Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see Dr O'Mahony?
Yes, a referral is required to see Dr O’Mahony for both Reconstructive and Cosmetic consultations. GP referrals are usually valid for 12 months and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months
If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to ask Dr O’Mahony via our contact us page.
What should I bring to my consultation?
When you come to Dr O’Mahony’s office please bring your referral and any relevant scans or X-rays. If you are taking medications (including herbal remedies or vitamins) it is very helpful if you can bring a list of these medications with you.
If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to ask Dr O’Mahony via our contact us page.
How much will my surgery cost?
For uninsured patients or cosmetic procedures where Health Insurance does not apply hospital costs are also provided in the quotation.
Please note for insured patients your quote will not include any hospital excess or co-payments that are included in some Health Fund policies. We would advise you confirm these with your Health Fund Provider.
For procedures under sedation or general anaesthetic, contact details of the Specialist Anaesthetist working with Dr O’Mahony will be provided so you can be contact them directly to provide a quote for their services.
Will my health fund cover the costs of surgery?
Cosmetic Surgery is not covered by Medicare or Health Funds. If you have any queries regarding what is considered cosmetic surgery please contact us, we would be happy to clarify this for you.
If you require pathology or radiology tests as part of your treatment you may receive a separate bill from these specialists, this may not be claimable from your Health Fund.
If I have more questions?
Please do not hesitate to ask Dr O’Mahony or her staff if you have any queries about fees.
If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to ask Dr O’Mahony via our contact us page.
What is a Plastic Surgeon?
A Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon is a highly trained Medical Specialist who performs Reconstructive and Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery.
In Australia there is only one route by which a Doctor can qualify as a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, and this is through the Specialist Training program administered by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). This College is the only body accredited to award the title of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons with the Australian Medical Council also have a process through which overseas trained Specialists can apply to be recognised as Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons.
Selection onto the training program in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is highly competitive, with only a small number of Doctors chosen each year. The program is extremely rigorous, with candidates being intensively trained and frequently examined in all aspects of Plastic Surgery, both Reconstructive and Cosmetic. At the culmination of this program, trainee Plastic Surgeons sit a series of gruelling exams, before they can be awarded their ‘Fellowship’, or qualification as a Surgeon, and the right to use the suffix FRACS (Plast) after their name.
Only qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons are then entitled to join the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the national representative body of the specialty. They are also legally recognised as Specialists by Medicare Australia and the Health Insurance Funds and only operate in fully accredited Hospitals and Day Surgery Facilities, which allows their patients to claim rebates for eligible procedures.
Once qualified, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons must show evidence of participation in ongoing Medical Education and Training in order to retain their Specialist status.
To be certain that you are consulting a fully qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon for your Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery, look for the qualification ‘FRACS (Plast)’ and membership of ASPS.
More information on the training and qualifications required of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons can be found by following these links:
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): www.plasticsurgery.org.au
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS): www.surgeons.org
Australian Medical Council (AMC) www.amc.org.au
If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to ask Dr O’Mahony via our contact us page.
What is a Cosmetic Surgeon?
A fully qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon is also a qualified ‘Cosmetic’ Surgeon. However, a number of non-Specialist Doctors promote ‘Cosmetic Surgery’ despite not being formally trained as Surgeons. Some of these Doctors advertise widely, may quote a variety of surgical ‘qualifications’ and perform cosmetic surgery procedures such as Breast Augmentation. Naturally this can cause confusion amongst patients who are considering Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. For your own peace of mind and protection the only way to know you are in the hands of a fully qualified Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon is to ensure they hold a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and are members of The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
More information on the training and qualifications required of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons can be found by following these links:
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): www.plasticsurgery.org.au
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS): www.surgeons.org
If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to ask Dr O’Mahony via our contact us page.
What is a craniofacial surgery?
Craniofacial Surgery, or Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, is a subspecialty of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, requiring 2 years of additional training and examinations. This is quite distinct from ‘Maxillofacial Surgery’, which is a subspecialty of Dental Surgery.
Craniofacial Surgeons perform complex reconstructive operations involving the skull, the bones of the face and the soft tissues of the face.
Most patients undergoing Craniomaxillofacial surgery have some form of congenital deformity or asymmetry, have been treated for tumours, or have suffered facial trauma.
Dr O’Mahony specialises in both adult and paediatric Craniofacial Surgery, and has a special interest in the treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate. Her subspecialty qualification in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery also compliments her interest in all forms of Facial Plastic Surgery, both reconstructive and cosmetic.
Please follow the links on the Home page to find out more about individual procedures.
If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to ask Dr O’Mahony via our contact us page.