While you have probably come across the terms Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery used interchangeably, the same should not be the case for Cosmetic Surgeon and Plastic Surgeon. Confused?  We're not surprised. In fact any doctor, even newly qualified, or a GP, can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, despite having no formal postgraduate surgical training. On the other hand you cannot call yourself a Plastic Surgeon unless you have completed recognised training in Plastic Surgery. The easiest way to confirm this is to check your surgeon's General Medical Council (GMC) registration and verify that it includes admission to the specialist register in plastic surgery.