Having visited surgeons in Paris, London and Stockholm, Dr. Graham Sellars returned to Wahroonga in Sydney to establish his own private practice.
Dr Graham Sellars graduated from the University of NSW in 1992. He did initial surgical training at Hornsby and Royal North Shore Hospitals, then completed his specialist training in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery at several major teaching hospitals in Sydney, obtaining the FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) in Plastic Surgery. After completing his Fellowship in 2001, Dr. Graham Sellars furthered his experience with plastic surgeons in London, Paris and Stockholm before establishing his private practice in Wahroonga, Sydney.
Dr Graham Sellars is also a member of Interplast a volunteer based organization, set up by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and in combination with Rotary. They provide free surgical procedures to people in developing countries who are disabled as a result of congenital or acquired medical conditions such as cleft lip and palate or burn scar contractures. Dr. Sellars told us that every year Interplast sends about 40 teams of surgeons around the Asia Pacific Region. Here the surgeons can use their skills to help those in need. Dr Sellars said his experience with Interplast has been some of the best experiences of his career.
“One notable experience was in Gizo in the Soloman Islands. We travelled in a small plane carrying our bags on our knees and landed on a small island in the pacific, where the central strip of the island had been cleared to make the runway. We were then transported by longboat to the local hospital, which was on the shoreline on stilts. The operating theatre was the only room without holes in the floor. There a beautiful dark skin woman with wide eyes and white teeth presented me her 1-year-old son with a cleft lip. She spoke no English. After he had undergone surgery with the help of the nursing and anaesthetic team, we presented her son back to her. She had the same beaming smile and tears in her eyes. It was a very rewarding end to a unique experience in plastic surgery.” Said Dr. Graham Sellars. In 2012 he joined the Interplast Team to Tonga, and in November this year, he will once again return to Tonga for more volunteer work.
Dr Sellars said this was one of the most rewarding experiences he has had. His biggest career milestone to date would be being elected the President of the NSW Chapter of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons for 2011 and 2012.
At his private clinic in Wahroonga, Sydney Dr. Sellars specializes in breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lifts, tummy tucks, facial plastic surgery and rhinoplasty. It is well worth noting that Dr. Sellars practice provides post-operative care which is a critical part of any surgery.
“This is most important immediately after surgery where often, patients can be unsure as to what to expect. Reassurance and availability of your surgeon to check on things is crucial. My staff are always very helpful regarding follow up and I like to follow up on all my patients for at least 12 months to check their final result.” explains Dr. Sellars.
We asked Dr. Graham Sellars which of the procedures practiced at his clinic are most popular and he told us that plastic surgery is very seasonal, explaining;
“I do a lot of breast augmentation and rhinoplasty. In the winter months we tend to do more tummy tucks and breast reductions.”
Whilst speaking to Dr. Sellars about the trends in plastic surgery we noted the rise in plastic surgery procedures throughout Australia and overseas. Dr Sellars commented that;
“Plastic surgery no longer has the taboo associated with it like it did 20 years ago. Plastic surgery and plastic surgery procedures are commonly presented in the media. This has brought increased social acceptance and people who are seeking to have procedures now find it easier to make the mental decision to investigate procedures further.” explained Dr. Sellars.
Dr Graham Sellars advises that you do your homework before going into any form of surgery, and get another opinion if you are not sure, and always check the qualifications of your surgeon.
You always need to feel 100% safe and comfortable with your surgeon. It is your body so you call the shots. Once you have decided on the procedure and the surgeon, his last piece of guidance is:
“Read through the information your surgeon has given you. Ask any questions well before the surgery date as on the day of surgery often a natural anxiety can cloud your thinking and it can be hard to remember specific questions. Eat a healthy diet leading up to surgery, stop smoking and take note of specific requirements to omit blood thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin and fish oil. If in doubt contact the surgeon’s rooms.”
If you would like any further information on Dr. Graham Sellars or you would like to contact him with any questions of your own visit www.plastic-surgery-sydney.com.au