FAQs

 

 

Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.

Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumours or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

 

 

 

No-one knows exactly how much cosmetic surgery is being performed in Australia, as national statistics for the industry are not collected at this time. This is partly due to the fact that so many different practitioners perform cosmetic surgery, ranging from plastic surgeons to cosmetic doctors and dermatologists.

 

The last time anybody tried to put a figure on it was during the New South Wales government Inquiry into Cosmetic Surgery in 1999. However it is generally accepted that there has been a rise in the past 10 years.

 

 

 

While some doctors may collect statistics for their individual practices, there are no national statistics for plastic surgery available at this time.

 

 

 

There are no regulations governing surgical fees. Costs vary widely and depend on the complexity of the operation, where the surgery takes place and which anaesthetic is administered. A plastic surgeon can provide approximate surgical fees only. Anaesthetist and hospital fees are additional.

 

As a rule, cosmetic plastic surgery is considered elective surgery and is not covered by most insurance plans. Reconstructive surgery is generally covered by Medicare and most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage vary.

 

Some operations that have a significant functional aspect - such as breast reduction, if the weight of your breasts causes pain or interferes with normal activities - may be considered reconstructive rather than cosmetic.

 

Never choose a doctor solely on the basis of lower cost. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that patients check that the doctor they choose is a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon who is trained to perform the procedure they want.

 

 

 

Members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have recognised training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and operate to the highest standards. Member surgeons operate only in accredited surgical facilities, adhere to a strict code of ethics, and regularly attend continuing medical education courses.

 

Look for the letters FRACS after a doctor’s name. This means that they meet the standards of surgical training set by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). The RACS is the only accredited surgical training college in Australia.

 

You can also check that a doctor is a specialist in plastic surgery by calling the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons’ information hotline on 1300 367 446 or by clicking on the ‘Surgeon Search’ button at www.plasticsurgery.org.au

 

 

 

Cosmetic plastic surgery, like all surgery, has risks. Plastic surgeons perform thousands of successful operations each week, but as with any type of surgery, a patient can have an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic or be affected by postoperative complications. These problems can occur even when the surgeon has performed the operation with the utmost skill.

 

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that anyone considering cosmetic surgery consult a fully qualified practitioner. The consultation is an opportunity for a patient to ask questions and for the plastic surgeon to explain the risks of a particular procedure. Informed consent is an important part of any surgical treatment.