Top Plastic Surgery Procedures for Women in Sydney
Plastic surgery includes a wide range of procedures designed not only to alter appearance but, more importantly, to address medical concerns. In Sydney, the interest in plastic surgery among women has grown significantly, driven by advancements in medical technology, the availability of highly skilled professionals, and increased awareness of the medical benefits of these procedures. Understanding the distinction between plastic and cosmetic surgery is fundamental for anyone considering undergoing a surgical procedure.
In Sydney, the importance of choosing qualified professionals for plastic surgery cannot be overstated. The success of a procedure heavily depends on your surgeon’s skill, experience, and understanding of the patient’s needs. Women seeking plastic surgery should look for surgeons who are certified and have a proven track record in the specific procedure they are considering. Certification ensures that your surgeon has completed many years of specialised training and adheres to high standards of ethics and patient care.
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What Is Plastic Surgery?
When discussing plastic surgery, the conversation often gravitates towards its aesthetic benefits. However, the essence and primary objective of plastic surgery extend far beyond mere appearance enhancement. In Sydney and globally, plastic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures with important medical and reconstructive goals, fundamentally distinguishing it from cosmetic surgery. This distinction is not merely semantic but reflects a deep-rooted difference in purpose, technique, and patient care.
Medical Necessity and Reconstructive Goals: Plastic surgery is primarily concerned with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, and external genitalia. It includes the surgical repair of congenital anomalies, trauma, infections, tumours, and diseases affecting these areas. For instance, women undergoing breast reconstruction following mastectomy due to breast cancer are benefiting from the reconstructive aim of plastic surgery. This procedure not only restores the physical appearance but also plays a significant role in the emotional and psychological recovery of the patient. Similarly, skin grafts for burn victims or the correction of cleft lips and palates in newborns are prime examples of plastic surgery’s medical necessity, aiming to restore function and normal appearance.
Difference between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery: The confusion between plastic and cosmetic surgery is common, yet the two are fundamentally different. Cosmetic surgery is elective and focuses solely on altering a person’s appearance to achieve a different look. Procedures such as liposuction and anti-wrinkle injections fall under this category. On the other hand, plastic surgery is dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is inherently reconstructive and often medically necessary, aimed at improving dysfunctional areas of the body and is, therefore, typically covered by health insurance, unlike cosmetic procedures which are usually out-of-pocket expenses for the patient.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Plastic Surgery for Women in Sydney
Selecting a plastic surgeon is a critical step for women considering plastic surgery in Sydney. The choice of surgeon not only influences the quality of the surgical outcome but also ensures the safety and well-being of the patient throughout the process. Understanding the credentials, experience, and approach of a plastic surgeon can help patients make informed decisions.
Credentials and Qualifications: In Sydney, a qualified plastic surgeon should be certified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), which signifies they have completed extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Patients should verify this certification and look for membership in reputable professional organisations such as the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). These credentials ensure the surgeon has met rigorous standards of education, ethics, and practice.
Experience and Specialisation: Experience matters, particularly in the field of plastic surgery where techniques can be highly specialised. Women should seek surgeons with specific experience in the procedure they are considering. For example, if contemplating breast reconstruction, finding a surgeon who performs regularly reconstructive breast surgery and has a portfolio of successful outcomes is advisable. Your surgeon in Sydney should be able to provide before-and-after photos of past patients (with consent), which can give you insight into their skill and aesthetic style.
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Common Plastic Surgery Procedures for Women in Sydney
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is among the most sought-after procedures world-wide. Using breast implants, breast augmentation can deliver a considerable increase in breast size and even alter the shape of your breasts. Upper pole fullness can also be achieved with breast implants. Breast augmentation with implants can be performed on women who lost breast volume or want to get bigger breasts.
Breast Reduction
Another breast procedure that has seen an increase in demand in the last years is breast reduction surgery. This procedure is recommended if you have overly large breasts that are causing discomfort and pain. This surgery can reduce the size of your breasts to make them more proportionate to your body frame.
Liposuction and Body Contouring
Liposuction and body contouring procedures are also common among women seeking plastic surgery. These procedures aim to remove excess fat and skin, improving the body’s shape and contour. Liposuction can be beneficial in areas resistant to diet and exercise, while body contouring surgeries like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) are often sought after significant weight loss or childbirth, to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles.
