Lexi Webster
Plastic surgery is a popular procedure in Australia, with Australians spending a combined $1 billion each year on cosmetic treatments. In 2018, there were 102,404 cosmetic surgery procedures in Australia, and this number has been increasing. The most popular procedures include breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, abdominoplasty or 'tummy tuck', facelift, rhinoplasty, and chin surgery. While only specialist plastic surgeons are accredited by the Commonwealth Government of Australia to perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, it is legal for any doctor with a basic medical degree to perform surgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of plastic surgery in Australia | Statistics show plastic surgery is on the rise in Australia |
| Number of qualified plastic surgeons in Australia | 424 |
| Most popular procedures | Breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift, rhinoplasty, gender-affirming genital surgery, etc. |
| Insurance coverage for plastic surgery | Health insurance covers plastic and reconstructive surgeries needed to restore health and bodily function, but not cosmetic procedures that aren't medically necessary |
| Annual spending on cosmetic treatments | Over $3 billion |
| Percentage of Australians who underwent plastic surgery in the past 12 months | 14% |
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What You'll Learn
Popular procedures
Plastic surgery is on the rise in Australia, with 14% of Australians (equivalent to 1.2 million people) admitting to having had some form of the procedure in the past year. The most popular procedures include breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, and liposuction. In 2019, men accounted for 7% of plastic surgery procedures in Australia, with the most common procedures being liposuction and gynecomastia (male breast reduction).
Breast augmentation and implants are the most popular procedures nationwide, with 79% of the 650,000 Australians surveyed being female. Breast surgeries are popular for a variety of reasons, including the desire to increase breast size for a more proportionate figure and mothers wanting to restore their breasts' shape and size after pregnancy.
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is another common procedure, accounting for 7% of all Australian traffic on RealSelf, a platform for sharing information about cosmetic surgery. This procedure involves reshaping or repairing the nose to alter its appearance or address functional issues.
Abdominoplasty, or a "tummy tuck," is also popular, particularly after pregnancy or weight loss. This procedure reduces excess tissue in the lower abdomen, resulting in a smoother and firmer tummy. Facelifts, or meloplasty, are common among individuals seeking to reduce the signs of ageing in the face and neck by tightening the skin and reducing wrinkles and sagging.
Other popular procedures include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), chin surgery (mentoplasty), ear surgery (otoplasty), and hair replacement surgery. Gender-affirming surgeries, such as genital and facial procedures, are also available in Australia, although access to these surgeries is not straightforward.
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Accreditation and qualifications
Plastic surgery in Australia is a highly regulated industry, with strict accreditation and qualification requirements in place to ensure patient safety and ethical practices. Both the medical professionals performing the procedures and the facilities in which the surgeries take place must adhere to these stringent standards.
For medical professionals in Australia, the peak body responsible for accreditation and ongoing professional development in the field of plastic surgery is the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). The RACS sets and maintains rigorous standards for the training and accreditation of specialist plastic surgeons. To become a recognised specialist plastic surgeon in Australia, medical doctors must complete a series of comprehensive steps. Firstly, they need to finish a minimum of four years of general surgical training, followed by a further advanced surgical training specifically in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This specialised training encompasses a broad range of procedures, including cosmetic, reconstructive, and craniofacial surgery. During this time, they work under the supervision of experienced specialists and are assessed on their technical skills, clinical knowledge, and professional behaviour. Upon successful completion of this extensive training, doctors can apply for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The FRACS qualification is widely recognised as the gold standard in plastic surgery accreditation, assuring patients of the surgeon's expertise and competence.
In addition to the surgical specialists, other medical professionals involved in plastic surgery facilities must also maintain appropriate qualifications and registrations. This includes anaesthetists, who play a critical role in patient safety during surgical procedures, and any supporting medical staff, such as nurses and assistants, who are required to hold current registrations with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care also plays a pivotal role in maintaining standards across the healthcare sector, including plastic surgery. They work closely with governments, industry bodies, and healthcare providers to ensure consistent quality and safety in all aspects of patient care. This includes the implementation of national standards, guidelines, and safety initiatives that plastic surgery facilities must adhere to.
To ensure patient safety and maintain high standards in the industry, it is imperative that individuals seeking plastic surgery in Australia verify the qualifications and accreditations of both the medical professionals and the facilities involved. Patients should feel empowered to ask questions, seek evidence of qualifications, and confirm the surgeon's membership with recognised professional bodies, such as the RACS. By doing so, individuals can make informed decisions about their care and feel confident in the expertise and credentials of their chosen medical team. This proactive approach contributes to ensuring positive outcomes and enhancing patient satisfaction.
