What are the causes and symptoms of melanoma?

Melanoma is primarily caused by UV exposure. Symptoms include changing moles, irregular borders, and new or unusual skin lesions.

What are the treatment options for melanoma?

Surgery is the main treatment, often followed by lymph node biopsy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy if required.

What is the main cause of melanoma?

Most cases result from UV radiation exposure, especially in fair-skinned individuals.

Does melanoma cause other symptoms?

In advanced stages, melanoma can cause fatigue, swelling in lymph nodes, or weight loss if it spreads.

What kills melanoma cells naturally?

There are no proven natural remedies to cure melanoma. Evidence-based medical treatment is essential for managing the disease.

What does melanoma start like?

It often begins as a new or changing mole, typically with irregular colour, shape, or size.

Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon: Why FRACS Matters

Choosing a plastic surgeon is an important decision, and understanding the qualifications behind your surgeon’s training is essential to ensuring safe, high-quality care. In Australia, the gold standard in surgical training is Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). This accreditation indicates that a surgeon has completed extensive, supervised specialist training and is recognised by the Australian Medical Council as a qualified specialist.

What Does It Mean to Be a Qualified Plastic Surgeon?

A qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Australia holds FRACS (Plast), a credential that confirms they have completed a minimum of 12 years of training, including medical school, hospital residency, and at least five years of specialist surgical training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

This is distinct from “cosmetic surgeons,” who may not have completed accredited surgical training and are not recognised as specialist surgeons by the Australian Medical Council.

FRACS accreditation ensures your surgeon has met rigorous standards in surgical technique, patient care, ethics and ongoing professional development.

Understanding the Importance of FRACS Accreditation

FRACS stands for Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. It is the only surgical qualification in Australia and New Zealand that is accredited by the Australian Medical Council.

A surgeon with FRACS has:

Completed formal specialist training
Demonstrated competency across complex surgical procedures
Passed extensive examinations
Committed to ongoing education and auditing
Met nationally recognised standards for safety and professionalism

For patients, FRACS provides reassurance that their surgeon has undergone structured, peer-reviewed training and practises within an accredited framework of care.

FRACS and Patient Safety and Quality of Care

FRACS surgeons follow comprehensive training pathways and ongoing standards designed to protect patient safety. These include;

Training milestones: Minimum of 12 years of medical and surgical education, including specialist training.
Ethical standards: Adherence to strict codes governing patient consent, transparency and professional conduct.
Hospital privileges: Only FRACS-qualified surgeons can operate in accredited hospitals.
Continuous education: Ongoing assessment, skills updates and mandatory professional development.

These elements work together to ensure that patients receive care from a surgeon who is qualified, accountable and supported by best-practice systems.

Difference Between Cosmetic Surgeons and Qualified Plastic Surgeons

Criteria	Qualified Plastic Surgeon (FRACS)	Cosmetic Surgeon
Training duration	Minimum 12 years including accredited specialist training	Varies; no mandatory specialist surgical training
Accreditation	FRACS (Plast), recognised by Australian Medical Council	Not recognised as a surgical specialist
Scope of Surgery	Reconstructive & aesthetic procedures	Typically, aesthetic only
Hospital Privileges	Eligible to operate in accredited hospitals	Often restricted to day clinics
Patient Safety Oversight	Governed by RACS, AHPRA & AMC standards	Less regulated, variable training pathways

In summary, not all surgeons offering cosmetic procedures are qualified Plastic Surgeons. FRACS helps patients clearly identify those with accredited training.

Why Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon in Adelaide Matters

Choosing a FRACS-qualified surgeon in Adelaide ensures you are working with a practitioner who meets national standards for surgical training and patient safety. Local expertise also means continuity of care, accessible follow-up, and understanding of South Australian health regulations.

Plastic Surgery Central’s surgeons hold FRACS (Plast) and practise within accredited facilities designed to support safe and high-quality surgical care.

Local Patient Safety Regulations and Standards

In South Australia, surgical procedures must be performed in licensed facilities that comply with state health regulations. FRACS-qualified surgeons have the credentials required to operate in accredited hospitals and day surgeries, ensuring access to appropriate equipment, anaesthesia support and emergency protocols.

Essential Questions to Ask When Selecting Your Plastic Surgeon

Before choosing your surgeon, consider asking:

What are your qualifications, and do you hold FRACS (Plast)?
How many procedures like mine have you performed?
Where will the surgery take place?
Do you have hospital operating privileges?
What are the possible risks and complications?
What does recovery typically involve?
What happens if I need follow-up surgery?
Can I see before-and-after photos of your work?
Who provides post-operative care?
What is included in the total cost?

These questions support informed decision-making and help ensure you feel comfortable with the care you are receiving.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will:

Discuss your goals and medical history
Perform an examination
Outline available surgical options
Discuss risks, benefits and expected outcomes
Explain costs and timelines
Guide preparation and aftercare

This is an opportunity to understand your procedure and determine whether it aligns with your expectations.

Common Procedures Performed by Qualified Plastic Surgeons in Adelaide

FRACS-qualified Plastic Surgeons perform a broad range of procedures, including;

Breast Surgery

Breast augmentation, reduction, lift, implant revision and reconstruction.

Facial Surgery

Facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and ear surgery.

Body Contouring

Abdominoplasty, body lift, arm and thigh reduction.

Reconstructive Surgery

Skin cancer surgery, hand surgery, craniofacial surgery and post-trauma reconstruction.

How to Verify Your Surgeon’s Credentials

You can confirm your surgeon’s registration and qualifications through:

AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency):
Search the online register to see your surgeon’s official title and endorsements.
RACS (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons):
Check whether the surgeon holds FRACS (Plast).
ASPS (Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons):
Membership indicates recognised specialist training and adherence to professional standards.

These checks ensure you are choosing a surgeon with accredited training and a commitment to safe practice.