Dr Steve Merten is a recognized leader in the field of reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. He is a fully qualified plastic surgeon and has helped patients from all over the world. It was an honour to sit down with Dr. Steve Merten and find out how he is not just a skilled surgeon but also a great chef! Find out more on Dr. Merten in this interview we did with him.
For more information on Dr. Steve Merten you can contact him at http://www.pureaesthetics.com.au
What are your hobbies?
Avid photographer, cooking, kayaking, travelling to exotic places and doing pilates (badly).
What is something unique about you?
I could probably give some masterchef contestants a run for their money!
Where did you grow up?
Sydney.
Where did you study?
I received my medical degree from Sydney University. After junior medical training I trained in plastic surgery in Sydney, then completed Aesthetic Surgery Fellowships at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, as well as a Fellowship in Breast Reconstruction at the University of British Columbia, Canada.
What inspired you to be a surgeon?
As cliché as it sounds, being able to make a positive change in peoples lives both physically and mentally.
When did you first start practicing as a plastic surgeon?
Way back when the Spice Girls were cool!
What has been your biggest career milestone to date?
My passion is training younger plastic surgeons, particularly in cosmetic plastic surgery. In 2011 I was appointed to Macquarie University as a Senior Lecturer in Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, and also became the Fellowship Director for the Advanced Training Program in Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at Macquarie University Hospital. In these roles I am responsible for training both trainees and already qualified plastic surgeons, including local and visiting surgeons from around the world. This is always a challenge, it keeps me on my toes and makes sure I am at the head of the most advanced techniques.
You perform many different cosmetic surgery procedures, which is your favourite? And why?
It’s more my favourite patients than any one operation. I really enjoy helping my “young mums”, who have been unlucky to suffer the negative physical consequences following pregnancy and breast feeding. The combinations of a range of operations to improve body contour of the breasts and abdomen makes such a difference to these patients, both physically and psychologically. I love seeing my patients come back, healed and looking fantastic, with a new lease on life and full of confidence and strength!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to deliver results beyond my patient’s desires and hearing how their life has been positively transformed, like the light has been lit up in their life again!
What advice would you give someone looking to undergo major cosmetic surgery?
Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a major decision and should not be taken lightly. Ensure to do your research, particularly into your surgeons credentials; Are they a fully qualified plastic surgeon? Do they have the title FRACS after their name? Are they are member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Ensure that you are comfortable with your surgeon by looking into their experience in the particular procedure and before and after pictures so you can gauge the results that can be achieved. It is also imperative to have realistic expectations.
I also recommend if you have any questions, any step of the way, to ask! Particularly if you don’t understand an answer.
What advice would you give someone who is under the age of 18 and looking to undergo cosmetic surgery?
As s general rule, I would not offer cosmetic surgery to anyone under the age of 18 unless it was well supported by the patients family and other medical practitioners.
I would advise those under 18 to look into themselves and gauge an understanding of both the extrinsic and intrinsic factors as to why they want the surgery and consider what they feel is a realistic outcome.
I would also encourage discussing the desire for cosmetic surgery with people close to them – people they respect and trust.
Do you provide any support for patients after surgery?
Providing support to our patients post surgery is essential! The highest patient quality care is what we aim to deliver, and we provide patients with support every step of their journey, from their initial contact with Pure Aesthetics, right through to years post procedure.
Check out Dr Merten on the directory, his website http://www.pureaesthetics.com.au/
Or you can call Sydney City (02) 9252 9262, or Macquarie University (02) 9812 3890
Further Reading Related to Plastic Surgeons
- Guy Watts | Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon Perth
- About Us – Dr Bish Soliman – Soliman Plastic Surgery
- Breast Reduction Surgeons in the World
- Sydney Plastic Surgeon – Plastic Surgery NSW – Dr Michael Kernohan FRACS (Plas)
- About Dr Jake Lim – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
- Anthony MacQuillan Bristol Plastic Surgery Consultant