Plastic surgery includes a wide range of procedures designed not only to alter appearance but, 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 potential 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 makes sure that your surgeon has completed many years of specialised training and adheres to high standards of ethics and patient care.
In this blog, Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan will discuss plastic surgery for women in Sydney.
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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 aesthetic changes. 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.
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 alters 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 alteration of cleft lips and palates in newborns are prime examples of plastic surgery’s medical necessity, aiming to increase form and function.
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 Wrinkle Treatments 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 increase function to 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.
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 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.
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 make sure the surgeon mets rigorous standards of education, ethics, and practice.
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.
Breast augmentation is among the most sought-after procedures worldwide. 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.
Another breast procedure that has seen an increase in demand in the last years is breast reduction surgery. This procedure may be suitable for you 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 procedures are also common among women seeking plastic surgery. These procedures aim to remove excess fat and skin, altering the body’s shape and contour. Liposuction may 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, increasing mobility, and reducing discomfort from excess skin.
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is another common procedure that, while often performed for cosmetic reasons, can also have reconstructive applications, such as alleviating a deviated septum to positively alter 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 aesthetically pleasing results.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is performed to alleviate eyelid ptosis, which can impair vision and contribute to a tired appearance. By removing excess skin, fat and muscle, this procedure can increase 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.
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 increase function, alleviate 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.