​​What is plastic surgery?
The word ‘plastic’ in plastic surgery is derived from the Greek word ‘plastikos’ which means to mould or give form. It refers to the way in which highly-skilled surgeons can reshape the tissues of the body to restore form and function. (Source: Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons)
What is the difference between a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and a standard cosmetic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon?
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons states that all surgical procedures carry risk, but that you can reduce the chance of risk and complication by consulting a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is trained, qualified and accredited to perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Blennerhassett is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and has completed all the extensive advanced training required by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Blennerhassett is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and has completed all the extensive advanced training required by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Checklist
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​Essential Safety Checklist
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How to choose a plastic surgeon
If considering another doctor, please be aware that;
Currently in Australia, it is legal for any doctor with only a basic medical degree to perform surgery and call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, warns the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. So in Australia, it is not illegal for a medical practitioner such as a GP to perform cosmetic surgery.
Also in Australia, it is not illegal to conduct surgical procedures in an unaccredited facility - such as an office space. In such settings, there is often no quality assurance and no way for authorities to monitor that the surgery is being performed safely and expertly, warns the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
For further details read Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons media releases under "news" section on society website-
*Unregulated office-based cosmetic surgery a risk to patient safety (March 24, 2020)
*Statement from RACS and Specialty Societies on Cosmetic Surgery (October 25, 2021)
Currently in Australia, it is legal for any doctor with only a basic medical degree to perform surgery and call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, warns the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. So in Australia, it is not illegal for a medical practitioner such as a GP to perform cosmetic surgery.
Also in Australia, it is not illegal to conduct surgical procedures in an unaccredited facility - such as an office space. In such settings, there is often no quality assurance and no way for authorities to monitor that the surgery is being performed safely and expertly, warns the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
For further details read Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons media releases under "news" section on society website-
*Unregulated office-based cosmetic surgery a risk to patient safety (March 24, 2020)
*Statement from RACS and Specialty Societies on Cosmetic Surgery (October 25, 2021)
