If you are considering reconstructive or aesthetic surgery, choosing a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon is an important first step.
10+ years experiece
Referral needed
Broad-range of procedures
Dr Kim Hughes (MED0001675707), a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). She provides reconstructive and aesthetic surgical procedures at Complete Skin Specialists, with a focus on careful assessment, clear communication and informed decision–making.
Every patient’s circumstances are different. A comprehensive consultation ensures you understand your options, potential risks and expected recovery before making any decisions about surgery.
“Specialist Plastic Surgeon” is a protected title in Australia, which can only be earned after successfully completing many years of structured training and assessment.
It means Dr Hughes has:
Completed a medical degree from an accredited medical school and gained full medical registration.
Undertaken general surgical training, then gained entry into a highly competitive specialist training pathway in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, governed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Completed at least 5 years of specialist postgraduate surgical training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through that program.
Achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a credential recognised by the Australian Medical Council.
Undertaken regular continuing professional development to maintain specialist standards and stay current with clinical practice.
In total, becoming a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon requires at least 12 years of medical and surgical education, including 5 years of accredited specialist training in plastic surgery. In contrast, the title “cosmetic surgeon” is not a recognised medical specialty under the National Law, meaning training and experience may vary considerably.
When considering any invasive procedure, understanding your surgeon’s qualifications and accredited training is an important part of making an informed choice.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a recognised medical specialty.
Reconstructive surgery restores form and function following:
The primary aim is functional restoration, with attention to anatomical integrity and long-term outcomes.
Aesthetic surgery focuses on changing appearance through surgical procedures. These procedures are elective and require careful assessment to ensure suitability and realistic expectations.
All surgical procedures carry risks. A consultation with Dr Hughes will determine whether surgery is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Body contouring procedures address excess skin and soft tissue that may remain after significant weight loss or pregnancy.
These procedures may include:
You may consider body contouring surgery if you have:
Suitability depends on overall health, weight stability, medical history and individual goals. A comprehensive consultation is required to determine whether surgery is appropriate. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. A consultation will help determine if the procedure is suitable for you.
Dr Hughes performs breast procedures, including:
Reconstructive procedures aim to restore breast form following illness or treatment. Aesthetic procedures are elective and require detailed assessment and informed consent.
In collaboration with the dermatology team at Complete Skin Specialists, Dr Hughes performs surgical removal of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma with careful concern for both medical and aesthetic outcomes.
The focus is on:
Treatment plans are individualised based on cancer type, location and patient factors.
Minor hand procedures may include treatment of:
Assessment includes evaluation of symptoms, hand function and imaging where required.
Your consultation with Dr Hughes is a collaborative, comprehensive and confidential process.
The purpose of this appointment is to ensure you are:
During your consultation, Dr Hughes will:
There is no obligation to proceed with surgery. The goal is to ensure that any decision is considered, informed and clinically appropriate.
Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is an important decision. A comprehensive consultation ensures you are fully informed about your options, suitability, potential risks and expected recovery before proceeding with any surgery.
A valid GP or specialist referral is required. Once you have obtained a referral, please arrange your consultation with Dr Kim Hughes (MED0001675707), Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS).
Yes. A Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr Kim Hughes (MED0001675707) is a doctor who has completed accredited specialist training in plastic and reconstructive surgery and is recognised by the Medical Board of Australia. is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
The title “cosmetic surgeon” is not a recognised surgical specialty under Australian law. It does not, on its own, indicate completion of accredited specialist surgical training.
Before proceeding with surgery, it is wise to look up your surgeon on AHPRA’s register of practitioners to check that they are a specialist plastic surgeon.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a medical specialty focused on restoring form and function after illness, injury or congenital conditions. It also includes aesthetic (cosmetic) procedures that aim to enhance appearance.
All procedures require appropriate assessment and informed consent.
Medicare may provide a rebate for abdominoplasty in specific circumstances, such as when there is documented medical necessity (for example, severe skin redundancy causing chronic rashes or functional impairment).
Eligibility depends on strict criteria set by Medicare. During your consultation, Dr Hughes can advise whether you may meet these criteria. Private health insurance may also have specific requirements.
The cost of abdominoplasty varies depending on:
It is impossible to state a price without a clinical assessment. A detailed written quote will be provided after consultation to help you decide whether or not to proceed.
Abdominoplasty is a significant surgical procedure and involves post-operative discomfort.
Pain management strategies are discussed before surgery and tailored to each patient. Recovery time, activity restrictions and support needs will be clearly explained during consultation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. A consultation will help determine if the procedure is suitable for you.
