Dr Nicholas Lotz (FRACS) Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Nicholas Lotz
MBBS BSc(Med) FRACS
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Main Rooms
Level 1 357 Military Rd
MOSMAN, NSW 2088
Appointments & Enquiries
info@drnicholaslotz.com.au
Ph: 1300 304 209
Fax: 02 9904 0166
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A Guide for Patients

Choosing
Your
Surgeon.

We have prepared the following guide to assist you in the process of choosing a well qualified and credentialed plastic surgeon.

Or you can view Dr Nicholas Lotz’s profile including all of his background, experience and training directly:

SURGEON PROFILE: Dr Nicholas Lotz

It is a difficult decision who you will choose to perform your surgery. You need to find a surgeon who not only has the technical ability to perform the surgery to a high standard, but it is equally important that they are someone you can trust to look after you not only as part of the routine postoperative care, but also in the unexpected event that there are any complications.

Deciding on your plastic surgeon

Choosing a surgeon

In our practice the vast majority of patients come via word of mouth. Having a friend or family member suggest someone that has treated them for a similar condition with good results is always a great place to start. From our side it is the ultimate compliment when patients refer their friends or bring their family back to us as it shows we are providing a high standard of care. Remember that even if someone recommends a surgeon you still should check their credentials.

Talking to your GP is also a good place to start. They will know most of the surgeons in the area, and will have seen their results, and heard patient feedback. They should also know who is appropriately trained for the surgery you require. You will need to see your GP for a referral in any case if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for the referral and any of the surgery.

If you have any friends that are doctors or nurses, they may also be able to give you names of surgeons that they know as having good reputations.

Qualifications & Credentials

Before a consultation you should do some background research on your surgeon and their training.

..

The following guide will assist you in this process.

Check:

01.

Are they a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – FRACS?

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is the Australian Government’s designated body to train Surgeons in Australia. These letters F.R.A.C.S found after a doctor’s name are essential to ensure your Surgeon has passed all the training and examination requirements to hold a Specialist title. It also means that your Surgeon is complying with the Continuing Professional Development program of the College ensuring your Surgeon is up to date with their skills and knowledge. Some doctors who call themselves ‘surgeon’ in their title may use letters very similar to F.R.A.C.S at first glance so check your letters well! It is imperative to check whether your surgeon is a Recognised Specialist Surgeon by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

  • Check your surgeon is accredited via the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons “Find a Surgeon” online resource:
FRACS Accredited Surgeons

Beware the ideology of the name ‘College’ can be misleading as any group of medical professionals can create its own board and register a business name as a ‘College’. The College for training Specialist Surgeons as recognised by the AMC in Australia is the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

02.

Are they are a Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons - ASPS?

This is the only Society sanctioned by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to train Specialist Plastic Surgeons for the purposes of Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery. All Members of ASPS are bona fide Plastic Surgeons who are in full-time Plastic Surgery Practice. To reach this level requires a minimum of 12 years education and training plus completing necessary training terms, operation numbers, courses and examinations

  • Check your Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon is a member of ASPS:
ASPS Member Surgeons
03.

Registered with AHPRA and have no restrictions on their registration.

  • You can check a medical practitioner’s current APHRA registration on the website here:
Check Practitioner Registration
Dr Nicholas Lotz, Plastic Surgeon, Sydney
MEMBERSHIPS & ACCREDITATIONS

Dr Nicholas Lotz is a member of:

  • Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
  • Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  • Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
  • Australian Medical Association (AMA)
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  • The International Society of Auricular Reconstruction (ISAR)

Specialist Registration Number: MED0001171264

Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Member Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons

At the end of the day it is important to find someone that you are comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you are not sure, and remember that the final decision is yours.