Category: Industry News
Breast implant associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
Facts associated with BIA-ALCL
It is a cancer of lymphatic cells and a form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma It is not a breast cancer It occurs in association with breast implants and to date exclusively with exposure to textured implants (no reported cases with exposure to smooth implants alone) It occurs in women who have had implants for both cosmetic and reconstructive indications It takes an average of 7-10 years after implant insertion before it develops The commonest presentation is a...Read MoreBreast implant associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) FAQs
No, BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer.
ALCL is a cancer of lymphatic cells and a form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It has been described in all parts of the body well before breast implants existed, and has occurred in the breast without any implant present.
BIA-ALCL is a form of lymphoma that occurs in association with breast implants, and to date exclusively with exposure to textured implants (no reported cases with smooth implants alone). It occurs in women who have...Read More
Cosmetic Surgery vs Plastic Surgery
ASPS Vice President Gazi Hussain was interviewed on ABC radio last night. The topic was ‘ Are you considering having Cosmetic Surgery’ interviewed by Philip Clark. The segment gave a balanced discussion about our specialty and the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, and the grey areas of definition that we and the health authorities are dealing with. You can listen to the interview here:...Read More
MYTH: That cosmetic surgery advertising is highly regulated
Commercial factors drive advertising. There is a danger that unethical advertising inflates patient expectations while ignoring or trivialising the risks of surgical procedures. ASPS promotes transparency of information for consumers about education, qualifications and accreditation of premises so that consumers are fully informed. ASPS’ Code of Practice outlines the professional and ethical standards which are expected from its members.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS What’s the difference...Read MoreFACT: there is limited regulation or standardisation when it comes to the use of titles to describe qualifications in the area of cosmetic surgery
Prospective patients can become confused by the range and description of medical qualifications. Given the high level of trust Australians put in the medical profession, prospective patients are vulnerable and potentially at risk from those practitioners who operate outside their skill and training level.
ASPS supports the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration and use of titles. ASPS members are entitled to use the protected title “Specialist Plastic Surgeon”. The...Read More
MYTH: Plastic surgeons only perform reconstructive surgery
Plastic Surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. ASPS members are Specialist Plastic Surgeons trained, experienced, and qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Many cosmetic procedures are embedded in the training undertaken for reconstructive plastic surgery. Specialist Plastic Surgeons are uniquely qualified to handle the demands and risks attached to various cosmetic surgery...Read More
FACT: All surgeries can carry serious risk
With a rise in the number of Australians undergoing cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgery has become ‘normalised’ and accepted as common place, however, cosmetic surgery is like any other kind of surgery in that it carries serious risk and therefore needs to be seriously considered. In some circumstances, a patient can have an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic or be affected by post-operative complications. These problems can occur even when the surgery has been performed with the utmost...Read More
MYTH: All plastic surgery procedures are performed in accredited facilities
In Australia, invasive surgical procedures are sometimes performed in a facility, such as an office or consulting room, which is not fully accredited or monitored for the performance of those procedures. To ensure patient safety, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons advocates that all invasive surgical procedures, that require more than a minimal amount of local anaesthetic, must be conducted in an accredited day surgery or private or public hospital. While all surgery carries risk, the accreditation...Read More
FACT: it is legal for doctors without formal specialist surgical training to conduct cosmetic or plastic surgery
Currently, in Australia, it is legal for a medical practitioner with only a basic medical degree (i.e. MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) to perform surgery. ASPS members are Specialist Plastic Surgeons with extensive post graduate specialist training in all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
ASPS members are Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and have undergone extensive training to perform invasive surgical procedures. The Australian...Read More