Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What is plastic surgery?

The ‘plastic’ in plastic surgery is derived from greek: "Plastikos". It means to change shape, or to mould. It does not involve the use of plastics during the surgery. The aim of plastic surgery is to change the shape of any part of your body, for cosmetic or functional reasons. It requires specific principles, skills and techniques, and judgement. Plastic surgery is not just about breast augmentations and facelifts, it is more often used to restore and reconstruct areas of the body which has been distorted by cancer, trauma or birth defects. In cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery, it is used to enhance or rejuvenate specific parts of the body.

Plastic surgeons are trained to perform both cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery as well as reconstructive surgery.

 

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery

Is surgery to improve and restore function, to minimize disfigurement and reconstruct structure which was lost due to trauma, disease, cancer or birth defect.

Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery

Is surgery to enhance, or to rejuvenate a specific body part; it is designed to improve a person's appearance by reshaping facial or bodily features.

 

What is the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and a Cosmetic Surgeon?

Plastic surgeons are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), and have undergone an intensive specialist plastic and reconstructive surgical training to perform invasive surgical procedures on top of a full medical school education. FRACS is the standard qualification required in Australia for plastic surgeons to perform surgery in private and public hospitals.

Doctors with just a basic medical degree are not surgeons. From October 2023, by law, only doctors who have undergone specialist training and gained full specialist qualification in surgery are allowed to use the title 'surgeon'. Cosmetic doctors (some call themselves cosmetic 'surgeons' illegally) are not trained for invasive surgical procedures. Unfortunately, in Australia surgically unqualified doctors are allowed to perform cosmetic surgery and use the word 'cosmetic' or 'cosmetic surgery' in their advertising. 

To ensure your surgeon is fully qualified and has extensive surgical training, patients should make sure their surgeon is a FRACS. All members of Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) are FRACS and uphold the highest standard in plastic surgery. Medicare Australia and the Medical Boards recognise all ASPS members as specialist plastic surgeons.

You can check your surgeon's qualifications via: 

 

Are my medical records confidential?

Our practice uses electronic health records. Your medical records are stored as computer data, and constantly backed up. Your personal details and clinical records are handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff members are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of their employment. Any release of your clinical records, photos or information will require a signed consent from yourself.  We adhere strictly to the Privacy Laws that govern the use and storage of private, personal and confidential records. Our Privacy Policy is freely available to all our patients. 

 

How do I make an appointment?

The best way to make an appointment is to ring the office on (07) 3353 6165 during working hours (9am - 4pm, Monday-Friday).  Please note that no appointments can be made unless you have a referral. It is important that you let us know at the time of booking your appointment the purpose and condition you are seeking treatment for. This will allow our receptionist to allocate the appropriate amount of time for your consultation. To find out more, visit our How to Book an Appointmentpage. 

 

What preparation do I need to do for my first consultation?

It is always good for you to browse our website before your first consultation. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with our staff and facilities, as well as any patient information that may be pertinent to you. A patient registration form is also available on our website. This can be printed, filled out and brought with you to the appointment. If you are unable to do this, we will be able to give you one to fill out when you arrive at your appointment.

Write down questions that you may want to ask your surgeon during your consultation. If you tend to lose concentration, have problems with your memory or get easily confused, it is best to bring someone along with you.

If you have any medications, please write a list of them down or bring them with you. Don’t forget to bring any pathology results (of skin cancer biopsies), scans or blood tests that you have had recently which may be relevant to your problem. You will also need to bring your Medicare card, private health insurance, pensioners or veteran’s affair details.

Please note that a referral is required whether you are seeing our surgeon for a medical or cosmetic procedure. The latter will require a referral specifically from your general practitioner. 

If you are seeing our surgeon about a skin lesion, please do not apply any cream or makeup to the area prior to your appointment. If it is an ulcer or weeping sore, a dry dressing is often best.

 

Would my consultation be covered by my insurance?

Cosmetic consultations are not covered by either Medicare or your private health insurance. Medical consultations (with a valid referral) are partially covered by Medicare, but not your private health insurance. The full consultation fee is to be paid at the end of your appointment on the day, and a receipt will be issued to you. If your consultation is medical, we will be able to submit a Medicare claim for you, but if not, this receipt can be taken/sent to Medicare for a rebate. See more details of our fee structure.

 

Would my skin cancer be removed at the time of consultation?

No. Your first appointment is a consultation only. Your surgeon will need to assess your skin cancer during this consultation and determine whether your cancer can be removed in the office, or need admission to hospital, as well as possible length of time required to perform your procedure. At the end of your consultation, your surgeon will be able to provide you with a date and time for your procedure as appropriate.

 

 

Consults at

Everton Park

Suite J, Lower Level
North West Private Hospital
137 Flockton Street
Everton Park QLD 4053

Click here for google map location
Sunnybank

Australis Specialist Centre
Suite 1, 679 Beenleigh Road
Sunnybank QLD 4109

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Contact details

Post - PO Box 5301 Stafford Heights QLD 4053