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Plastic surgeon Perth

Is there any difference between a plastic and cosmetic surgeon?

Finding the right surgeon for cosmetic procedures can feel daunting if you don’t know what to look for.
Plastic surgeon Perth

Plastic surgeon Perth

Should I find a cosmetic surgeon or a plastic surgeon?

If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery and wondering who to trust, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure of the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgeons.

“There is often confusion about these terms, which is why clear information is important when patients are exploring cosmetic surgery.“

Dr Jeremy Rawlins, Plastic Surgeon Perth

At Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are fully qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, trained to the highest standards in Australia.

Two types of plastic surgery

Plastic surgery has two main branches:

  • Reconstructive surgery: surgery to restore form and function after trauma, cancer, burns, congenital differences or disease. Many reconstructive procedures are eligible for Medicare.

  • Cosmetic surgery: surgery that reshapes or enhances a normal part of the body for appearance-related reasons. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by Medicare unless there is an underlying medical condition.

It’s a common misconception that plastic surgery only refers to cosmetic surgery. In reality, much of a plastic surgeon’s training is in reconstructive work, although many surgeons also perform cosmetic procedures.

Is a cosmetic surgeon also a plastic surgeon?

Not necessarily.

  • Plastic surgeon: in Australia, this is a protected title. A plastic surgeon must complete a minimum of 9–10 years of medical and surgical training, including the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

  • Cosmetic surgeon: the term is not a recognised medical specialty. Any doctor can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, even if they have not undertaken accredited plastic surgery training.

It is important to check your surgeon’s qualifications. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is the only body recognised by the Australian Medical Council to certify plastic surgeons.

Why is this important?

Plastic surgeons are trained in both reconstructive and cosmetic techniques. This means that, in addition to performing elective cosmetic surgery, they are also trained to manage complications should they occur.

“The techniques used in reconstructive surgery, such as microsurgery, grafts and flaps, are also applied in cosmetic procedures where appropriate.“

Dr Raj Zaman, Plastic Surgeon Perth

What about the Four Corners program on cosmetic surgery?

The ABC’s Four Corners investigation into cosmetic surgery raised serious concerns about how some procedures were being promoted and performed in Australia. In response, the Medical Board and AHPRA introduced stricter guidelines in July 2023 to ensure patient safety and responsible advertising.

This is why you may notice changes in how plastic surgery is presented online. For example:

  • Stock images and unrealistic “before and after” photos are no longer allowed.

     

  • Words that imply superiority, such as “world class” or “best,” are prohibited.

     

  • Colloquial or trivialising terms, such as “boob job”, “tummy tuck” or “nose job,” must not be used, as they downplay the seriousness of surgery.

     

  • Advertising must present balanced information, including the risks and recovery involved, so patients can make informed choices.

These changes were designed to help people considering cosmetic surgery receive clear, accurate, and realistic information before making decisions.

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Cosmetic surgery Perth

What types of cosmetic surgery procedures do we offer?

At Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery in Perth, we provide a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including:

We also see patients for breast reconstruction following mastectomy, trauma surgery, and complex skin cancer management.


Risks & Complications

All surgical procedures come with risks. Learn more on our Risks & Complications page.

Plastic surgery Perth

Why Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery?

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, it’s important to understand the difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon.

At Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery, both Dr Jeremy Rawlins and Dr Raj Zaman are qualified specialist plastic surgeons (FRACS), providing reconstructive and cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on safety, clear communication, and individualised planning.

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Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery

Tracey

Administration team leader

Tracey has over 20 years of experience in the health insurance industry and transitioned to hospital administration at The Mount Hospital, where she became the admissions team leader before moving up to administration manager. At Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery, she leads the administration team, focusing on exceptional customer service and ensuring the best patient experience through her empathetic approach. Outside of work, Tracey enjoys the outdoors and fresh air. 

Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery

Rebecca

Practice manager

Rebecca earned a Diploma of Management from Swinburne University of Technology and has 17 years of experience in medical administration, including 14 years in practice management. She manages daily operations at Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery, supporting the clinical team and focusing on excellent customer service. Rebecca is dedicated to the well-being of the community. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, baking, and crafting. 

Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery

Theresa

Registered nurse

Theresa trained as a nurse at Curtin University and spent 16 years at Royal Perth Hospital, working in various departments including acute general surgery, cardiothoracics, and cardiology. She also worked in an outpatient plastics clinic before moving into private practice. For 16 years, she served as a practice nurse for five plastic surgeons before joining Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery. Theresa is passionate about guiding patients through their surgical journeys, from pre-op to recovery. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, hiking, travelling, exploring new foods, and gardening. 

Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery

Mary

Registered nurse

Mary trained as a nurse at the University Hospital of Wales Cardiff and worked in various locations in Australia, including Melbourne and Townsville. She eventually settled in Perth, where she spent over 33 years at Royal Perth Hospital specialising in plastic surgery, burns, and major head and neck surgery. Now in private practice, Mary is dedicated to supporting patients through their post-operative recovery, finding it immensely rewarding. Outside work, she’s an avid bushwalker, enjoys family time, and loves travelling. 

Shahriar Raj Zamman Forme Specialist Plastic Surgery

Dr Shahriar Raj Zaman

MBBS FRAC (Plast)

Dr Shahriar Raj Zaman, best known as Raj, is a fully qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon trained in Australia and internationally. He earned his MBBS from the University of Western Australia in 2009 and has undergone extensive training in plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and general surgery. 

Raj is certified by the Australian Plastic Surgery board, having completed his FRACS examination in June 2022. His surgical expertise is broad, with special interests in hand surgery, melanoma and skin cancer, complex microsurgical reconstructions, and aesthetic breast and body contouring surgery. He has developed his skills globally, including in South Korea under renowned microsurgeons and in Sydney with leading aesthetic surgeons.

Dr Zaman is known for his warm, personalised approach, making sure that all surgeries improve patients’ lives with excellent care and service. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, travel, and sports. He is a member of RACS, ASPS, ASAPS, and WASPS.

Website Dr. Zaman: drrajzamanprs.com