What does “Plastic Surgery” mean?
The term “plastic surgery” is derived from the ancient Greek word “plastikos,” which means “to mould” or “to give form.” Accordingly, plastic surgery aims to modify the shape of body structures.
Plastic surgery is commonly used to refer to cosmetic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation and facelift surgery. In addition, plastic surgery can be used to repair the damage caused by cancer, birth defects or injuries. In aesthetic or cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery procedures can be used to alter the natural appearance of the body.
All Plastic Surgeons are trained in plastic surgery, which includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures; however, not all Cosmetic Surgeons are trained or are qualified in plastic surgery. The interpersonal skills, technical expertise, ethics and clinical judgment of a Plastic Surgeon form a crucial component for a successful surgical outcome.
Are Plastic Surgeons qualified to perform cosmetic surgery?
Absolutely! There is a myth being spread by those who are not Plastic Surgeons, which says that Plastic Surgeons only perform reconstructive procedures. There are some who choose not to perform cosmetic procedures; however, there are a number of Plastic Surgeons who choose to specialise in cosmetic surgery.
The truth is that cosmetic surgery was born from the reconstructive surgery experience, which only Plastic Surgeons are qualified to perform. Reconstructive plastic surgery grew from war, particularly after World War I. Disfigured and maimed soldiers who survived their war wounds necessitated advances in facial and body reconstructive plastic surgery in order to return to their lives. These advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery not only improved function, but also cosmetic appearance.
Specialist Plastic Surgeons have a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), which demonstrates that they have a recognised, formal qualification in surgery. A Specialist Plastic Surgeon has to undergo intensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery to perform invasive surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgery.
Doctors with an undergraduate MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree are not specialist trained in invasive surgical procedures. However, currently in Australia, it is legal for a doctor without a formal surgical qualification to call themselves “surgeons” and perform cosmetic surgery procedures. So, it pays to do your homework on your surgeon’s training, qualifications and experience in cosmetic surgery. No matter the claims, the only official professional body to recognise the practice of cosmetic surgery is the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
All the members of ASPS and ASAPS (both of which Dr Vlad Milovic is a member) are certified as Specialist Plastic Surgeons and, as such, are allowed to operate in accredited hospitals and day facilities, as well as utilise Medicare Item Numbers in cases which are not solely cosmetic. Being a Member of the ASPS is comparable to the concept of “board-certified plastic surgeon” in the US.
It’s cheaper to have cosmetic surgery overseas. Why have it done here?
Patients often say that cost is the main reason for choosing to travel overseas for cosmetic surgery. However, if there are complications with your surgery and revisions are needed, that cost can increase significantly, and it is important to consider these costs when setting your budget. Revision surgery is generally more complicated than the original surgery, and if required, can cost more than the original cosmetic procedure. It is therefore important to assess all the risks and potential costs involved before making an informed decision, in case you are not happy with the outcome.
Do your homework and make sure that the surgeon performing the procedure is a qualified Plastic Surgeon, and at the very least, is properly qualified and accredited in their home country. A good place to start is the International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS) or International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS), both of which Dr Milovic is a member. Also ensure that you have planned for your post-operative care and treatment for possible complications when you return home. You may not receive treatment after surgery by your Plastic Surgeon of choice, so plan ahead for this eventuality.
The reality is that we see patients who come to our practice for revision surgery who tell us that despite the attractive cosmetic tourism marketing hype, combining a cheap overseas holiday with surgery can be fraught with difficulties. You often won’t have the ongoing aftercare at home, and complications can arise even when surgery is performed with the utmost care. Who do you ask about your wound healing? Who will attend to an infected wound? Who will revise the scar, if you don’t like it or if it doesn’t heal well? Access to your Plastic Surgeon up to 12 months after your original surgery is important, whether you have your surgery in Australia or overseas, and like any service, costs are usually indicative of what to expect. Quality services will usually make sure that their costs are reflective of what is being offered.
Do you offer cheap cosmetic surgery?
Dr Milovic’s surgical fees fairly reflect his training, years of experience, availability and complexity of the procedure in the case of the patient presented, as well as – most importantly – his comprehensive aftercare.
I have an event coming up soon. Can I have cosmetic surgery before the event?
It is generally not advisable to undergo any major procedures prior to the big event unless it is some months away. As always, you should discuss your plans with Dr Milovic and seek his advice. For the bigger surgeries, the first few weeks after surgery should be reserved for your unfettered recovery and this process shouldn’t be rushed.
Any cosmetic surgery you are considering for your big event should be done many months before the actual date to potentially optimise recovery. Complications are always liable to arise, and you need to prepare for the possibility and give yourself sufficient time to recover.
I am worried someone will recognise me immediately after the surgery. Do you have a private area where I can sit?
We take privacy seriously and completely understand if you feel this way. Please let our receptionist know that you wish to be seated in a private area when you arrive. We have a private lounge at the back of our clinic where you can wait to see Dr Milovic out of view from the waiting and reception areas. You can also leave via a side door exit if you do not wish to walk past the waiting room and reception area after your visit.
DO YOU CHARGE A FEE FOR YOUR CONSULTATIONS?
Yes. Dr Milovic is a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon who will provide you with medical advice (as well as general/specific information) about the procedure/s you are considering, including a discussion about whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. Your consultations with Dr Milovic can provide an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your own circumstances in relation to the surgery you are pursuing. Therefore, we charge consultation fees for Dr Milovic’s time with you.
The consultation fees are non-refundable after the service has been completed, whether or not you decide to proceed with your surgery with Dr Milovic. After the first consultation, patients are provided a written estimate of surgical fees and an information pack relating to the cosmetic procedure/s being considered.
IS THE CONSULTATION REBATABLE BY MEDICARE?
Yes – provided you are seeking advice for a functional or medical reason. If your visit is purely cosmetic, you will not be entitled to a Medicare rebate. This won’t be known until after your appointment.
HOW MANY CONSULTATIONS SHOULD I HAVE BEFORE SURGERY?
We generally provide two pre-operative consultations (this has always been the case at our practice). It will depend on your circumstances as to whether you will require more than two. Having a second consultation can give patients time to seriously think about the cosmetic procedure/s, advice provided at the first consultation, goals, and possible risks and complications associated with the surgery.