Choosing the right practitioner

This page is written to be useful whether or not you come to us. The questions below apply to any clinic, and we would rather you ask them of everyone - including Me Clinic - than not ask them at all.

First: check the registration yourself

Before anything else, look the practitioner up on the public register at ahpra.gov.au. It takes under a minute and tells you their registration type, any endorsements, and any conditions on their practice.

Understand what the titles mean:

Specialist Plastic Surgeon - a protected title requiring Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Doctor / medical practitioner - a registered doctor with general registration. They may lawfully perform many cosmetic procedures.
"Cosmetic surgeon" - a title restricted since 1 July 2023, with endorsement requiring specified standards.
There is no AHPRA specialty of "cosmetic surgery". A clinic claiming "specialist registration in cosmetic surgery" is describing something that does not exist.

A registration number should be published beside every practitioner's name. If you cannot find one, ask for it.

Questions to ask the surgeon or doctor

What is your registration type and number, and where did you train?
Have you performed this specific procedure, and roughly how many times?
What are the realistic risks and complications for me, given my history?
What is the recovery, honestly - not the best case?
Who does my post-operative care, and who do I call after hours if something goes wrong?
Will you be performing the procedure, or someone else?
Where is it performed, and is the facility accredited?
What anaesthetic, and who administers it?
Can I see before and after photographs of your own patients with a similar starting point to mine?
What does the quoted price include - and what is not included?
What happens, and what does it cost, if a revision is needed?
What would you advise if I decided not to proceed?

A practitioner who welcomes these questions is telling you something. So is one who deflects them.

Questions to ask yourself

Is this the right procedure for what actually bothers me?
Why now? Is there a life event or a relationship driving this that will still be there afterwards?
Am I confident in this practitioner's experience with this procedure?
Am I comfortable with the practitioner, the nursing staff and the facility?
Do I understand the recovery, and have I arranged the time and help I will need?
Am I choosing on cost or on competence?
Have I given myself time to think, or am I being moved along?

Warning signs worth walking away from

Pressure to decide today, or a discount that expires if you go home and think about it
No referral requested for cosmetic surgery - a referral has been required since 1 July 2023, and a clinic skipping it is skipping a rule
One consultation and a booking - two consultations are required before cosmetic surgery is booked
Risks glossed over, or a promise of a guaranteed result
Testimonials and influencer content - prohibited in advertising regulated health services
Before and after images that are not the clinic's own patients, or that are visibly retouched or shot under different lighting
Vague titles - "specialist" used loosely, or a registration number you cannot find
No clear answer on aftercare or on who handles complications
Price quoted without written inclusions
Being talked into more than you came for

Get a second opinion

We recommend seeking a second medical opinion before any surgical procedure - ideally from a registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon with knowledge of the specific area. That recommendation stands whether or not the first opinion was ours.

We also provide second opinions for people who have consulted elsewhere, including reviewing a plan you have already been quoted for.

About Me Clinic specifically

Me Clinic has practised cosmetic medicine and surgery in Melbourne for over 35 years, from a full-time medical clinic at 4 Burke Road, Malvern East.

Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons are Dr Gary Kode (MED0001405964), Dr Amir Tadros (MED0002302612) and Dr Mark Doyle (MED0001375519). Our Cosmetic Doctors are Dr Gordon Ku (MED0001169203), Dr Kwok Hao Lie (MED0001843582) and Dr Luis Torres Villacorta (MED0002049692). Dr Tim French (MED0001790529) is a phlebologist.

Each is willing to discuss their qualifications, experience and training with you directly, and to show before and after photographs of their own patients - genuine images, with the reminder that results vary between individuals.

Booking

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form. Consultations as at September 2024, including GST: Specialist Plastic Surgeon $350, Cosmetic Doctor $150.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual results may vary.