What is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon?

A Specialist Plastic Surgeon is a Commonwealth Government accredited plastic surgeon, trained and qualified to perform invasive reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery in public and private hospitals.

The Medical Board of Australia states that the “Specialist Plastic Surgeon” title can only be used by FRACS approved specialist surgeons in the recognised specialty of plastic surgery.

FRACS means Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The distinction is only awarded to specialist surgeons who have completed a minimum of 12 years of medical and surgical education, including at least five years of specialist postgraduate training.

Dr Chauhan’s AHPRA General and Specialist Registration Number is MED0001172663

What is a Cosmetic Surgeon?

In Australia and New Zealand, anyone with a six-year medical degree could previously call themselves a cosmetic surgeon. This loophole has recetly been addressed in Queensland, with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Surgeons) Amendment Bill, just passed in the Queensland Parliament. The change means that a medical practitioner will only be able to use the title ‘surgeon’ if they are registered in one of the recognised specialties of surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology or ophthalmology and legally prevents the title ‘surgeon' from being used by any doctor without the necessary qualifications and training.

Why is there now a requirement for psychological testing prior to cosmetic surgery?

The Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) has introduced new guidelines for the practice of cosmetic surgery in Australia as of July 1 2023, in an effort to ensure that certain standards are met in the practice of cosmetic surgical procedures. These aim to protect patients from unsafe practices.

The guidelines can be accessed on the AHPRA website here.

These guidelines require that all patients seeking cosmetic surgery or non-surgical cosmetic procedures be assessed for suitability and whether they may have underlying psychological conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The guidelines specify that a validated psychological screening tool must be used to screen for BDD for patients seeking cosmetic surgery. We will assist you in carrying out the screening tool, which will then need to be discussed with Dr Chauhan during your cosmetic surgery consultation. This does not apply for non-cosmetic procedures, such as skin cancer and breast reconstruction.

Do I need a referral to see Dr Chauhan?

To see Dr Chauhan privately, a referral is not essential, but it is preferred. If eligible, it will allow you to receive a rebate from Medicare for the consultation fee, and it will provide us with your relevant medical history to help plan your care. As of July 1 2023, all pateints presenting for cosmetic surgery consultations must have a referral from their GP (preferred) or other medical practitioner.

What is the Consultation fee?

The fee to see Dr Chauhan in person as a new patient is $300. The rebate from Medicare, if applicable, is currently $80.85. This can be processed for you on the day if your updated Medicare details are provided.

How do I get to my Consultation?

Carparking is available at the Wesley Hospital Carpark. Access to the Wesley Hospital carpark is via Lang Parade. Auchenflower Railway Station is on the Richlands, Rosewood and Ipswich lines coming from the city. There is no lift at the station, and there is a steep ramp up to street level.

A City Cat Terminal is located opposite the Regatta Hotel on Coronation Drive, approximately 20 minutes walk.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Upon booking a consultation, we will send a welcome email confirming the date, time, location as well as information about our clinic. We will also attach our Patient Detail Form, which you should complete prior to your appointment. Please ask our team if you require a referral letter from a GP prior to your consultation.

Is my surgery covered by Private Health Insurance?

A number of fees may be applicable to your procedure, some or all of which may be covered by your private insurance. These include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee and the hospital charges for the operating theatre and admission. Health insurance policies differ in the degree to which they cover plastic surgical procedures. It is important to check with your fund if you are covered under your policy, and we can provide you with the required information to do so.

In most circumstances, your insurance will cover a part of the fee for surgery, and there remains a portion that is payable out of pocket (also known as a ‘gap’ payment). An estimate of fees and an explanation will be provided to you prior to any surgery, known as Informed Financial Consent. Feel free to ask about any aspect of fees with our staff.

Can I have my procedure in the office?

Most minor procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic at Westside Private Hospital in the ‘minor ops’ theatre.

What should I bring to hospital?

You will receive instructions about what is required in hospital, and our staff will confirm your time of admission and fasting time. For day surgery cases, it is important that you arrange for someone to pick you up after your surgery. For cases performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, you will be unable to drive, take a taxi or public transport, and someone should stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after your surgery.

What about postoperative care?

Our staff will provide you with a treatment plan for your procedure, which includes information about postoperative care. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask one of our nurses or Dr Chauhan on the day of your consultation or surgery. Postoperative instructions vary according to the type of surgery you have and may be different for each patient depending on their particular needs.

Further information can be found at the practice website: Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery: www.arplasticsurgery.com.au