setting standards for surgical practice, continuing professional development and government and media relations.