Writing about a topic as sensitive and complicated as cosmetic surgery is no easy task, which is why it’s important to consult an expert on the topic wherever possible. Established in 1999, The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS) is a not-for-profit body of experts who practice in cosmetic medicine and surgery. Here, beautydirectory chats to president of the ACCS Dr Colin Moore on how the organisation can assist media in writing about cosmetic surgery.
When and why was the ACCS established?
The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery was established in 1999. Its mission then, as now, was to raise standards and protect patients in cosmetic surgery and cosmetic medicine by setting standards and providing education and training.
What is the primary goal of the ACCS and how does it achieve this?
The primary goal of the ACCS is to ensure the safe provision of cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgical procedures to the Australian general community through the supply of appropriately trained and certified health care practitioners.
What kind of doctors and surgeons are members of the ACCS? Do you have any guidelines in place?
The ACCS is inclusive and open to a multi-disciplinary body of general surgeons, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, ear nose and throat surgeons, opthalmologists and other doctors who specialise in cosmetic medicine and surgery. To become an ACCS fellow, doctors must typically complete a minimum of 12 years of medical and surgical education and training including the College’s training program, which involves written and practical examinations.
How can beauty media use the ACCS to help them in researching and writing articles on cosmetic surgery?
When researching an article on any aspect of cosmetic medical practice, or when seeking a quote from an industry expert, our experienced PR consults Blanche Wilkie or Alan Jones can assist.
The ACCS has also produced a patient information brochure, Things You Should Know – which can be downloaded directly from the ACCS website at http://www.accs.org.au/images/docs/codes/ACCS-patient-information-brochu...
Why is it important to seek expert opinion when reporting on cosmetic surgery in the media?
Consumer safety is paramount – and seeking an expert opinion when reporting on cosmetic surgery in the media can help ensure you are providing accurate and up to date information.
Who are some of the ACCS’ leading spokespeople and what are their areas of expertise?
The ACCS is a multi-disciplinary organisation and can therefore put forward spokespersons on the latest developments in cosmetic medical practice, including new technologies, product releases and best practice for a wide range of issues including:
• Abdominoplasty
• Blepharoplasty
• Body contouring
• Body implants
• Breast surgery
• Dermatologic surgery
• Face and neck lift
• Facial implants
• Hair iransplants
• Injectable rejuvenation
• Labiaplasty
• Lasers and energy based treatments
• Fractional laser treatment
• Laser for tattoo removal
• Laser/IPL hair removal
• Laser/IPL treatment of blood vessels
• Laser/IPL treatment of pigmented lesions
• Liposuction
• Otoplasty
• Phalloplasty
• Rhinoplasty
• Skin care
Does the College ever deal with cosmetic-surgery patients directly? If so, what are the major concerns patients come to you with?
Prospective patients often contact the ACCS when they are considering undergoing a procedure or need information about any aspect of cosmetic medical practice.
Patients are also in contact when they want to make a complaint about a poor quality of treatment experience. The ACCS welcomes enquiries and feedback from patients and has a range of systems in place to respond to any concerns.”
How does Australia’s uptake of cosmetic surgery compare with that in other countries?
The widespread and continuing growth of cosmetic medicine and surgery throughout the Australian community is comparable to the uptake in the US and the UK. Greater discretionary spending ability, demographic changes for example associated with ageing baby boomers, new techniques, improved technology and pharmacological innovations have increased consumer demand (this has been accompanied, for the same reasons, by an increasing utilisation of cosmetic dentistry services). The availability of cosmetic medical procedures is no longer restricted to the affluent; rather, as in countries such as Canada, the UK and US, for Australians it is a widely available and sought after service.
How is the ACCS furthering education relating to cosmetic surgery?
The ACCS annual Cosmetex conference, which brings together cosmetic and plastic surgeons, dermatologists, cosmetic physicians, nurses and other cosmetic health practitioners’ industry suppliers, is one of the world’s most important meetings in the specialty area of cosmetic medical practice and the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. [We are also trying to] educate consumers, including through beauty media.
For more information on the ACCS, head to the ACCS website, http://www.accs.org.au, or call 1800 804 781.
To find a suitable spokesperson, contact Blanche Wilkie at blanche@purecommunications.com.au or 0425 279 091, or Alan Jones at armjsydney@gmail.com or 0420 757 009.