Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

  • If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or follow local emergency care protocols or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.

    • Airway compromise
    • Uncontrolled bleeding
    • Acute burns
    • Uncontrolled sepsis including hand infections
    • Complex facial fractures
    • Compound fractures
    • Threat to limb viability
    • Hand fractures (open or closed)
    • Acute fingertip injuries
    • Tendon injuries
    • Acute development of peripheral nerve compression symptoms following trauma or acute event
    • Lacerations and wounds not suitable for primary health management e.g. lip lacerations, large facial lacerations, lacerations with altered sensation, large skin defects.

    Paediatric

    • Amniotic band compromising circulation

  • Please note this is not an exhaustive list of all conditions for outpatient services and does not exclude consideration for referral unless specifically stipulated in the CPC out of scope section.

  • The following are not routinely provided in a public Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery service.

    • Redundant tissue, excision (anywhere)
    • Minor or asymptomatic scarring
    • Liposuction
    • Asymptomatic benign lesions
    • Cosmetic rhinoplasty
    • Cosmetic labioplasty
    • Tattoo removal
    • Cosmetic augmentation mammoplasty
    • Gynaecomastia in the context of obesity where the breast size is proportionate to the body habitus
    • Replacement of breast implants
    • Small volume breast reductions done for re-shaping
    • Revisions after cosmetic surgery
    • Gender reassignment - (Referral to Gender Clinic only)*

    *The Gender Service is located at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and includes the following services:

    • Assessment and affirmative treatment of adults with Gender Dysphoria or gender non-conforming behaviour or identity.
    • Time-limited support from the Department of Social Work and Psychology for patients with social adjustments related to Gender Dysphoria.
    • Adjustment support for family and significant others
    • Therapeutic assessment and affirmative treatment of gender issues and other co-existing conditions
    • Speech Pathology service provides voice feminisation and masculinisation services to adults who have been seen by the RBWH Gender Service and meet criteria for gender incongruence/ dysphoria. Trans and gender-diverse patients cannot be referred directly to the Speech Pathology service.
    • Assessment and report by Psychiatrist for gender affirmation surgery
    • Assessment for co-existing developmental disorders (Autism, ADHD) or mental illness for adults who are already accessing the service for gender affirmation, if applicable.
    • Community linking and referrals to relevant services.
    • Medical assessment and commencement of gender affirming hormone therapy by the Sexual Health Physician once readiness for treatment has been confirmed.
    • Assessment of readiness for gender affirming hormone therapy and review following commencement of hormone therapy, as needed, by the GP with Special Interests (GPwSI).

Last updated: 5 June 2024

© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2023

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this work may be reproduced, communicated or adapted without permission from Queensland Health. To request permission email ip_officer@health.qld.gov.au1.