Media

FAQ

Dr Ellis Choy has completed double specialist surgical fellowships at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in general surgery (with a focus on breast and skin oncology) and plastic and reconstructive surgery (with a focus on face, breast and body works). The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is the sole statutory body approved for the training of plastic surgeons in Australia.

Dr Choy’s dedication to the highest levels of service includes his becoming a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Dr Choy is also an international member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the International Confederation of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS).

It’s quite common for people to think that a plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon are one and the same. Although both can be extremely competent, there is a vast difference in the qualifications attained and surgical procedures performed by these surgeons in their respective fields.

A qualified plastic surgeon must be trained through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and be a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. These qualifications require a medical degree plus a minimum 8-10 years of postgraduate surgical training. Certified members are qualified with the highest levels of skill, knowledge, judgement, safety and ethics in their field.

A cosmetic surgeon can begin practice after attaining a basic medical degree. These practitioners may have specialised in other medical areas before venturing into cosmetic surgery, and although certified, are not qualified to perform plastic surgery. They may perform cosmetic surgery procedures learned through less intensive non-accredited training.

A Specialist Plastic Surgeon can perform both cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery. A cosmetic surgeon is unqualified to perform plastic surgery. If surgical complications arise, a plastic surgeon who is expert in reconstruction will be competent to handle problems.

Prior to undergoing plastic surgery, make sure your plastic surgeon is an approved and qualified specialist registered to practice in Australia. Doctors’ credentials can be verified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr Choy has a vast gallery of patient before and after images on this website, please visit the gallery pages for the procedures that you are interested in.

Dr Choy offers comprehensive in-person or virtual consultations for all his patients. A $350 consultation fee applies and is pre-collected at the time of booking – a partial Medicare rebate may be available with GP referral. As a courtesy, we do request at least 24 hour notice should you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. If the appointment is cancelled within 24 hour period, the $350 consultation fee is strictly non-refundable. 

Consultations with Dr Choy are made by appointment. As of 1 July 2023, all patients seeking cosmetic surgery must have a referral, preferably from their usual general practitioner (GP). If that is not possible, the referral may come from another GP or other specialist medical practitioner. The referring practitioner must work independently of the practitioner who will perform the surgery and must not perform cosmetic surgery or nonsurgical cosmetic procedures themselves.

Our premises are conveniently located at Level 2, 115 Sailors Bay Road, Northbridge, on Sydney’s lower North Shore. Northbridge Plaza is right next door, so access is easy with plenty of car parking spaces available.

Dr Choy also consults and operates in Coffs Harbour – Suite 10 Albany House, 60-62 Albany Street, Coffs Harbour 2450

Yes. Dr Choy holds consultations and surgical appointments on a monthly basis at Coffs Harbour. Dr Choy has become renowned for the quality of his work, and some patients also travel to Sydney or Coffs Harbour specifically to visit Dr Choy. After the initial consultation, you have the flexibility to undertake surgery at a time that best suits your individual circumstances.

Non-surgical procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections and fillers can be performed at your first consultation. Dr Choy’s purpose-built facility is outfitted with equipment for performing minor procedures under local anaesthetic. Please advise staff of your requirements when making a booking. More complex surgeries require time as an inpatient at an accredited hospital.

This will vary greatly according to the surgery you are interested in. Components to be taken into consideration include:

  1. Facility fee (hospital or procedure room): If your surgery attracts an item number you may only need to pay any excess amount to your health care fund.
  2. Surgeons fee: If this attracts an item number you could be eligible to claim a rebate.
  3. Anaesthetist: The cost will vary according to the anaesthetic required (local or general). It’s usually charged on an hourly basis and you may be able to claim part of the cost.
  4. Devices: For example, the price of breast, cheek or chin implants will vary according to size, quality and brand. Dr Choy will inform you of the options available.

Dr Choy will provide a comprehensive quote after discussing all the details with you. At this time, you can also contact your health fund provider regarding eligibility for any rebates.

Patients are advised to consult with their health fund provider to confirm coverage for the type of surgery they are undertaking. Other details to consider include your level of cover, waiting periods and any possible health cover exceptions. We can provide an estimated rebate according to past scenarios.

Yes, we provide a general fee estimate over the phone. The price estimation will vary according to your personal requirements and the complexity of the procedure.

We are happy to discuss an affordable instalment plan that will help make your cosmetic surgery procedure a reality. However, patients are advised against entering into a debt burden to facilitate their surgery, and will also need to factor in recovery time and loss of income.

Simply contact our friendly staff by phone at 02 8962 9388 or email us by filling out the contact form here.