Lifelong Learning Opportunities in Cosmetic Surgery Provided by the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

Scientific Convenor for the inaugural Breast Masters Symposium, Associate Professor Mark Magnusson said there are 20,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in Australia each year.  It continues to be the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure and hence with its continued popularity comes the opportunity for continual improvement and refinements.  It will be one of the areas for discussion set to take place at the Symposium in Sydney from 18-20 October.

“Ever since the first silicone breast implant was introduced in 1963, Australia’s pioneering Specialist Plastic Surgeons were early adopters of the procedures in the 60’s and 70s.

“Over the last 55 years, breast augmentation surgery has been refined by a continuous cycle of clinical research, technological advancements and technical refinements.  It is a matter of great pride that Australia’s Specialist Plastic Surgeons have made major and important contributors to the global knowledge base regarding patient safety, best practice and maximising outcomes.  Collectively these advances have provided Specialist Plastic Surgeons with a scientific and technical tour de force to deliver superior outcomes to patients,” Associate Professor Magnusson said.

It’s not just breast augmentation that will be discussed.  The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) Educational Event will explore all breast surgeries and ways to continually improve patient safety in cosmetic surgery, current strategies for managing complications, new techniques to deliver better outcomes and mapping out the patient journey to ensure a patient-centric approach is delivered at every step of the way.

“This uniquely focused event will provide the opportunity for Specialist Plastic Surgeons with interest in breast surgeries and their practice staff to come together to learn about the latest research, tools and information that will help them provide stellar service and outcomes for patients.  It will also provide a forum for debate amongst the cohort of Specialist Plastic Surgeons about the emerging issues such as Breast Implant Illness and Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

“ASAPS supports Specialist Plastic Surgeons by providing ongoing learning opportunities to stay on top of the advances in cosmetic surgery.  This meeting will also attract continuing professional developments (CPD) points for attendees from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), the only accredited trainer of surgeons in Australia and New Zealand,” Associate Professor Magnusson said.

ASAPS has a well-established history of delivering scientific programs that help keep its members at the forefront of the cosmetic surgery profession.  Some key highlights of the program include-

• Professor Per Hedén from Sweden will be the international Keynote Speaker who will present on a range of different topics relating to breast surgeries.
• There will be a session dedicated to body image and whether cosmetic surgery is friend or foe with input from psychologists and researchers.
• There will be time quarantined for rigorous debate to challenge long-held beliefs and see how they stack up against evidence.  We will take the time to focus on current evidence and new research as well as updates on topics such as BIA-ALCL and the Australian Breast Device Registry.
• A sharing of knowledge and expertise from people who are doing things well, who have overcome challenges and who are pioneering new techniques and practices.

“I would also like to acknowledge that the meeting is endorsed by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons (NZAPS) and the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons (SAPS),” Associate Professor Magnusson said.

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