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Separating the Myths from the Facts
Plastic Surgery Facts:
- Plastic Surgery covers a broad scope of practice from procedures
to improve one’s aesthetic appearance to reconstructive
surgery.
- Safety and patient care is always paramount.
- All surgery, cosmetic and reconstructive, whether performed
under local or general anaesthetic, in day surgery or in hospitals,
can carry serious risk.
- All patients should be very careful about their choice of surgeon.
Results cannot be guaranteed.
The choice of surgeon may be the most important decision a patient
makes.
- It is important to be self aware and challenge one’s own
expectations about possible results and motivations in seeking
surgery.
- It is important to understand claims from practitioners about
academic qualifications, training and experience as well as overly
simplistic descriptions of procedures.
Any doctor, who might not even be a specialist surgeon, is allowed
to perform surgery if the patient consents to the operation.
- All ASPS members are fully trained specialist plastic surgeons.
Plastic Surgery Myths
Myth 1: Only plastic surgeons can legally perform
plastic surgery
Myth 2: Plastic surgery procedures cost the
same no matter who performs them or where they are performed.
Myth 3: It is disrespectful to ask your plastic
surgeon tough questions
Myth 4: It is inappropriate to ask surgeons
to speak with their previous patients
Myth 5: All plastic surgery procedures are
performed in accredited facilities
Myth 6: Plastic surgeons only perform reconstructive
surgery
Myth 7: "Extreme makeovers" are routine
in plastic surgery practices
Myth 8: All College certifications are the
same.
Myth 1
Only plastic surgeons can legally perform plastic surgery.
No regulations govern what type of medical practitioner can perform
plastic surgery procedures.
Many practitioners who have not been through rigorous training but
perform plastic surgery procedures call themselves 'Cosmetic Surgeons'.
The best way to know your surgeon is fully trained and qualified
is to choose an ASPS Member Surgeon.
ASPS Member Surgeons:
- Are certified by the Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
to perform plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body
- Have at least five years of surgical training and experience
specifically in plastic surgery
- Operate only in accredited facilities
- Fulfil continuing medical education requirements
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Myth 2
Plastic surgery procedures cost the same no matter who performs
them or where they are performed.
There are many variables involved in the pricing of plastic surgery
procedures - including geographic location, surgeon expertise and
demand, and the time and effort your procedure requires.
Other factors include the costs of anesthesia, surgical facility
fee, labs, and more.
Be sure to ask your surgeon about all costs involved.
When choosing a plastic surgeon, remember that the surgeon’s
qualifications and experience as well as your comfort with him or
her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans.
Learn more about the ASPS Fee Policy.
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Myth 3
It is disrespectful to ask your plastic surgeon tough questions.
Asking tough questions is the best way to get to know your surgeon.
It gives you the opportunity to learn about their qualifications,
experience, and demeanor.
Your questions let them know you’ve done your homework, want
to be educated about your procedure, and will be an active partner
throughout the process.
View a list of questions to ask your ASPS Member Surgeon.
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Myth 4
It is inappropriate to ask surgeons if you can speak with
their previous patients.
Reputable surgeons will have no problem supplying you with contact
information for some of their recent patients.
Speaking with patients about their experience and results is an
excellent way to learn more about your surgeon.
Read more information on how to plan for a plastic surgery
procedure.
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Myth 5
All plastic surgery procedures are performed in accredited
facilities.
Some practitioners perform plastic surgery procedures in non-accredited
facilities.
Making sure that your procedure can be performed in an accredited
facility will significantly reduce safety risks and increase your
comfort level.
ASPS Member Surgeons perform surgeries only in accredited facilities.
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Myth 6
Plastic surgeons only perform reconstructive surgery.
Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
ASPS Member Surgeons are trained, experienced, and qualified to
perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on the face
and all areas of the body.
Because many cosmetic procedures are rooted in reconstructive plastic
surgery, ASPS Member Surgeons are uniquely qualified to handle your
cosmetic needs.
Learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in our FAQs.
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Myth 7
“Extreme makeovers” are routine in plastic surgery
practices.
Contrary to T.V programs, extreme makeovers are far from routine
or common in plastic surgery.
Most patients inquire about one particular area of the body that
they would like to improve.
During your consultation, your surgeon will ask you a series of
questions to gain an understanding of your goals for plastic surgery
and discuss them with you on a realistic basis.
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Myth 8
All College certifications are the same.
Any group of medical professionals can create its own “certification”
board, or register a business name called a “College”.
ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the Board of Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons - a group
designated by the Australian Medical Council to oversee credentialing
in plastic surgery.
Their certification requires passing rigorous oral and written exams.
The College of Surgeons trains all the specialist surgeons in Australia.
Get more information on the qualifications for ASPS Member
Surgeons.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons:
- Are your partners in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
- Participate in volunteer plastic surgery organisation such as
Interplast and Operation Smile which provide plastic surgery to
more than 20 countries in need.
- To make sure your surgeon has these outstanding qualifications,
look for the ASPS Member Surgeon symbol.
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