You’ve done the research. You’ve saved for it. Now comes the part nobody really prepares you for — figuring out who to actually trust.
The body contouring market in Brisbane has grown considerably over the past decade, and so has the variation in practitioner experience, qualifications, and clinical approach. Knowing what to ask, and what the answers should sound like, matters more than most people realise.
Does my surgeon’s training actually matter for body contouring?
Enormously. Body contouring procedures — liposuction, abdominoplasty, body lifts — involve surgery beneath the skin and carry real clinical risks. You want a specialist plastic surgeon with formal, recognised surgical training, not simply a practitioner who has added cosmetic procedures to their service menu.
In Australia, look for the FRACS (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) fellowship — it signals years of approved specialist surgical training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Aesthetic outcomes matter, yes, but so does knowing what happens if something doesn’t go to plan.
“The most important question a patient can ask is not ‘what results can you give me’ — it’s ‘what’s your training, and how do you manage complications?'”
— Dr Matthew Peters, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Valley Plastic Surgery
What should I actually look for in a consultation?
A good consultation is not a sales conversation. If it feels like one, take note.
What you’re looking for:
- Time: A surgeon who spends real time understanding your medical history, anatomy, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
- Honesty: Straightforward discussion of what a procedure can and cannot do, including realistic recovery timelines and the risks associated with the surgical procedure you are considering and how they may apply to you specifically.
- No pressure: You should leave feeling informed, not committed.
- Written information: Information about risks, alternatives, and recovery should be provided in writing — this is a regulatory requirement, not a courtesy.
Many patients consult with Dr Peters for medically necessary procedures following a significant weight loss, and these procedures may attract a Medicare item number, however, it is worth noting that under AHPRA guidelines, there is also a mandatory cooling-off period before cosmetic surgery can proceed. Any practice that glosses over this should give you pause.
Is a cheaper quote ever a good sign?
Rarely. Fee variation exists for reasons worth understanding — surgeon experience, accredited hospital facilities, anaesthetist quality, follow-up care included in the fee. A quote that seems significantly lower than others in the market warrants closer examination of exactly what’s included.
Body contouring is not a procedure to economise on. The surgical environment, the experience of the team, and the standard of post-operative care all directly influence your outcome and your safety.
How do I assess before-and-after images properly?
With healthy scepticism. Images can be selective, and no outcome is guaranteed. And naturally, surgical outcomes are highly individualised. Under current AHPRA guidelines, before-and-after advertising must meet strict standards around how images are presented. Be wary of practices showcasing only their best results with no discussion of the range of outcomes or the variables involved.
A better signal than imagery? Whether the surgeon discusses outcomes in a measured, qualified way during your consultation — not whether their Instagram feed looks impressive.
What questions should I ask before I commit?
- What are your qualifications and specialist registration status?
- How many times have you performed this specific procedure?
- What does my recovery realistically look like — weeks, not days?
- What complications have you managed, and how?
- What is included in my fee if I need follow-up care?
These are not difficult questions for a well-qualified surgeon. If the answers feel evasive or overly polished, trust that instinct.
Ready to take the next step?
Dr Matthew Peters is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) with specialist registration in plastic and reconstructive surgery. If you’d like to discuss whether body contouring is right for you, and want a consultation grounded in clinical expertise and genuine transparency, contact Valley Plastic Surgery to arrange an appointment with Dr Peters.
“I’d rather a patient walk away from a consultation feeling informed enough to make their own decision than feeling pushed toward one.” — Dr Matthew Peters
Dr Peters specialises in body contouring procedures after a massive weight loss and also for post-partum women and welcomes consultations to explore your options.
***
Note: Individual results will vary according to several factors, including genetics, age, diet & exercise. All surgeries carry risk & require an appropriate recovery period & aftercare regime which may include wearing compression garments or modifying your lifestyle post-operatively. You should seek a second opinion from a Specialist Surgeon before proceeding. More information about these risks and aftercare can be easily found on our website here:
