CHOOSE YOUR SURGEON
One of the most important decisions to make when considering any reconstructive or cosmetic surgery is the choice of your surgeon.
What is a 'fully qualified' plastic surgeon?
All plastic surgeons at Eastern Plastic Surgery have undergone a minimum of 10 years of training since gaining their university medical degree. These include selection into Specialist training, followed by years of rigorous advanced surgical training and examinations accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
In addition, Mr Lin has also undertaken further overseas fellowship training in sub-specialist areas of plastic surgery.
Specialist Surgeons are entitled to have “FRACS” after their name, denoting their Fellowship within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
What is the difference between a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and a 'Cosmetic Surgeon'?
They may be called “cosmetic surgeons” and may have their own affiliations, but they are not recognized by peak professional bodies such as RACS and ASPS, and are therefore not entitled to use “FRACS”.
Further, they are not entitled to recognition by Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency (AHPRA) as a “Specialist Surgeon”, or a “Specialist Plastic Surgeon”.
A current list of recognized medical and surgical specialties is available on the AHPRA website.
In Australia, look for these following affiliations as a sign that your surgeon is in fact a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Why is it important to choose a Specialist Plastic Surgeon?
Secondly, and more importantly, the reason pertains to surgical safety, and the ability to provide comprehensive care, even in the event of a surgical complication.
Specialist Plastic Surgeons are entitled to:
- Admitting rights in major public hospitals
- Admitting rights in major private hospitals
- Recognition by AHPRA and Medicare as Specialists, with Specialist Provider number.
- Recognition by Private Health Insurers (eg. Medibank Private, BUPA, etc).
These are important because the ultimate goal in ANY surgery or invasive procedure, is your SAFETY. And only a fully qualified Specialist can provide a full and comprehensive service in the event of problems that may require admission to hospital.
What questions should I ask my surgeon before committing to surgery?
Are you recognized by the RACS or AHPRA a Specialist Plastic Surgeon?
Do you have admitting rights in a public or private hospital if I have a complication that requires hospitalization?
Do you specialize in the surgery you are recommending for me?
How many of these operations have you performed?