Changing your fingerprints

Is it really illegal to change your fingerprints in certain cases? Or should it basically be considered cosmetic surgery like boob implants and a face lift.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/world/2011/02/11/doctor-performed-surgery-to-change-people-s-fingerprints

Or is the reason this doctor was charged,was because he was practicing without a license.