These surgeries, while often categorised under cosmetic procedures, can have significant physical health benefits, improving mobility, and reducing discomfort from excess skin.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is another common procedure that, while often performed for cosmetic reasons, can also have reconstructive applications, such as correcting a deviated septum to improve breathing. This surgery can affect a woman’s facial aesthetics and function and requires a surgeon with a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics to achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is performed to correct drooping eyelids, which can impair vision and contribute to a tired appearance. By removing excess skin, fat, and muscle, this procedure can improve vision and give the eyes a more open look. While often considered cosmetic, the functional benefits of blepharoplasty highlight the fine line between aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
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Medicare Coverage for Plastic Surgery for Women in Sydney
Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance scheme, generally covers surgeries that are considered medically necessary. This includes procedures aimed at diagnosing, treating, or preventing diseases and conditions that affect a patient’s health and well-being. In the context of plastic surgery, this means that operations performed to restore function, correct abnormalities, or repair damage resulting from trauma, disease, or congenital defects may be eligible for coverage.
To access Medicare benefits for eligible plastic surgery procedures, you must have a referral from a general practitioner to see Dr Kernohan. It’s important to consult with your healthcare providers to understand the specific criteria that must be met for a procedure to be considered medically necessary and, therefore, covered by Medicare. Additionally, you should discuss with Dr Kernohan about the Medicare item numbers applicable to your procedures, as this will facilitate the claim process.
It’s also important to note that while Medicare may cover a portion of the costs associated with medically necessary plastic surgery, there will still be out-of-pocket expenses, such as surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, and anaesthesia costs that are not fully covered.
FAQs about Plastic Surgery for Women in Sydney
What are the most common plastic surgery procedures for women seeking to address ageing signs?
Women looking to address signs of ageing commonly opt for facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and brow lifts. This is because of the gradual depletion of collagen and elastin, essential proteins in the skin’s connective tissue. A facelift addresses descending skin or folds on the cheeks and jawline, along with other age-related changes in the skin. These procedures generally includes removing excess skin, tightening the underlying tissues, and repositioning the skin on the face, neck, brow and eyelids. Non-surgical options like anti-wrinkle injections and fillers are also popular for targeting specific ageing signs with minimal downtime.
How long is the recovery period after undergoing a plastic surgery procedure?
The recovery period varies significantly depending on the type of procedure performed. Minimally invasive treatments might require only a few days of downtime, while more extensive surgeries like tummy tuck – abdominoplasty or breast reduction may necessitate several weeks of recovery. It’s essential to follow Dr Kernohan’s post-operative care instructions closely to ensure a smooth and effective healing process.
Can plastic surgery procedures be combined, and what are the benefits?
Yes, combining plastic surgery procedures is common and can offer several benefits, including reduced overall recovery time compared to having separate surgeries and the convenience of addressing multiple concerns in one operation. Common combinations include breast lift with augmentation, tummy tuck – abdominoplasty with liposuction (sometimes part of post-pregnancy procedures and facelift with eyelid surgery. However, not everyone is a good candidate for combined procedures; Dr Kernohan will assess your health and goals to determine the best approach.
What should I consider when choosing a plastic surgeon?
When selecting a plastic surgeon, consider their qualifications and experience. Look for a surgeon who is certified in plastic surgery and has a proven track record of success in the procedures you’re interested in. It’s also important to evaluate their communication style during consultations to ensure they understand your goals and you feel comfortable with their approach. Lastly, reviewing before-and-after photos of their previous patients can provide insight into their skill level and aesthetic style.
How do I manage expectations and ensure satisfaction with my plastic surgery results?
Managing expectations is crucial for satisfaction with plastic surgery outcomes. Be clear and realistic about your goals and discuss them thoroughly with Dr Kernohan. Dr Kernohan will provide honest feedback about what is achievable and may use computer imaging to give you a visual idea of potential results. Understand that it may take time to see the final results due to swelling and healing processes, and in some cases, additional touch-up procedures may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
Further Reading about Plastic Surgery for Women with Dr Michael Kernohan
Dr Michael Kernohan MBBS, MSc, BDS, MRCS, FDSRCS, FRCS(Plast), FRACS (Plast
Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly experienced Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, fully qualified in both Australia and the UK. He has had extensive training, holding qualifications in both dentistry and medicine. His training path has taken him around the world acquiring skills from some of the world’s best surgeons.