Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Guides – Melbourne, Victoria

Our guides include resources for plastic surgery patients that will assist your journey from thinking about having plastic surgery to aftercare and recovery:

  • Your Surgery Explained
  • Are you a Suitable Candidate?
  • The Surgical Procedure
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
  • Outcomes of Surgery
  • Before and After Gallery
  • Rest and Recovery
  • Maintaining your Results

Our Team of Plastic Surgeons and ENT Surgeon

Dr Craig Rubinstein (MED0001124843) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Melbourne)
Dr Stephen Kleid (MED0001052799) – Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon (Melbourne)
Dr Gary Kode (MED0001405964) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Melbourne)
Dr Broughton Snell (MED0001190266) – Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Melbourne and Bendigo)

Australia’s Certified Surgeons for Breast, Body, Face, Nose, Eyelids and Skin Procedures – Based in Melbourne

  • The key to choosing between a recommended Surgeon is to do adequate homework and research.
  • Look at before and after cosmetic surgery photos, read blogs and articles, and watch Plastic Surgery videos.
  • Don’t just rely on online reviews or health information online or on television – know the difference between a General Practitioner (GP) Cosmetic Surgeon or Skin Doctor and a genuine FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) qualified Plastic Surgeon (Specialist) so that you can have trust in your choice of Surgeon.

Not all Surgeons have the same training

  • Some have less than a year of additional training in cosmetic surgery, versus over 12 years of additional training in Cosmetic, Plastic or Reconstructive Surgery (such as a FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) Plastic Surgeon will have).
  • Some can only operate in rooms and do not have privileges in hospitals as opposed to Specialist Plastic Surgeons who have hospital operating rights.
  • You can verify your Surgeon’s credentials with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and other medical boards.

Why do people choose to undergo Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery?

People opt for plastic or cosmetic surgery for various reasons, and these decisions are often deeply personal. Some common motivations for choosing plastic or cosmetic surgery include:

  • Addressing Signs of Ageing: Certain procedures are being considered among those who wish to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing.
  • Changing Congenital Variations: Some people are born with congenital variations or differences, such as cleft lips, ear malformations, or birthmarks. Surgery can alter these issues. It can also change functionality.
  • Reconstructive Purposes: Reconstructive surgery is often performed to reshape form and function following trauma, accidents, or cancer treatment.
  • Weight Loss and Body Reshaping Surgery: After significant weight loss, individuals may have excess skin and tissue. Body reshaping surgeries, such as Abdominoplasty and body lifts, can help remove excess skin.
  • Assist Health: In some cases, plastic surgery can assist overall health. For instance, breast reduction surgery may help reduce back and neck discomfort, while rhinoplasty can change breathing function by correcting a deviated septum.

It’s important to note that undergoing plastic or cosmetic surgery is a personal choice, and individuals should carefully consider their motivations, expectations, and potential risks before pursuing any procedure. Consulting with qualified healthcare professionals and board-certified plastic surgeons is essential to make informed decisions regarding surgery.

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

A suitable candidate for plastic surgery typically meets specific criteria that ensure a successful outcome. Here are some factors that contribute to being a suitable candidate for plastic surgery:

  • Realistic Expectations: A good candidate understands the limitations of plastic surgery and has realistic expectations about the results.
  • Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health. Chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease can increase the risks associated with surgery. A comprehensive health assessment by a surgeon is crucial to determine eligibility.
  • Stable Emotional Health: Emotional stability is vital. Candidates should be undergoing surgery for themselves, not to meet someone else’s expectations or to try to solve personal issues.
  • Non-Smoker: Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Plastic surgeons often recommend quitting smoking for a certain period before and after the surgery.
  • Maintain a Stable Weight: Candidates should be at a stable weight before considering procedures like liposuction. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results.
  • Understanding the Risks: A suitable candidate is well informed about the potential risks and complications associated with the chosen procedure and is willing to follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions to minimise these risks.
  • Commitment to Recovery: Plastic surgery often requires a significant recovery period. A suitable candidate is prepared to follow the surgeon’s instructions to ensure proper healing and desired results.
  • Open Communication: A willingness to openly communicate with the surgeon about medical history, expectations, and concerns is crucial. Honesty and transparency help the surgeon plan the procedure effectively.
  • Financial Readiness: Plastic surgery can be costly, and a suitable candidate should be financially prepared to cover the costs of the procedure, as well as potential follow-up treatments or revisions if necessary.

Ultimately the decision to undergo plastic surgery should be made after careful consideration, consultation with qualified surgeons, and a thorough understanding of the procedure and its implications. Each individual is unique and suitability for plastic surgery is determined on an individual basis.

 

 Downloadable ebooks and Guides  – some information to read before proceeding to a consultation

If you have any questions, we welcome your call on (03) 8849 1400 Or send us an enquiry, or get to know our surgeons.

Dr Craig Rubinstein
Dr Broughton Snell
Dr Stephen Kleid
Dr Gary Kode

Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001124843

Dr Craig Rubinstein

Dr Craig Rubinstein is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. With over 20 years of surgical experience especially in all areas of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, but particularly in breast surgery. These include Breast Augmentation and Breast Reduction as well as Breast Surgery Revision.

Furthermore, he believes that surgical customisation, precision planning and technical expertise help him to provide optimal surgical outcomes for his patients.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001190266

Dr Broughton Snell

Dr Broughton Snell is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His training in Plastic Surgery took place in Australia and the United States of America (USA).

Dr Snell is a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon having completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgeon MED0001052799

Dr Stephen Kleid

Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Septo-rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, as well as, a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.

Dr Kleid trained at Melbourne University, then completed surgical training at various hospitals including Royal Melbourne, Royal Children’s, The Eye and Ear and St Vincents. He worked as a surgeon at the University of Florida Medical school for further experience.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001405964

Dr Gary Kode

Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, with experience in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments.

Dr Kode is a member of several organisations, including the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), The International Confederation for Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and he holds a Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

What to do next?

Our Patient Liaison Team can assist with any questions you may have when considering a procedure. You can send in an enquiry form below or call our Melbourne Clinic between 9 am – 5 pm Monday - Friday.

Disclaimer: Results depend on individual patient circumstances and can vary significantly. Results may also be impacted by a variety of factors including your lifestyle, weight, nutritional intake and overall health. Consult your Specialist Plastic Surgeon for details. This information is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your Surgeon.