Articles
The scope of plastic surgery
Plastic Surgery is a surgical speciality concerned with form and function. It is derived from the Greek word “plastikos” meaning to mould or shape. It is not related to plastic the polymer we know and use daily.
The history of Plastic Surgery extends back to about 600BC with reports from India. Roman reports from the first century BC are also available. Plastic Surgery has continued to develop to date. Marked changes, developments and progressive improvements are still continuing.
The public perception of Plastic Surgery is often of the cosmetic sub-speciality. This is only part of a much wider range. A simplified summary is listed below.
1 Burn Surgery – Immediate treatment and delayed reconstruction
2 Congenital Surgery – Birth defects
3 Cosmetic Surgery
4 General Plastic Surgery – Skin cancer, trauma, reconstruction, urogenital, vascular anomalies and wound healing.
5 Hand Surgery
6 Head and Neck – Cancer surgery and reconstruction
7 Maxillofacial – Bone and soft tissue of the face and jaw
8 Microsurgery
To be competent in this wide range, Plastic Surgeons undergo a rigorous selection process and training program. This includes multiple written and spoken examinations and a long time commitment. Some surgeons then complete additional further fellowship training in areas of special interest. These may be overseas which then incorporates international techniques and methods.
All of this is under the auspices of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). The only body accredited to train Specialist Surgeons. This is the same College that trains other specialist surgeons such as neurosurgeons, cardiac surgeons or orthopaedic surgeons. Only these surgeons can use the letters FRACS, Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, after their name.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons also requires and monitors ongoing medical education, ensuring specialists continue to provide the highest standards of professional care. Only fully trained and registered specialist Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons who are Fellows of RACS can join the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Having a background in reconstructive surgery is considered to enhance the understanding of and ability to perform cosmetic surgery.