For some in our community whose gender identity doesn’t align with their body, it can be frustrating to seek services or procedures in a fragmented and costly system. An application has been made to the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) to have gender-affirming surgeries added to Medicare, which aims to reduce confusion and out-of-pocket costs for patients. The president of the Australian Association of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Associate Professor Nicola Dean, discusses the current process in Australia for those seeking solutions to gender-affirming surgery, including referral options. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AusPATH (Australian Professional Association for Trans Health)
https://auspath.org.au/ 

ACON
https://www.acon.org.au/ 

Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons 
www.plasticsurgery.org.au 

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If you’re considering plastic surgery for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons, the first step is ensuring your surgeon is trained in the area you’re seeking and to the standard of the Australian Medical Council. That’s according to Prof. Mark Ashton, Clinical Professor of Surgery and Honorary Professor of Anatomy at the University of Melbourne.

Some people, he says, have unrealistic expectations about what plastic surgery can achieve or the results it can yield. And so, it’s important to discuss your options with an AMC-accredited surgeon who are all Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Prof Ashton explains what patients should do before and after surgery, how to convey their expectations to a surgeon, and the variuous outcomes after a procedure.

Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
www.plasticsurgery.org.au

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Women with overly large breasts often face a variety of issues, including discomfort, physical pain and emotional concerns. Breast reduction is a life-changing procedure for the many thousands of women across Australia who undergo surgery each year. Specialist plastic surgeon Dr Shagun Aggarwal explains the process of breast reduction surgery, as well as the potential risks and complications, scarring, post-operative care, how Medicare may cover the costs, and if additional surgery is required at some stage.

Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
www.plasticsurgery.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.