Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is a major investment in yourself. So it’s important that this decision results in the transformational change you’re looking for.
Your chosen surgeon should be able to deliver natural, longer-lasting results, safely and effectively – to the highest Australian standards.
There are four key areas of consideration when it comes to making your decision to have cosmetic surgery:
- Safety
- Quality
- Cost
- Value
Safety first
Most importantly, you should ensure your safety.
You can do this by choosing to have an operation in a safe, reputable and accredited hospital facility with a specialist anaesthetist. And be operated on by an AHPRA registered specialist in plastic surgery.
AHPRA registered specialists are highly trained, qualified and experienced surgeons.
It’s your body – choose quality
When it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon, be sure to research their:
- Experience
- Expertise
- Education
- Training
Take a look at their online reviews and before and after photos.
An important aspect that is often overlooked but adds immense value is your chosen surgeon’s ability to manage a postoperative complication – should it arise.
You can ask your surgeon the following questions to understand their capabilities in this area:
- Do they have the skill and expertise to look after a complication?
- Do they work in a major hospital with access to multiple specialists who can provide you with the best care when you need it most?
- Do they have an established plan in place to manage complications, or is your surgeon’s method of managing complications a referral to the local Emergency Department?
Also, be aware of how your prospective surgeon communicates. Take note of their attention to detail and the rapport you have with them and their staff during your interactions, as this can be reflective of how they work.
The cost – you get what you pay for
The cost of surgery is one of the main reasons patients decide against having quality cosmetic surgery and opt for a cheaper option.
Cost considerations are important, but it’s more important to see the value of unsurpassed quality, safety and longer-lasting natural results offered by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
So why do the prices of cosmetic surgery in Australia differ so much?
It’s important to understand that there is a significant difference between the skills & experience between a registered plastic surgeon and someone that’s not.
Specialist Plastic Surgeons are highly qualified, expertly trained and recognised for their craft. As a result, you will pay more but you’ll also have the peace of mind that your body is in the hands of a trusted specialist.
On the other hand, you could be looking at a much cheaper price from a cosmetic doctor. Cosmetic doctors don’t typically have the same levels of training or access to hospital operating theatres. So they do the procedures in their own day centres.
If you want to know whether a surgeon is actually a specialist in the areas of cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeries – just check to see if they are AHPRA-recognised. If not, proceed with caution and do make sure you ask enough questions to satisfy yourself that they know what they are doing.
The value of getting your cosmetic surgery right
While you need to consider the short-term financial impact of cosmetic surgery, it’s essential to take a long-term view.
For example – 10 years from now – will the price remain a key consideration or are you going to place greater value on a good outcome? An outcome that’s delivered natural results with the peace of mind knowing you didn’t have a botched job.
When it comes to complications – you need to understand that the cheaper option could end up costing you more in surgical fees.
Correcting a botched job also requires extra time off work and the cost and risk of multiple and repeated hospital admissions, anaesthetics and surgeries.
About Forme Institute
Forme Institute’s Specialist Plastic Surgeons Dr’s Jake Lim and Naveen Somia are registered as specialists in the recognised discipline of Plastic Surgery by AHPRA.
Collectively both plastic surgeons have more than 400 5 Star reviews across third-party platforms such as Google, Real Self and Rate MD.
They are members of ASAPS. Through this membership and regular attendance at scientific meetings, both Dr Jake Lim and Dr Naveen Somia keep up with global trends and cutting-edge innovations in cosmetic surgery.
Dr Jake Lim ( 22 years experience) and Dr Naveen Somia (14 years experience) are skilled and accomplished surgeons with a depth of knowledge, expertise, insights and commitment to lifelong learning. This enables them to deliver beautiful, natural and longer-lasting results safely and effectively – to the highest Australian Standards.
FRACS (Plastic Surgery) – Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Past President : ASAPS ( Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons)
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
PhD (Eyelid Surgery) – University of Louisville, USA
