dr.katarzyna.mackenzie

15/12/2025

2026 trends in plastic surgery.
What do you think the trends will be?

08/12/2025

💙There is a reason why I primary use ZO products. One of my favourites has been chosen the best serum overall!💙

Growth Factor Serum integrates plant and enzymatically derived growth factors with an exclusive protein complex, clinically proven to achieve a superior restoration of visible skin thickness, elasticity, smoothness + suppleness.

The full range of ZO physician prescriptions skin care is available in my Visage Plastic Surgery clinic.

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

Many people considering breast reduction wonder: will my insurance cover it? The answer is often yes.

➡️Breast reduction isn’t just cosmetic; it treats health issues such as:

🌱Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain

🌱Skin irritation beneath the breasts

🌱Shoulder grooving from bra straps

🌱Nerve pain or numbness

🌱Difficulty exercising or maintaining posture

➡️How to Qualify for Insurance Coverage?

Most insurers require proof of medical necessity. Common requirements include:

🌱Documented history of symptoms

🌱Doctor evaluations and referrals

🌱Evidence of tried conservative treatments (e.g., physical therapy, medication, weight changes)

🌱Surgeon documentation and breast measurements

🌱Meeting minimum tissue removal thresholds (varies by policy)

I typically submit the insurance pre-authorization request on your behalf.

➡️Common Reasons for Insurance Denial

Insurance may deny coverage if they classify the procedure as cosmetic or if documentation is insufficient. Common issues include:

🌱Lack of medical records

🌱Not meeting tissue-removal minimums

🌱Not trying non-surgical treatments first

If denied, you can appeal with more documentation and physician support.

➡️Tips to Improve Approval Chances

🌱Keep written records of pain and symptoms

🌱Take photos of rashes or bra strap grooves

🌱Ask multiple doctors to document related health problems

🌱Save notes about lifestyle impact (exercise limits, clothing, posture)

➡️Bottom Line

Insurance can and often does cover breast reduction, but approval depends on showing it’s medically necessary. With proper documentation and physician support, many patients successfully receive coverage.

Dr Katarzyna Mackenzie, MD, PhD, FRACS (Plast)

27/11/2025

Insightful evening on innovation and exciting future of skincare.

27/11/2025

Suitable implant size is determined by breast dimensions, amount of breast tissue present, tissue laxity and desired aesthetic outcome. Some patients want as a natural look as possible, and others want a ‘breast augmented look’ with a fuller upper breast. This will also help determine implant shape and size.

If you are considering a large augmentation (defined by an implant over 350cc), it is important to appreciate the long-term implications. Over time the weight of the implant will have a greater effect on your breast tissue than a smaller implant. Your breasts will be at a higher risk of drooping with time due to the weight of the implant. Another effect of a large implant over time is the gradual loss of some of your breast tissue due to the implant placing a constant stretch on your tissue.

Determining the correct size (volume) of implant is one of the most crucial decisions to make. The best outcome is achieved when both you and I agree that the chosen operation and implant will achieve the goals and expectations. I will usually guide you towards a range of possible implant sizes, but ultimately the size will be your decision. If I feel that you have chosen an unsuitable implant, she will talk about this with you and explain why.

To confirm your choice of size, you will be asked to perform a rice bag test at home after the first consultation. This gives a good indication of how the breast implants will look on you and is something that can be done in the privacy of your own home.

From these discussions, measurement and rice bag test, I will recommend a range of implant sizes. This is routinely decided on at the time of the second outpatient meeting. You may try these implants in a soft bra, which will help narrow down the range. It is then usual for me to order several sizes of implants for the operation, one either side of the recommended size. This allows the final decision to be made during the operation, thus producing the best possible result.

25/11/2025

Many non-plastic surgeons offer skin cancer surgery, but a lot of patients are not aware plastic surgeons do specialise in skin cancer management.

There are many reasons why it is more beneficial to have skin cancer treated by a plastic surgeon and I will name just a few:

✅ Expertise in tissue handling & reconstruction

Skin cancer removal is typically performed by a plastic surgeon with expertise in reconstructive techniques.
After the removal of skin cancer especially when a significant amount of tissue is excised, there may be a noticeable defect or deformity in the area. Plastic surgery reconstruction aims to address these issues and enhance the cosmetic outcome. This is especially valuable when cancer appears on the face, ears, lip, nose, eyelids, or other cosmetically sensitive areas.

✅ Better cosmetic outcomes

Many non-plastic surgeons focus only on removal of the cancerous tissue. Plastic surgeons plan the incision and closure in ways that follow natural skin creases and contours, leading to less noticeable scars. We perfected delicate tissue handling as well as the attention to detail during our plastic surgery training.

✅ Advanced reconstructive techniques

Various techniques are utilized to rebuild or repair the affected area, tailored to each individual case. We are trained to perform very complex reconstruction post skin cancer removal.

✅ Knowledge of aesthetic & functional anatomy

Plastic surgeons deeply understand the balance between:

➡️skin texture
➡️muscle movement
➡️symmetry
➡️facial expression

This makes a difference in areas affecting speech, vision, and emotional expression.

✅ Psychological & emotional consideration

Skin cancer on visible areas can affect emotional well-being and confidence. Plastic surgeons are trained to preserve a patient’s self-image and quality of life during the process.

Plastic surgery reconstruction following skin cancer removal not only helps restore physical appearance but also improves function and quality of life for those impacted by skin cancer. It is crucial to communicate your goals and expectations with your surgeon to ensure a personalized and successful reconstruction outcome.

20/11/2025

I only share what I actually use, love, and stand behind. Some is expensive, some is not and my personal regimen has evolved based on multiple factors.

20/11/2025

Choosing a plastic surgeon is an important decision, and doing it carefully can help ensure both safety and results you’re happy with. Here’s a clear, practical guide to help you choose the right one:

✅ 1. Check Their Board Certification

Look for a plastic surgeonwho is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic surgery. This confirms they’ve had proper, specialized training—not just a short cosmetic course.

✅ 2. Verify Their Experience in the Specific Procedure
Plastic surgeons often specialize. Ask:

· How many times have you performed this exact procedure?
· What are your complication rates?
· Are you comfortable handling revisions if needed?

Experience in your specific procedure matters more than general experience.

✅ 3. Review Before-and-After Photos during Consultation.

Look for:

· Patients with a similar body type, age, or features
· Natural-looking results aligned with your aesthetic goals
· Consistency across many cases (not just a few good ones)

Red flags:

· Photos that look overly filtered or inconsistent
· No photos available

❓ 4. Ask About Safety and Accreditation

Make sure surgeries are performed in an accredited hospital.

Also ask:

· What type of anesthesia will be used?
· Who is the anesthesiologist and are they certified?

💬 5. Evaluate Communication Style

Choose a surgeon who:

· Listens carefully and answers questions clearly
· Explains risks without minimizing them
· Doesn’t pressure you into unnecessary procedures

💰 6. Be Wary of Prices That Seem Too Low

Cheap surgery can mean:

· Inexperienced surgeons
· Low-quality facilities
· Hidden fees or poor follow-up care

Look for value and transparency.

🔍 7. Read Verified Reviews (Critically)

Look at:

· Patient satisfaction with results
· Professionalism of the staff
· Quality of aftercare

Avoid putting too much weight on one extremely positive or negative review—look for patterns.

🩺 8. Assess the Consultation

Ask yourself:

· Did the surgeon set realistic expectations?
· Did you feel comfortable discussing concerns?
· Were complications and risks explained clearly?

A good consultation feels educational—not salesy.