Public

Under this section you can find out about plastic surgery in general, read about specific procedures, learn how to plan for surgery and browse frequently asked questions. You may also find a surgeon, learn your patient rights and view our fees policy.

ASPS believes it is important you are well informed about plastic surgery prior to consultation so you can make considered decisions about treatment.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons has 3D patient education animations to help patients better understand the procedures they are considering.  Please click the link below the image to view various plastic surgery procedures.

View 3D Procedures

Plastic Surgery News

ASPS maintains an up to date, plastic surgery related media section.

Please click here to access our news page.

Breast Implant News

Poly-Implant Prothese (PIP) silicone implants

10 February 2012: TGA releases a safety alert update regarding rupture rates for PIP implants including an analysis on international reports.

3 February 2012: TGA releases an update on PIP implants manufactured by PIP.

27 January 2012: TGA releases a safety advisory statement regarding rupture rates for implants manufactured by PIP.

20 January 2012: TGA releases an update on the Australian perspective regarding implants manufactured by PIP.

12 January 2012: TGA releases information regarding test that have been conducted on silicone gel filled breast implants manufactured by PIP.

7 January 2012: Australian Government sets up a 24 hour breast implant hotline.
The 24 hour Breast Implant Information Line is 1800 217 257.

4 January 2012: Following the safety advisory from December 2011, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) releases a media statement and safety alert.

21 December 2011: The TGA released a Safety Advisory regarding PIP on 21 December 2011. To read it please click here.

1 October 2010: The TGA issued a recall of some PIP implants. To read more, please click here.

7 April 2010: ASPS releases media statement regarding the PIP recall. Read ASPS media statements.

30 March 2010: Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) company was ordered to recall their silicone implants in early 2010. To read more, please click here.
 

ASPS manages a Commonwealth endorsed opt-in database and public health initiative on breast implants called the Breast Implant Registry (BIR). If you are a participant you may request a copy of your information by downloading the Access to Information form on the Breast Implant Registry page.  Call the BIR on 1300 851 157.

To view the ASPS media release in relation to the TGA recall of PIP implants, please visit the Media Release page.

Patients should consult their surgeon to if they are concerned about their PIP implants.

Breast implants and lymphoma

There have been some reports of a possible association between breast implants and lymphoma. These reports are of a tiny number of cases when compared to the numbers of breast implants in the community. The TGA is monitoring the issue. Please visit their website at http://www.tga.gov.au for more information. To read the TGA notice please click here.

Read an ASPS media release from Mr Peter Callan FRACS, Previous President ASPS from the media release page.

Patients should consult their surgeon to ensure accurate information.

Warning to Consumers

The TGA was recently notified of an adverse event from a consumer who bought a DIY Cosmetic Kit on-line. (Collier, Karen 2011). Read a notice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on buying online or from overseas. To access the notice please click here.

Reference:
Collier, Karen 2011. Shocking photos: DIY facelifts leaving patients disfigured. Viewed July 26, 2011. <http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/shocking-photos-diy-facelifts-leaving-patients-disfigured/story-fn7x8me2-1226057472872>.

Readers Digest Article on Cosmetic Surgery

In April 2011 the Readers Digest Health Smart magazine published a very good article concerning cosmetic surgery, which  is packed with useful information. To download the article click here.

2009 Choice Survey on Cosmetic Surgery Practices

The article published by Choice Magazine on 25th February 2009 is broken into three parts which can be viewed below.

Cosmetic surgery
CHOICE magazine investigates the growing cosmetic surgery industry and uncovers some disturbingly unprofessional practices.

A non-regulated industry
While most practitioners regularly describe themselves as either plastic surgeons or cosmetic surgeons, in some cases the difference can be up to eight years of additional training for plastic surgeons. Despite the popularity of cosmetic procedures and increasing competitiveness of the industry, in Australia there is no regulatory body. Instead, there is a range of medical colleges and associations all claiming to offer training and qualifications for doctors providing a range of cosmetic procedures.

What our shadow shoppers found
Overall, the results of our shadow shop are concerning. Without discussing risks, it’s extremely difficult for a potential patient to make an informed decision. There were also some important questions that some cosmetic surgeons did not ask the shadow shoppers, which are critical to ensure the patient’s safety.

Click here to download the Choice Magazine survey in full.

Click here to read the reaction of the survey in the media

Informed Consent

At the highest level of care, every surgery has risks as well as benefits. ASPS recognises the surgeon-patient relationship is one of shared decision-making. This decision-making process is called informed consent. The ASPS “Statement of Principle on Informed Consent” details the information that should be discussed and understood by the patient as well as the patient’s parents or guardian. For more information on informed consent, patients are encouraged to talk with their surgeons.