Interplast Exhibition Showcases Raw Side of Plastic Surgery

As part of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) 40th-anniversary celebrations at the Annual Conference in Melbourne from 20-22 October a special exhibition is being held to showcase the partnership with Interplast Australia & New Zealand.

President, Dr Mark Magnusson, said ASAPS members are passionate about using their skills and experience to give back to the community.

“Collaboration can be a powerful thing, especially when put to such a good cause as the partnership between ASAPS and Interplast.

“Their important work in sending teams of volunteer Specialist Plastic Surgeons and other medical professionals to remote regions across the Asia Pacific to provide surgery and medical training affords our members a life-changing experience to work where their skills and expertise are needed most.

“On the most recent trip to Papua New Guinea, Interplast’s Surgical Committee member, long-time volunteer and ASAPS Member, Professor Mark Ashton treated patients who would not have access to treatment at all without this incredible program. The trip was photographed by Woodrow Wilson and highlights from their visit will be showcased as part of the exhibition.

“ASAPS is proud to partner with Interplast,” Dr Magnusson said.

CEO of Interplast, Ms Prue Ingram said Interplast sends teams of volunteer Specialist Plastic Surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals to provide surgery and medical training in 17 countries across the Asia Pacific region.

“In Australia and New Zealand, we often take it for granted that if we ever need medical care, we will be treated quickly and effectively by highly qualified doctors, nurses, surgeons and other specialists. But right next door in the Asia Pacific region, a lack of resources combined with limited training means people with repairable conditions are often not treated fast enough or well enough – if they get treated at all.

“According to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery an estimated 143 million people each year go without medical attention they urgently need. More than 99 million of those cases are in Asia and Oceania, where Interplast works.

“Our partnership with ASAPS seeks to recruit new surgeons to our program and to provide financial support to aid more people in areas where the help is needed most,” Ms Ingram said.

Below is a selection of the images to be featured as part of the Exhibition:

Media note: This Exhibition is closed to members of the public.

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Media contact: Julia Power, National PR and Marketing Manager, 0414 276 990