Cosmetic Surgery in Cyprus: How It Works, Costs and How to Choose a Surgeon

Cyprus has experienced plastic surgeons, well-equipped private hospitals and a growing number of visitors who come for treatment. Here is how cosmetic surgery works on the island, how to check a surgeon, what GESY does and doesn't do, and what to watch out for. This guide is general information only: always discuss your own case with a qualified doctor.

Who can perform cosmetic surgery in Cyprus?

Every doctor who practises in the Republic of Cyprus must be registered in the Cyprus Medical Register, which is kept by the Cyprus Medical Council at the Ministry of Health under the Medical Registration Law (Cap. 250). The Council also recognises specialty titles, so a doctor who calls themselves a plastic surgeon should hold a plastic surgery specialty title recognised in Cyprus.

On top of registration, the Pancyprian Medical Association (CyMA) issues the licence to practise medicine, based on the Medical Council's records of the doctor's qualifications. Private hospitals are overseen by the Ministry of Health's superintendent of private hospitals.

In practice, look for a specialist plastic surgeon who operates in a licensed hospital or clinic.

How do you check a surgeon's registration?

1. Get the surgeon's full name and specialty in writing, as it appears on their registration.
2. Check with the Cyprus Medical Council. You can contact the Council at medicalcouncil@moh.gov.cy to ask whether a doctor is registered and which specialty title is recognised.
3. Look at the hospital's own doctor pages. Private hospitals list their plastic surgeons and their specialty on their websites (see the table below).
4. Ask where the operation will take place and check that it is a hospital or licensed clinic, not an office or a hotel room.
5. Be wary of visiting doctors. As of December 2025, some practitioners from abroad visit only occasionally, which can leave patients with no follow-up if complications arise.

Which hospitals offer plastic surgery?

These hospitals offer plastic surgery (October 2026); the list is in no particular order.

In the public system, the Plastic Surgery Clinic and Burns Unit at Nicosia General Hospital is the only public clinic of its kind on the island. It takes referrals from all state hospitals and treats reconstruction after cancer surgery (including breast reconstruction after mastectomy), burns, skin cancer and congenital conditions. It has an online appointment request.

Does GESY cover cosmetic surgery?

GESY, the General Healthcare System run by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO), is built around medically necessary care. As a rule, GESY inpatient care covers all medically necessary inpatient services except cosmetic surgery. If your procedure has a medical reason (for example reconstruction after an accident, cancer or burns), ask your personal doctor about a referral and check with the HIO. Our GESY guide explains how referrals work.

If you have private health insurance, read the policy wording on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, and on treating complications, before you book.

How much does cosmetic surgery cost?

Hospitals in Cyprus do not publish prices for cosmetic surgery. The total usually depends on the surgeon's fee, the anaesthetist, the hospital stay, implants or materials, and follow-up visits. Ask for a written, itemised quote that says what is included, what happens if you need a revision, and how complications are handled.

What happens at the consultation?

Use the consultation to judge the surgeon as much as the procedure. Useful questions:

• Are you a specialist plastic surgeon registered with the Cyprus Medical Council?
• How often do you perform this procedure, and can I see before-and-after photos of your own patients?
• Where will the operation take place, and who gives the anaesthetic?
• What are the main risks for me, and what results are realistic?
• How long will I need to stay in Cyprus, and when are the follow-up appointments?
• Who do I call at night or at the weekend if something goes wrong?

Don't let anyone push you to decide on the day.

Recovery, aftercare and travelling for surgery

Recovery depends on the procedure, so follow your surgeon's written instructions. Before surgery, find out how long you'll be off work or unable to drive, which follow-up appointments you need, and the emergency number to call. Ask for a copy of your operation notes and any implant details.

If you're coming from abroad, plan for the whole recovery: ask how long you should stay before flying, book accommodation near the hospital, arrange follow-up with a doctor at home and check whether your travel insurance covers complications from planned surgery.

Red flags to watch for

• No clear answer about the surgeon's specialty or registration.
• Prices that seem far below other quotes, or pressure to pay a deposit straight away.
• "Package" offers sold by agents with no direct consultation with the surgeon.
• Procedures done outside a hospital or licensed clinic.
• No plan for aftercare or follow-up.

How to complain if something goes wrong

1. Raise it with the hospital or clinic first, in writing, and keep copies of your records.
2. Patients' rights complaint committees in each district investigate complaints about both public and private healthcare.
3. The Patients' Advocate, set up by law and first appointed in October 2025, handles complaints about public and private healthcare, inside and outside GESY.
4. Report suspected unlicensed practitioners to the Pancyprian Medical Association, which refers cases to the authorities, or to the police.

What to do next

Shortlist two or three registered plastic surgeons, book consultations and compare written quotes. For non-surgical treatments such as Botox and fillers, read our guide to Botox, fillers and aesthetic clinics in Cyprus. For everyday healthcare, see our GESY guide and our health and safety tips.