YOU may not think that Berwick is Australia’s leading destination for research into cosmetic surgery – but you’d be wrong.
Plastic surgeon Tim Brown has worked in Berwick for over a decade, and recently changed the emphasis of his practice such that he now treats only cosmetic surgery issues.
Although he has over 20 years’ experience in plastic surgery, there is now such a demand for his skills in the particular area of cosmetic work that he has taken the decision to super specialise.
“While I would like to continue treating the whole range of problems I have dealt with in Berwick for the last 10 years, I can’t do everything,” Mr Brown said.
Over the last 20 years, he has published over 60 papers in peer reviewed journals, concerning various reconstructive and cosmetic topics.
The quality of his work has been recognised by the award of “Best Journal Article” by both the British Association of Plastic Surgeons, and more recently the Australasian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Since 2012, his attention has been exclusively focused on breast implant surgery. The last three papers he published have tracked the progress of over 750 women who have had breast implants under his care, outlining the results, complications and satisfaction with outcomes.
In particular, he has focused on fitting the size of an implant to the size of the patient to ensure great outcomes.
“It’s a matter of horses for courses, and recognising what suits who.”
Did you know for example, that patients with a low body mass index (BMI) are more likely to want a very small implant compared to those of a “normal” BMI?
Also, almost one in five women wish they had picked a bigger implant by three months after their procedure.
These issues are important and can help patients decide and make choices that are likely to produce happy outcomes.
While anybody thinking about breast implant surgery wants to make sure that they have made good choices, the amount of information produced on the internet can make this task daunting. To assist, Mr Brown has written a book, Precision Breast Augmentation – the science of breast implant surgery. Currently in production, it will be soon available on Kindle from the Amazon Australia store, and also free in hard copy to all patients who attend a breast augmentation consultation.
The book explains the published facts about breast augmentation surgery and also Mr Brown’s personal research. It answers all the common questions that patients ask during a consultation.
Presently, Mr Brown is the only surgeon in Australia who has ever published personal data concerning his results following breast augmentation surgery.
He believes that this is vitally important that patients realise this before deciding who undertakes their procedure.
“How can any surgeon honestly look you in the eye and tell you that their technique will give you a good outcome if they don’t even know the answer themselves?”
Mr Brown does not personally charge for revision surgery on his patients should they have a problem, although hospital costs need to be covered by either insurance or individually.
“We provide a lifelong guarantee on my surgical work in the event of implant failure or capsular hardening, and are always delighted to see our previous patients.”
There are a number of lower cost options available for Australians who wished to have breast implants.
Mr Brown suggests that you should ask some very specific questions about their results and care, not just look at a series of before and after photographs.
“Results should be published in a peer reviewed journal, so that they are available for the whole world to see and criticise. It is a time consuming learning process, but if you are serious about the work, why wouldn’t you?”
Mr Brown also believes that surgeons should provide long-term care and responsibility for their patients, “If a patient has an issue, I want to know about it, even if it is 10 years later. Whilst it is important for my research, it also provides reassurance for patients that someone locally is there for them.”
His ethos with cosmetic surgery patients is the “three As” – available, able and affable.
“Berwick is where my practice is based, and the hospital is across the road. All of my staff have worked with me for 10 years. We’re on call for patients 24/7 from Berwick, and I live in Frankston, not Sydney or Thailand. If you have a problem we are there for you. You will get seen by us. Oh, and incidentally, I think we are pretty affable too!”
If you wish to have an appointment to see Mr Brown for any cosmetic surgery issue, call 8768 5000 for an appointment. We also provide some Saturday appointments.
“Precision Breast Augmentation – the science behind breast augmentation surgery” by Tim Brown will be available from Amazon Australia Kindle Store from 31 May 2015.
