Cosmetic Surgery in Brisbane

COSMETIC SURGERY	RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Performed to reshape normal structures	Performed to reconstruct abnormal body structures
Goal is to improve patient’s appearance and self-esteem	Goal is to improve function and at times to approximate a normal appearance
Elective procedure	Essential procedure
Not covered by health insurance	Usually covered by health insurance

It is crucial to check the credentials of your surgeon. Not all doctors who practice cosmetic surgery are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Plastic Surgeons (FRACS). The Royal Australasian College of Plastic Surgeons is fully accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Not all practitioners are accredited by the AMC although some may call themselves cosmetic surgeons. Members of ASPS are entitled to use the term FRACS. They are accredited plastic surgery specialists with extensive post graduate surgical training. Look for the ASPS certificate in your surgeon’s clinic.

There is no set fee schedule. You know your budget. You should freely discuss costs and potential add ons with your surgeon at the outset and choose carefully.

Cosmetic surgery can be performed in a private hospital or day procedure centre, registered with the State Health Department and/or accredited by the Australian Council of Health Care Standards. Check with your surgeon for more information.

Cosmetic surgery like every other surgery needs recovery time, healing and proper care. Talk to your surgeon in detail and at length about all the issues. Recovery time varies with procedures.

Do your homework, ask questions, identify your goals and expectations, be acquainted with your surgeon, understand the procedure, be aware of and accept the risks involved.

If you are still uncertain about whether you should proceed with cosmetic surgery, then perhaps you should re-examine your expectations of cosmetic surgery and be honest with yourself. One of the most important keys to cosmetic surgery success is being honest with yourself and your surgeon. Why do you want cosmetic surgery? What do you expect it to do for you? Cosmetic surgery will produce physical changes. It may even boost your self-esteem. However, if through surgery you hope to influence how someone else feels about you, you may end up disappointed.