FAQ's about cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Why is it called “Plastic Surgery”?
What qualifications should my Plastic Surgeon have?
How can I check my Plastic Surgeon’s credentials/qualifications?
How long does it take to become a Plastic Surgeon?
Will I have scars?
Is Plastic Surgery only for the vain, the rich and the famous?
How much does a Plastic Surgery consultation cost?

Why is it called “Plastic Surgery”?
The plastic in Plastic Surgery derives from the old Greek term plastikos, meaning to mould or give form – exactly what Plastic Surgeons do! Plastic Surgery is unique amongst the surgical specialties in that it is an area of specialisation defined by its techniques, rather than an anatomical area (e.g. urologists work on the urinary system).

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What qualifications should my Plastic Surgeon have?
Look for the FRACS letters in their qualifications. With a few rare exceptions, this is the only training/qualification that is recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand as meeting the requirements to become a vocationally registered specialist surgeon in New Zealand. Furthermore, this qualification should be within the subspecialty of Plastic Surgery, rather than another branch of surgery.

Your Plastic Surgeon should also be a member of the New Zealand Foundation for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and the New Zealand Association of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.

There are, unfortunately, several doctors in New Zealand performing “plastic surgery” or “cosmetic surgery” who are not trained specialist Plastic Surgeons. With carefully worded advertising and impressive looking qualifications after their names it is easy to lead unsuspecting members of the public into believing that they are Plastic Surgeons – they are not.

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How can I check my Plastic Surgeon’s credentials/qualifications?
Plastic Surgical Masters advises every patient thinking about having Plastic Surgery to check their surgeons credentials. Ask your surgeon if he/she is a vocationally registered specialist Plastic Surgeon in New Zealand, this is the minimum qualification your Plastic Surgeon should have!

Other options include checking the Medical Council of New Zealand website or the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons website.

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How long does it take to become a Plastic Surgeon?
It usually takes a minimum of 15 years of medical training to become a Plastic Surgeon.

• 6 years general medical training
• 2-3 years of pre-specialist training
• 5 or more years of specialist surgical training, and
• Usually at least 2 additional years of international training

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Will I have scars?
Every operation on the skin leaves a scar and having your operation performed by a Plastic Surgeon doesn’t mean you will avoid scars, however Plastic Surgeons are specially trained in surgical techniques that minimise scars and/or endeavour to camouflage them by careful selection of location and orientation.

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Is Plastic Surgery only for the vain, the rich and the famous?
Absolutely not! The vast majority of our patients come from everyday walks of life. They are normal people who have a problem that they are seeking help with. A few patients wish to transform themselves into supermodels, but most patients wish to change a certain aspect of their appearance so that it fits more harmoniously with their overall appearance.

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How much does a Plastic Surgery consultation cost?
Plastic Surgeons charge a consultation fee just like any other medical specialist. You will be asking for a professional opinion about a problem and after consideration will receive advice about the range of options available to you from a trained specialist. The consultation is an important part of the decision making process. You should feel comfortable with your surgeon and feel that your questions are being answered.

Dr Masters charges $150.00 for a 30 minute initial consultation regarding treatment of a single cosmetic concern. Consultations covering 2 or more separate procedures are usually booked for 45 minutes and cost $180.00. Further consultations prior to surgery are usually not charged for. All post-operative follow up consultations are included in the operative fee.

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* Ask questions

Yellow Pages and women's magazines carry paid-for advertising but be sceptical about extravagant claims. If you see seductive photographs and deals that sound too good to be true, they probably are.

Remember, it’s your choice, ultimately your decision and most
importantly your body!

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