Cosmetic Surgery in Sydney
Information about cosmetic surgery, its risks and recovery, from specialist plastic surgeon Dr Joseph Rizk.
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About Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. It is important to understand the procedure, its risks and recovery, and to choose an appropriately qualified surgeon.
Dr Joseph Rizk (MED0001186612) is a registered medical practitioner and specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery) practising in Sydney.
What is Cosmetic Surgery?
In medical terms, cosmetic surgery is the practice of using plastic surgical techniques to enhance a person's aesthetic appearance. It can range from intense, invasive procedures like a facelift or breast augmentation to more minor treatments like laser skin resurfacing.
Each person pursues cosmetic surgery for their own reasons, so each consultation is individual. Dr Rizk will talk with you about your reasons and expectations as well as the procedure itself.
What can Cosmetic Surgery Address?
At Rizk Plastic Surgery in Sydney cosmetic surgery procedures are planned for each patient's needs. Still, most people are interested in aesthetic surgery for a handful of reasons. Some of the most common are:
- •Changes in the face and neck with age
- •Wrinkles, creases, or scars
- •Dissatisfaction with the size, shape, position, or symmetry of the breasts
- •Excess fat deposits
- •Loose, sagging skin around the midsection after pregnancy or weight loss
- •Hair loss
Specialist Sydney plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Rizk will assess your concerns during your consultation and discuss whether a procedure is suitable for you, including its risks and recovery.
Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery
Dr Joseph Rizk believes that a Plastic Surgeon should be able to perform both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.
The title Specialist Plastic Surgeon is protected by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The term Plastic Surgeon should assume that Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery are performed. However the term Cosmetic Surgeon in Australia does not necessarily mean the surgeon is trained or performs plastic surgery. Since October 2023, the title 'surgeon' is restricted to medical practitioners with specialist registration in surgery and certain other specialties. You can check a practitioner's registration on the Ahpra public register. The terms "cosmetic surgery" and "plastic surgery" are often used interchangeably, but they are, in fact, different in goals. Many plastic surgeons focus their work on cosmetic or aesthetic practices, which can sometimes add to the confusion. So what is the difference?
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery refers to the broad category of medical knowledge that involves repairing, reshaping, and rebuilding structures of the body. It encompasses two distinct surgical fields: reconstructive and cosmetic. Yes, plastic surgery includes cosmetic surgery.
The reconstructive wing of plastic surgery focuses on rebuilding and repairing the body from congenital issues or after sustaining disease or trauma. Examples of this type of plastic surgery include:
- •Breast reconstruction after mastectomy
- •Burn repair surgery
- •Correcting congenital issues, such as cleft palate or extremity deficit
- •Scar revision
The education for plastic surgeons is usually completed after a post-graduate specialist training program. These courses often include a segment on cosmetic surgery, but it is only a part.
Double Bay, Sydney
Book a consultation with Dr Rizk
Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan tailored to their goals. Consultations are available in person at Double Bay or virtually. Cosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic (or "aesthetic") plastic surgery, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing the appearance of the body.
These procedures are almost always elective and are seldom considered medically necessary. Instead, patients choose to have cosmetic procedures to change how part of their body looks.
Many of the techniques used in reconstructive plastic surgery are also employed in cosmetic procedures. Training as a plastic surgeon incorporates cosmetic surgery techniques while completing a plastic surgery fellowship.
Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Common cosmetic procedures include:
Facelift (rhytidectomy)
A facelift addresses loose skin and sagging of the face and neck. Typically involves removing loose skin and reinforcing muscular and skeletal structures. Related: Rhinoplasty, Neck Lift, Neck Contouring, Facial Fat Transfer, Earlobe Repair.
Breast enhancement (mammoplasty)
A category of procedures focused on enhancing the appearance of the breasts. May involve breast augmentation using implants or fat transfer, a breast lift (mastopexy), or breast reduction.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty seeks to improve the appearance of the stomach by removing excess skin and reinforcing the underlying muscles and tissues. Related: Fat Transfer to the Buttocks.
Liposuction
Liposuction refers to the surgical removal of fat deposits via a suction device. Usually used around the hips and waist, but can also be used on the buttocks, thighs, and arms.
Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)
A blepharoplasty aims to reduce sagging or puffiness around the upper or lower eyelids to address appearance and function.
Non-invasive treatments
Topical treatments aimed at improving skin texture and minimising the appearance of scars. Related: Scar Correction, Skin Pigmentation Treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Joseph Rizk?
Dr Rizk is a specialist plastic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) based in Sydney. He will discuss your reasons for considering cosmetic surgery with you.
He trained at the University of Sydney. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic Surgery. He has also spent time with the Dutch Association of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Netherlands and at the UT Southwestern Plastic Surgery Department in the USA. He has held public hospital positions at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, The Children's Hospital Westmead, Auburn and Westmead Public Hospitals and the Breast Cancer Institute in Westmead. Dr Joseph Rizk now focuses on private practice in Sydney.
Dr Rizk will get to know you personally — your fears, goals, and lifestyle — to discuss whether a procedure is suitable for you.
Schedule Your Sydney Cosmetic Surgery Consultation with Dr Rizk
If you are considering cosmetic surgery, Sydney specialist plastic surgeon Dr Joseph Rizk can meet with you for a private consultation to answer your questions, address your concerns, and work out the best approach for your personal needs. He will take the time to answer your questions.
To request an in-person or virtual consultation, you can call 1300 707 007 or click here.
Request a consultation
Dr Joseph Rizk (MED0001186612) aims to make sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His approach is to give you the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment, including its risks and recovery.
Double Bay
Suite 301, Level 3
451 New South Head Road
Double Bay NSW 2028
Choose your own consultation time online.
Book a Consultation OnlineCosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
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