Choosing your doctor

You should choose a doctor based on the doctor’s relevant education, training, experience and proven competence with respect to the specific procedure you are considering.

ACCS Accreditations

‘FACCS’ means Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery. These doctors are trained in cosmetic surgery and accredited by the college to perform invasive cosmetic surgery such as liposuction and breast augmentation. To qualify as an FACCS a doctor must have three years’ basic surgery training post medical school and a further two years’ specific cosmetic surgery training.

‘FFMACCS’ means Fellow of the Faculty of Medicine of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery. The Faculty of Medicine represents trained cosmetic physicians who have been accredited by the College in the field of cosmetic medicine.

Fellows of the Faculty of Medicine (FFMACCS) are not accredited by the College to perform invasive cosmetic surgery. Some FFMACCS, because of special training and experience obtained outside of the College’s accredited programs, may have the expertise to perform these procedures competently, but you should establish with the doctor their training and experience in the procedure you are considering.

Questions you should ask your doctor

  • Are you a Member of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery?
  • How many times have you performed this procedure before and in the last year?
  • What are the risks associated with the procedure and what is your own complication rate?
  • What are the alternatives to the procedure being considered?
  • Can I see photographs of the results of your own patients who looked similar to me before their surgery?
  • Can I see photographs of the kind of result it will be impossible for me to achieve?

Questions you should ask yourself

  • Am I happy with all the arrangements, which have been made for me?
  • Do I understand that there are risks and potential complications with this procedure?
  • Do I feel confident with this doctor?
  • Do I feel confident about having this procedure?
  • Have all my questions been answered satisfactorily?

Remember that cosmetic procedures are elective. You can and should delay procedures until a time that is appropriate, bearing in mind other commitments such as family or other social activities, work commitments and finance.

Most importantly, you should not proceed until you are satisfied that you have selected the right doctor and have received and considered all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Cosmetic surgery and managing expectations – Dr John Flynn

It is important to understand cosmetic surgery or any form or elective surgery is not a quick fix. This is a very personal journey and those considering surgery should only go ahead for the right reasons. A skilled and accredited doctor will help navigate a patient through the myriad of cosmetic surgery options, select the most appropriate course of action and help them manage their expectations based on what can be achieved.

Explore our patient resources for treatment information, advice and stories surrounding cosmetic surgery:

Cosmetic Clinics Gold Coast

If you are considering undergoing cosmetic surgery or treatment and want further information, please contact us.