Before going under the knife, choosing who you elect to undertake and perform your invasive aesthetic procedure is of utmost importance. While the surgery cost can be higher than if you were to visit a cosmetic surgeon, choosing a well-qualified specialist plastic surgeon with years of medical education and training will minimise the chance of post-procedure complications and ensure a safer and smoother recovery.

If you’ve found yourself wondering how to verify your surgeon’s qualifications, we’re breaking down everything you need to know — from FRACS specialist surgical training to questions you should ask your surgeon to help you assess their expertise.

The importance of choosing an experienced surgeon

Plastic surgeons undergo extensive medical and specialist training that equips them with the knowledge, skills and expertise of how different parts of the body function, move and rest in proportion to each other. As a result, plastic surgeons are often tasked with correcting poor cosmetic surgery outcomes from unspecialised or underqualified doctors.

Plastic surgeons are also armed with the knowledge and skills to treat many complex conditions that require a unique approach — from tricky cosmetic procedures to reconstructive surgeries that require a mixture of surgical techniques.

As their training is a protected claim, you should always select a plastic surgeon who has undergone a minimum of 9 years of speciality training and has been awarded a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

FRACS is a post-nominal title awarded to qualified surgeons who have completed a rigorous training and examination process through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). The RACS is the professional body responsible for the training and accreditation of surgeons in Australia and New Zealand, and FRACS is a highly respected qualification in the medical community. The FRACS qualification is recognised internationally as a sign of excellence in surgical training and practice.

How to confirm your surgeon’s qualifications

If your surgeon is qualified, you can confirm their FRACS training by reviewing their professional name and title that should end with FRACS — for example, Dr Shahidi, FRACS. To substantiate their qualifications, you can also verify their credentials by visiting the websites of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Why you should choose a plastic surgeon with FRACS qualification

There are several reasons why it’s crucial to elect a surgeon, including:

• Expertise — FRACS is a title of excellence. A surgeon with this qualification has undergone rigorous training and assessment, demonstrating their expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Safety — Plastic surgery procedures are often complex and carry many risks, so it’s vital to select a surgeon with the skills to safely perform a range of specialized techniques.
  If you elect a cosmetic surgeon over a plastic surgeon, they do not have specialty practice or formal training through RACS, meaning they could be a general practitioner who can perform any kind of cosmetic surgery with the patient’s consent. On the other hand, plastic surgeons’ technical training gives them the experience and expertise to safely and accurately deliver invasive and non-invasive procedures.
• Trust — Choosing a plastic surgeon with FRACS gives you peace of mind, knowing your doctor has undergone extensive medical training and is equipped in the field of plastic surgery. FRACS is an extremely respected and highly regarded qualification, so you can be confident you’ll receive the best care possible. With an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, proportions and surgical techniques, FRACS-qualified surgeons also have access to the wide range of equipment needed to maintain a safe and sterilized environment — which helps minimize the risk of complications.

Questions to ask your surgeon

To ensure you have the information needed to inform your decision, you should always ask your potential surgeon the following questions during your initial consultation.

• Where did you study?
• Are you a Royal Australasian College of Surgeons fellow and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic
• Surgeons? Or are you a member of the Australian Society of Facial Plastic surgeons?
• Do you work with a team of medical professionals in a hospital or clinic?
• How often do you perform my procedure?
• What can I expect to look like after my procedure?
• Do you have before and after images that I can review from previous patients to see potential results?
• How invasive is my procedure?
• How long will the procedure take?
• Will I be required to stay overnight in a hospital?
• How long is the recovery period, and what should I abstain from?
• Are there any post-operative effects of the procedure or anesthetic used?
• Will there be any scarring? If so, what can I expect?
• What is the cost of the procedure, and does it include aftercare?

Dr Shahidi, FRACS — a member of the Australian Society of Facial Plastic Surgeons you can trust

Dr Shahidi has received FRACS, the highest qualification awarded to Australian surgeons. He is also a member of the Australian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and has completed two mini American fellowships in facial plastic surgery. Specializing in rhinoplasty, nose and sinus disorders and general ENT disorders, he has the extensive experience and expertise needed to safely and accurately perform a range of surgical techniques.

Whether you’re interested in rhinoplasty surgery or any other aspect of nasal and sinus pathology, you can rest assured you’ll be in the hands of a well-qualified expert when you book your consultation with Dr Shahidi.