What is cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery aims to re-shape or change the look of an otherwise healthy part of the body. Cosmetic surgery is done for a non-medical reason.

You might choose to have cosmetic surgery because you believe it will improve your appearance. More than 1 in 3 Australians are considering having cosmetic surgery in the next 10 years.

Some examples of cosmetic surgery are:

• abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
• blepharoplasty (removing extra skin from your eyelids)
• breast augmentation or reduction surgery to change the size or shape of your breasts
• liposuction
• pinnaplasty to change the look of your ears
• rhinoplasty to change the look of your nose

Reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery is different from cosmetic surgery. It is done to improve how a part of the body that has been damaged works or looks.

Reconstructive surgery is useful after:

• an accident
• trauma
• cancer
• congenital abnormality (difference at birth)

Who can perform cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery can be carried out by:

• a specialist plastic surgeon
• other medical doctors who have been trained to perform certain cosmetic procedures

Plastic surgeons can also do reconstructive surgery if your body has been damaged in some way.

What is the difference between plastic surgeons and other doctors who do cosmetic surgery?

In Australia, cosmetic surgery must be done by a doctor with the right knowledge, training and experience. They must be trained on how to care for you after the surgery. Doctors who do cosmetic surgery must also know how to deal with complications.

Currently in Australia, it's legal for any doctor with a basic medical degree to perform cosmetic surgery. But, there is a significant difference between these doctors and a qualified plastic surgeon. Doctors are not allowed to use the title 'surgeon', for example 'cosmetic surgeon', unless they have specialist registration.

To become a plastic surgeon, a doctor must do at least 3 years of basic surgical training. Then they must apply to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) to do their specialist training. Specialist training takes another 5 years. After this, they can get a specialist qualification recognised by the Australian Government.

The types of cosmetic surgery that a doctor can perform depends on the state and territory they are working in.

Where will my cosmetic surgery be done?

Cosmetic surgery must be done in an accredited facility. Visit your state health department website to check the current list.

If something doesn't feel right about the location for your procedure, ask further questions, or cancel your appointment.

Should I speak to my doctor before having cosmetic surgery?

It's a good idea to speak to your doctor (GP) before having cosmetic surgery. Your doctor is best placed to help you manage your overall health.

Your doctor can help you to plan cosmetic surgery safely and find a suitable surgeon. You can also see your doctor if something goes wrong after having cosmetic surgery.

How can I find a qualified surgeon?

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has a register of qualified medical practitioners in Australia.

You can search the AHPRA database for a particular doctor by name to check if they are qualified as a surgeon. If your doctor is not a specialist cosmetic surgeon, they may still be able to do cosmetic surgery. However, you need to understand that they do not have the same level of qualification as a specialist.

The AHPRA register will also tell you if a doctor is facing any serious disciplinary action.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons has a list of all qualified specialist plastic surgeons in Australia.

The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery also has lists of people who practise cosmetic surgery. You can search their register for someone who has had training to do the procedure you are interested in.

What questions should I ask before I have cosmetic surgery?

There are many things to consider before you decide to have surgery of any kind. Find out what is involved and about the risks. You can ask your usual doctor about this, as well as the doctor or surgeon who will do the procedure.

Here are some specific questions you can ask:

• What are your qualifications?
• How many times have you performed this procedure, and how often do you do it?
• What are the risks of this procedure?
• How many people have experienced complications when you have performed this procedure and what were they?
• Are there any alternative options?
• What kind of anaesthetic will I be given, and who will give it?
• What qualifications do they have?
• What care will I need after the procedure and who will give it?
• What will it cost and what do those costs cover?
• What results can I expect and how long will the results last?

You can also use the Question Builder tool to create a list of questions. Prepare your list, then print it or email it to yourself to help you remember what to ask.

Body image and cosmetic surgery

From an early age, the media and people around us help form the image we have of our bodies. There is a lot of pressure to look good. You might feel like you need to look a certain way.

Images of slim women and muscular men are common. But they do not match the real bodies that most people have. Images that you see online may have been 'airbrushed' or digitally edited.

Aiming for an unrealistic body shape can make you feel bad about yourself and lead to low self-esteem.

Remember, you're not defined by the way you look. Having a healthy body is more important than what shape it is.

Think carefully about your reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery. Here are some things you might think about:

• Who am I having the procedure for? Is it for myself or am I trying to make myself more attractive for someone else?
• Have I understood what is involved? Can I speak to a person who has had the procedure rather than read about it online?
• Have I discussed it with a friend or family member?
• Have I been influenced by advertising or a low price?
• Have I considered alternatives to cosmetic surgery?

What are some alternatives to cosmetic surgery?

You should consider other options before deciding to have cosmetic surgery.

Some alternatives you can look at are:

• non-surgical skin treatments such as chemical peels or dermabrasion
• injectable fillers for cosmetic purposes
• skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments
• counselling to improve your self-esteem
• lifestyle adjustments to help improve your health, such as exercise and healthy eating

What does it cost to have cosmetic surgery?

Always ask for a quote for the costs of your procedure. Cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by Medicare or private health funds.

Should I have cosmetic surgery overseas?

Some people think about having cosmetic surgery overseas because it may cost less. However, there are extra things to think about.

It can be difficult to get good information about the qualifications and experience of a doctor in another country. You will not be able to visit the clinic before you travel. You should also check the general safety of the destination country.

When researching medical tourism (having medical treatment in another country), think about:

• the quality of care and health standards at the destination country
• whether your travel insurance covers your plans
• what you will do if any complications happen after surgery
• if the clinic or hospital is accredited by their local government
• if the practitioner is qualified and experienced
• your chances of catching an infection that is resistant to antibiotics (difficult to treat)

Resources and support

• Visit the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine to learn more about different types of cosmetic surgery.
• If you have concerns about the quality or outcomes of your cosmetic surgery, call the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Cosmetic Surgery Hotline on 1300 361 041.
• You can read more about body image at the Butterfly Foundation.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has a Patient Safety Checklist to help you prepare for your cosmetic surgery. This checklist is available in six languages via Health Translations Victoria.