A person’s self-confidence can be greatly impacted by the way they look. Some people may feel that they have an oversized nose or flat chest. Some other persons may have had their looks altered by an accident or tragedy. No matter the issue, one can always regain their self-confidence with plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery however, is not something to go for without due consideration, it is a life changing step. If you live in Melbourne and about to take this huge step, you need to do your due diligence so that you do not end up regretting this decision. One of the things you must consider is the credentials of the surgeon that will carry out the procedure.
When looking through the qualifications and credentials of the surgeon, look out for FRACS. What does FRACS stand for and why is it an important criterion? This article will serve as a guide for all you need to know before booking that consultation!
What Does FRACS Mean — And why it Matters
When surgeons like Associate Professor Dean White, as seen on this site A/Prof. Dean White, list FRACS after their names, they are asserting that they are board-certified in their field/specialty. This entails that they have gone through rigorous hands-on training and have met the high the high standard for educational prowess and impeccable professional conduct.
FRACS is the acronym for Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and it is a title given to surgeons who have gone through stringent specialized training in any field of surgery/medicine. This qualification is only awarded to those who have been assessed and deemed fit to practice in New Zealand and Australia.
You can also visit this site: https://plasticsurgery.org.au/ for more information.
Why this matters for patients:
The following are some of the reasons why this title is important:-
- Safety and Competence – One doesn’t get the appellation of Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons without having gone through rigorous training and passing the exams. This therefore ensures that the surgeon is competent and will abide with all the safety regulations.
- Accountability – Such doctors are part of a college of professionals that enforce compliance with best practices and ethics standard.
- Appropriate Scope – Plastic surgeons that are FRACS-qualified usually have a wider scope of training which covers both cosmetic (like rhinoplasty or breast lift)and reconstructive (repair after injury/accident) procedures. This is different from general practitioners that just offer cosmetic services.
Tips for Searching for the Right Surgeon
The following are the places to start your search
- The website and public directories of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Hospital websites to check their listing for specialist consultants
- Word of mouth especially referrals from a trusted general practitioner or someone who has had the same or similar procedure.
Factors to Consider Before Booking a Consultation
When you find a surgeon that you think might be a good fit, the following are vital factors to consider and verify:-
Credentials & Specialty
From the focus of this article, you can already guess that the most important credential to look out for is FRACS. Additionally, confirm that the certification is in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Click here for more information on the difference between plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Niche Experience
Ensure that the surgeon you are going to consult with is vastly experienced in the particular type of procedure that you want to undergo. Make sure you find out how many successful procedures he/she has carried out. Also ask for before and after pictures of those patients.
Hospital Privileges/Affiliation
It is best for you to work with a doctor that is affiliated to a reputable hospital in Melbourne or at least operating privileges. This ensures that the procedure will be carried out in a safe environment and emergency backup is readily available.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Take out time to read a reasonable number of reviews and testimonials from past patients. Look out for both positive and negative reviews; note what the negative reviews about and also how the negative reviews were handled/resolved.
Also important to note are testimonials of their post-op/follow-up care. Do not overlook complaints about substandard procedures or complications due to carelessness or incompetence.
Transparency about Costs
Reputable surgeons are usually very transparent with their fees and additional costs. A transparent quote will give the prospective client an itemized list of every cost (confirmed and anticipated). Sometimes you don’t get to pay as much as was quoted but the estimates gives you a good idea of what to expect as per cost. Be wary of any hospital/clinic or doctor that hides details of their costs.
Questions to Ask During your Consultation
After you have chosen a prospective surgeon, make sure you go for your consultation armed with relevant questions that will help you get prepared for the procedure.
The following are some sample questions:-
- Am i qualified for this surgery? If yes why and if not why?
- Can you show me some visuals of results to expect?
- Give me a full list of possible complications and risks associated with this procedure; are the risks worth taking?
- What is the expected recovery period and aftercare implication?
- How will you handle complications if it comes up?
- What is your follow-up care? Do I have to pay for it separately or is it included in my initial bill?
Take note of how these questions are answered. Your doctor must be one whom you are comfortable with. He/she must always be ready and willing to answer even the most seemingly inane questions; they should be able to allays your fears and put you in a good state of mind for the procedure.
Conclusion
Like we said at the beginning of this article, plastic surgery is not a procedure one should take lightly asit is a life changing event. You have to do your due diligence to ensure that you are going under the knife of a competent and experienced surgeon. That is why we have taken time to explain to Melbourne residence the importance of choosing an FRACS- qualified practitioner.
In addition to this all-important qualification, we have also given you some important tips on how to search, where to search and questions to ask when you finally make a choice. Remember that no question is dumb when consulting with your prospective surgeon; make sure you are satisfied with all the details provided before you proceed with the surgery.