Australian Specialist Plastic Surgical training is acknowledged
around the world as one of the finest available.
Like all other Australian surgeons, Plastic surgeons are trained
through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
It takes a minimum of eight years after graduation as a doctor
to become a Plastic Surgeon.
Plastic surgeons in training undertake thousands of operations
under the direct supervision of specialist plastic surgeons,
and sit many exams.They progressively develop the technical skills required to become competent surgeons before they are allowed to graduate.
Australian trained plastic surgeons can undertake safe, expert surgery
in all facets of plastic surgery. They have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and surgery of the face and body, which may then be applied to a wide variety of cases.
Their skills include:
- Tissue handling skills
- Technical surgical skills
- Individual knowledge of hundreds of specific operations
- Patient and complication management skills
- People management and communication skills
- The ability to learn from and work with colleagues
- Anatomic knowledge
- Knowledge of the science of relevant diseases
In this era of rapidly increasing knowledge, many specialists sub-specialise further. Thus, in Australia there are plastic surgeons who focus entirely upon surgery of the hand, or those who work predominantly in the area of cosmetic surgery. However, to their and your benefit, many plastic surgeons mix cosmetic surgery with reconstructive surgery in their practice. Surgeons experienced in craniofacial surgery or facial cancer surgery may well have a broader skill set and stronger facial anatomic knowledge than a surgeon working exclusively in a narrow field.
All surgeons should be able to convey to you their training and experience in your area of interest.
"FRACS" denotes an Australian trained surgeon.
No other qualification denotes a specialist Australian surgical training.
No "College" other than the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is accredited by the Government to provide specialist surgical training in Australia.
The RACS Curriculum in Plastic Surgery Training:
The Curriculum can be found on the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons website
www.plasticsurgery.org.au
