Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons

25/11/2025

Earlier this year, we created the Surgical Complications Form. The purpose is for Australians to report complications from reconstructive or cosmetic surgery done overseas.

Your de-identified information will help build a clearer picture of cosmetic tourism risks and will contribute to improving safety standards through ASPS-approved research and reporting.

🔗 Visit the form here: https://plasticsurgery.org.au/information-for-patients/complication-form/

23/11/2025

Welcome to ASPS, Dr Rizwan Sheikh!

Dr Sheikh is a Melbourne-based specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive microsurgery, and hand surgery.

A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Fellow of the College of Plastic Surgeons of South Africa. His interest spans body contouring surgery, breast and facial aesthetics, microsurgery and breast reconstruction.

Find out more about Dr Sheikh by visiting his Find a Surgeon profile https://plasticsurgery.org.au/doctor/dr-rizwan-sheikh/

20/11/2025

Is your clinic website truly compliant?

In the fast-moving world of aesthetic medicine, staying ahead of regulation is essential. The latest guide from Aesthetic Medical Practitioner explains how to audit your website for compliance, including how you present treatments, patient outcomes, disclaimers and promotional language.

By reviewing your site with a focus on ethics, transparency and regulatory requirements, you can protect your practice and strengthen trust with your patients.

If you are wanting to stay ahead, this guide will help ensure your website reflects the highest standards of care and compliance: https://ow.ly/5ScS50Xthn9

If you are an ASPS member and would like us to review your website, contact us today!

19/11/2025

Brisbane-based ASPS member Dr David Sharp recently spoke with Style Magazine about the rise in Australians travelling overseas for cosmetic procedures.

The article highlights that while surgery abroad can appear convenient or cost-effective, it carries significant risks. The polished marketing often associated with cosmetic tourism can obscure the complexity of surgery and the potential for serious complications.

Dr Sharp outlines the realities behind this trend and reinforces how Australian patients can be supported to make safer, more informed decisions.

Read it here: https://ow.ly/zUn550XuqIF

Dr David Sharp Plastic Surgery + The SHARP Clinic

Have your feeds been flooded with Aussies jetting off for facelifts, hair transplants, breast augmentations, and more? Welcome to the rise of cosmetic tourism. To unpack the risks, the reasons, and the reality, we sat down with leading Brisbane Plastic Surgeon Dr David Sharp of The Sharp Clinic.

18/11/2025

Celebrating outstanding achievements in SA research with the winners on Don Robinson Day 2025!

The Don Robinson Prize for Best Clinical Research Paper was awarded to Dr Siobhan Fitzpatrick for
“Body-image and health-related quality of life outcomes of abdominoplasty for re**us diastasis of parity.”

The Anthony Rieger Prize for Best Scientific Research Paper was awarded to Dr Crystal Yue Min Phua for “Clinical Audit of Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) Applications (2014–2024).”

Congratulations to all for their important contributions to advancing plastic and reconstructive surgery in Australia.

18/11/2025

Welcome to ASPS Dr Yezen Sheena!

Dr Sheena is a specialist plastic surgeon with 15+ years’ experience in cosmetic, reconstructive and trauma surgery. He holds dual-Fellowship (FRCS & FRACS) specialising in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, microsurgery, body contouring, skin cancer and hand surgery.

He leads a Breast Reconstruction multi disciplinary team within the public health system on the Gold Coast and consults privately across the region. Outside of work, he spends time with family, travels and plays sports.

🔗 Find out more about Dr Sheena at his profile here https://plasticsurgery.org.au/doctor/dr-yezen-sheena/

11/11/2025

AHPRA released a new visual guide to non-surgical cosmetic advertising last month which is an essential resource to help you ensure your marketing and communications meet current compliance standards.

Spa & Clinic published a helpful article breaking it down. If you manage or promote aesthetic services, this is a must-read to keep your clinic aligned with best practice and avoid regulatory problems.

🔗Read the full article here: https://ow.ly/Cb4650Xp75r

In a bid to tighten oversight of the booming aesthetic industry, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), together with the National Boards, has published a new visual guide illustrating acceptable and unacceptable advertising of higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

10/11/2025

What you can do about ‘Ozempic face’?

Weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro can be life-changing but some users are noticing unexpected changes in their facial appearance, often referred to as “Ozempic face”.

In a recent Australian Financial Review article, ASPS President Dr David Morgan explains that the effect is similar to natural ageing;
“It’s a bit like a balloon when it’s lost some air. The face is not quite as smooth or as plump as it used to be.”

The piece explores why this happens, what prevention measures can help such as losing weight more gradually and protecting skin health, as well as outlining a range of treatment options from skincare and collagen stimulation to surgical approaches.

🔗 The article provides a balanced discussion on both the cosmetic and health aspects of rapid weight loss. Note: The AFR article is behind a paywall

The kilo-shedding jabs can lead to ‘Ozempic face’ and make you look gaunt. Experts reveal how to minimise your risk and discuss the most common treatments.

09/11/2025

Welcome to ASPS, Dr Joseph Luo!

Dr Joseph Luo is a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training in craniofacial and aesthetic surgery. He has volunteered in rural Africa, earning the COSECSA Fellowship and Jimmy James Prize for excellence in plastic surgery.

Passionate about global health and surgical education, Dr Luo combines technical expertise with compassion, providing patient-centred care. He consults in both English and Mandarin, and is based in WA.

To find out more about Dr Luo visit his Find a Surgeon profile: https://ow.ly/k95N50Xk7JC

02/11/2025

ASPS welcomes new member Dr Jenaleen Law, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Sydney.

After completing her Plastic Surgery Fellowship in 2023, Dr Law completed advanced microsurgery training in Canada under Dr Ed Buchel, followed by breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery training in Belgium with Prof Moustapha Hamdi. She then completed the ISAPS fellowship in Belgium, focusing on facelift and facial aesthetic surgery under Drs Patrick Tonnard and Alexis Verpaele.

🔗Dr Law is working in both public and private practice in NSW. For contact details and to find out more, visit her Find a Surgeon profile https://ow.ly/FXCF50Xk7nr

26/10/2025

Specialists’ Symposium: Neoadjuvant Treatment in 2025 with Melanoma Institute Australia

With PBS-listed neoadjuvant regimens representing a landmark shift in treatment that is redefining melanoma care, clinicians now need practical, real-world guidance to implement these therapies effectively within multidisciplinary practice.

Join Melanoma Institute Australia for a case-based hybrid symposium hosted by Prof Georgina Long AO and made available via live stream or in person in Sydney.
Gain practical insights on patient selection, treatment timing, toxicity management and pathological assessment — helping you confidently integrate this new standard of care into your clinical practice. Upcoming research efforts to further improve outcomes for patients will also be discussed.

Date: Monday 24 November 2025

Time and venue:
• 7pm – 9pm AEDT – Online via Zoom
• 6pm – 9 pm AEDT – In person for dinner at the Hyatt Regency, Sydney
Register here: https://ow.ly/ilva50Xi3Ll

23/10/2025

Congratulations to our ASPS Members and Trainee Associate member for being recognised among the 2026 RACS scholarship and grant recipients!

Dr Marc Seifman – Ian & Ruth Gough Surgical Education Scholarship
Dr Tavis Read – Morgan Travel Fellowship
Dr Nicola Fleming – Poate Family Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Travel Grant
Dr Sally Ng – Younger Fellows Leadership Exchange Grant

These awards highlight our members’ excellence in surgical education, research and leadership both at home and on the global stage. FInd out more here: https://plasticsurgery.org.au/congratulations-to-the-2026-racs-scholarship-and-grant-recipients/