Founded in 1970, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Inc (ASPS) is the oldest and largest peak body for Specialist Plastic Surgeons (both reconstructive and cosmetic). We represent 93% of Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Australia. Our main role is to protect the integrity of plastic surgery as a specialty. Our mission is to provide the highest quality plastic surgery care to all Australians by:

• Administering the AMC accredited Surgical Education and Training (SET) Program for all Specialist Plastic Surgeons
• Producing scientific conferences and courses
• Upholding ethical and professional standards
• Promoting public education about reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures

Membership criteria are stringent. All ASPS members hold a specialist qualification from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) which is the only College for specialist surgical training accredited by both Australian and New Zealand Governments through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and New Zealand Medical Council (NZMC), respectively. Members of ASPS have undertaken a minimum of 12 years medical and surgical education, including at least 5 years of specialist postgraduate training, and are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

ASPS 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book 

This beautifully produced, hardcover book celebrates the the Society’s 50th Anniversary. It looks at the creation of the Society and the roles the ASPS and its’ members have played in Australian life over this time.

If you would like to purchase a copy of this book ($30.00AUD incl. postage) please contact the ASPS office on +612 9437 9200 or info@plasticsurgery.org.au

ASPS Grant of Arms

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons received its Grant of Arms on August 12, 1976, following formal proceedings with the College of Arms in London. The design was finalised after detailed negotiations, and it includes a shield, crest, supporters, and badge symbolizing the field of plastic surgery.

The Arms: The shield features a unique design with alternating carnation and sanguine stripes, symbolizing surgical tools like the skin hook, skin graft knife, and the Rod of Aesculapius. A golden phoenix with a blue seven-pointed star forms the crest, representing regeneration and rejuvenation in surgery.

The Supporters: On the left, an aged Hindu figure, Sushruta (an ancient Indian surgeon known for his pioneering operations and techniques) holds a scroll representing ancient surgical practices. On the right, a bearded man, Gaspari Tagliacozzi (an Italian surgeon and pioneer of plastic and reconstructive surgery) holds a staff made of mimosa and rose, symbolizing modern plastic surgery techniques.

The Badge: A simplified version of the phoenix head with the same colours as the shield is used for recognition and marking.

The motto, “CORPORE MENS MELIOR REFECTO” means “the mind is better when the body has been restored,” aligning with the Society’s focus on healing and renewal.

This Grant of Arms represents the Society’s dedication to the history and future of plastic surgery, integrating ancient and modern practices symbolically in a heraldic form.