What is plastic surgery?

Contrary to its name, plastic surgery does not involve the use of plastics during surgery. The word "plastic" is taken from a Greek word that simply means "moulding" or "giving form".

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery - Surgery to improve function or minimize disfigurement that has occurred as a result of an accident, disease or birth defect.

Aesthetic or cosmetic surgery - Designed to improve a person's appearance by reshaping facial or bodily features

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records.

Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

What should I expect during my first visit?

The best and only way to find out if plastic surgery is right for you, is to consult Arthur G Handal M.D who will listen to your needs, examine you and provide you with educated advise. Arthur G Handal M.D can tell you what you need to know about the procedure you are interested in, or recommend another to meet your needs and goals.

During your initial visit, the doctor will explain the specific procedure you want, help you visualize the results and go over the risks. Although complications are rare, all surgeries, especially those that involve anaesthesia, carry some risks. Arthur G Handal M.D will outline these for you based on the specific procedure.

What about insurance cover?

In general, your private health fund and Medicare will not cover purely cosmetic procedures. They will cover a portion of other procedures with an associated item number. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure your health fund will adequately cover your surgery with Arthur G Handal M.D .