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Cost and insurance
The cost of plastic surgery in Australia varies widely, depending on factors such as the type of surgery, the surgeon's skills and qualifications, the location of the surgery, the patient's anatomy, the complexity of the surgery, and the length of hospital stay. It is important to note that the cost of surgery does not necessarily reflect the competence of the surgeon.
Some procedures can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. For example, breast reduction surgery can cost between $7,000 and $18,000, while breast augmentation surgery can range from $9,000 to $17,000.
When considering plastic surgery, it is essential to choose a qualified surgeon recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon. General Practitioners or skin doctors who advertise low-cost procedures may not have completed the necessary training and may not have admitting rights at hospitals.
Regarding insurance, Medicare and Private Health Insurance may cover a portion of the cost for medically necessary procedures. For example, Medicare will cover an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) if it is deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of significant weight loss resulting in excess skin and health issues. Rhinoplasty may also be covered by Medicare if it is required to correct nasal obstructions or post-traumatic deformities. However, cosmetic procedures performed purely for aesthetic reasons are typically not covered by insurance, and patients may have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.
It is recommended to consult with a medical professional to understand the specific coverage provided by your insurance plan and to avoid unexpected costs. Additionally, payment plans and financing options may be available through medical finance providers in Australia.
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Gender affirmation
Plastic surgery is a popular procedure in Australia, with many people seeking to alter their physical appearance for a variety of reasons. While there is limited information on the popularity of plastic surgery specifically for gender affirmation, it is a recognised procedure in the country.
Plastic Surgery in Australia
Plastic surgery in Australia is a highly competitive field, with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) governing the specialty. Only specialist plastic surgeons accredited by the Commonwealth Government of Australia through the Australian Medical Council are authorised to perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. This ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care and safety.
Some of the most common plastic surgery procedures in Australia include breast augmentation and implants, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty, and facelifts. These procedures are sought after for various reasons, such as enhancing physical appearance, restoring post-pregnancy body changes, or reducing signs of ageing.
While most gender-affirming surgeries in Australia are performed privately, there are renowned surgeons like Mr Andrew Ives, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), who is committed to providing professional care to his patients. Mr Ives offers a range of procedures, including top surgeries and orchidectomies, to support individuals on their gender affirmation journey.
Additionally, the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH) lists healthcare professionals dedicated to strengthening the health, rights, and wellbeing of transgender and transsexual individuals. This association ensures that individuals seeking gender-affirming procedures have access to a network of supportive and specialised healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, while plastic surgery for gender affirmation in Australia may not be as widely discussed as other plastic surgery procedures, it is a recognised and vital aspect of the country's healthcare system, offering life-changing opportunities for individuals to affirm their gender identity.
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Social media influence
Social media has had a significant influence on the popularity of plastic surgery in Australia. The visual nature of platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat has led to a focus on physical appearance and the establishment of sociocultural beauty standards. This has resulted in people, particularly young women, judging their appearance based on these societal norms.
The University of South Australia study found a correlation between increased social media usage and a higher acceptance of cosmetic surgery among young women. The study also revealed that regular social media users were more self-judgmental and more likely to consider cosmetic procedures. This is supported by a survey of facial plastic surgeons, where 55% reported that patients brought filtered selfies to illustrate the desired surgical changes, a phenomenon termed "Snapchat Dysmorphia".
Social media has also contributed to unrealistic expectations and misconceptions about plastic surgery. Edited and filtered images present idealized versions of beauty, leading to patients aspiring to unattainable results. Additionally, social media has shaped trends in plastic surgery and played a role in promoting services and showcasing before-and-after transformations.
However, social media can also be a source of education and information for patients considering plastic surgery. Patient-centric websites like RealSelf offer educational content and access to medical professionals. It is crucial for patients to approach social media with caution, seek guidance from qualified surgeons, and maintain realistic expectations to make informed decisions and achieve satisfactory outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic surgery is popular in Australia. In 2018, there were 102,404 cosmetic surgery procedures in Australia, and this number has been increasing. Australians are estimated to be spending more than $3 billion each year on cosmetic treatments, including plastic surgery.
The most popular procedures are breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, and liposuction. Other common procedures include tummy tucks, facelifts, rhinoplasty, and gender-affirming surgery.
Only specialist plastic surgeons are accredited by the Commonwealth Government of Australia through the Australian Medical Council to perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. There are currently 424 qualified plastic surgeons in Australia.
Plastic surgery carries risks like any other medical procedure. However, specialist plastic surgeons in Australia have a minimum of 12 years of medical and surgical education, as well as 5 years of specialist postgraduate training. This ensures a high level of patient care and safety.
Medicare and private health insurance generally do not cover cosmetic procedures that are not medically necessary. However, health insurance may cover plastic and reconstructive surgeries needed to restore health and bodily function, such as repairing nasal deformities, breast reconstruction, or scar revision.
