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About Sydney Plastic Surgeons
Sydney Plastic Surgeons are Dr. Richard Sackelariou and Dr. Robert Drielsma.
They are fully qualified plastic surgeons and are all members of the FRACS (Fellows of the Royal
Australian College of Surgeons). In addition each surgeon has undertaken further specialist training.
By choosing one of Sydney Plastic Surgeons you can be assured of the highest standards of professional
health care and discrete personalised attention.
This web site explains some of the procedures offered by the Surgeons. For a more detailed explanation
of any of the items listed on this site please do not hesitate to contact their clinic staff:
Dr Robert Drielsma FRACS
Ph: 1800 180 777
Email: info@sydneyplasticsurgeons.com.au
Website: www.canberracosmeticsurgery.com.au
Dr Richard Sackelariou FRACS
Ph: (02) 9362 0676
Email: sackone@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.cosmetic-surgery.net.au
Important information on finding a Plastic Surgeon
Please take time to read this
You are considering cosmetic plastic surgery. This is a significant decision in your life that has great potential to improve your self-esteem and lifestyle. Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make in this process. The following is ESSENTIAL information you should use in planning for cosmetic surgery.
First of all for your safety and to maximise your chances of being totally satisfied with your surgery, it is imperative that you find a bona fide surgeon, trained by and meeting the stringent criteria and high standards of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Many "cosmetic surgeons" are in fact just General Practitioners who learned procedures by watching others. Plastic Surgeons are fully qualified surgeons and Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) who have completed a rigorous training program much as Heart Surgeons, Brain Surgeons, Eye Surgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons. You would not want an untrained doctor performing your heart operation, would you? Look for the FRACS qualification to confirm this. Plastic surgeons are also members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Look for the ASPS logo to confirm this. Be aware of imitation societies.
Once you have identified genuine plastic surgeons, you will need to choose between them. Plastic surgery and particularly cosmetic plastic surgery is an art form. Different surgeons have varying levels of training, experience and expertise. The 'product' you get will be very different from surgeon to surgeon.
When choosing a surgeon there are things that are important, things that are unimportant and warning signs to look your for.
IMPORTANT FACTORS:
1. Qualification of surgeon.
As outline above, ensure your surgeon is a fully qualified Plastic Surgeon with FRACS after his name. All genuine plastic surgeons in Australia are members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS.
2. Experience of the surgeon.
How long has the surgeon been doing the procedure?
How many has he or she performed?
How often does he or she do the procedure?
Have any complications occurred?
You should be shown photographic examples of the surgeon's own work (pre and post-operative photographs) for the operation. This should include several examples, not just one or two, in order to satisfy you of the volume of operations the surgeon is doing.
3. Rapport with the surgeon.
You should feel comfortable with the surgeon and satisfy yourself a full and unbiased explanation of the procedure has been given with a full and detailed explanation of potential complications and side effects. At the end of the consultation you should feel happy your surgeon will look after your interests. The surgeon may be able to arrange other patients who have had the procedure to speak to you.
4. Aftercare
You need to make sure that your surgeon will look after you after the operation. What if you have questions or concerns? What if there is a problem after surgery? Will you be able to access the surgeon or his staff readily? Will the surgeon himself speak to you and offer advice and solutions? How many times will the surgeon see you after surgery? Make sure your follow-up visits are included in your surgical fee.
5. Reputation.
This can be by word of mouth (from friends and associates) or from your general practitioner. Your general practitioner will usually be aware of the reputation of particular surgeons in your area.
THINGS THAT ARE NOT IMPORTANT
1. The cost of the surgery - costs quoted are unrelated to the level of training or experience or the result you will derive from surgery. Higher prices does not guarantee better results and on the other hand, the cheapest price may steer you to an inexperienced surgeon. You should make your decision based on 'important factors'. Remember that cosmetic plastic surgery isn't like buying a washing machine.
2. The size or extravagance of the surgeon's office. Many surgeons try to impress patients with fancy and flashy rooms. While it is nice to visit modern, well decorated rooms, they make absolutely no difference to the operation or results of surgery.
3. The appearance, manner or presentation of secretarial and support staff have no bearing on the quality of surgery.
WARNING SIGNS
The following are warning signs when dealing with a surgeon while you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery.
1. You feel pressured to proceed with surgery, either by the surgeon, secretarial or support staff. The decision to proceed is totally up to you and no suggestion or pressure to 'book in' should be made.
2. The surgeons tells you he or she is the best.
3. The surgeon criticises other surgeons.
4. You are discouraged from seeking other opinions. You should be encouraged to consult other surgeons prior to proceeding with a plastic cosmetic procedure.
Should any of the above alarm bells ring, you should be very wary of continuing further negotiations with that surgeon and seek another opinion regarding your surgery.
Best wishes on your road to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.
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