About Dr Rhys van der Rijt

BSci (Med), MBBS, MS (Syd)
FRACS (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)

About Dr Rhys van der Rijt

Dr van der Rijt predominantly works in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney in both public and private hospitals. He also works on the Central Coast and in Port Macquarie.

Dr van der Rijt currently works as a consultant Plastic Surgeon at Prince of Wales Hospital, The Royal Hospital for Women and Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick where he manages a variety of both elective and emergency plastic surgery cases.

He is trained and experienced across the spectrum of plastic surgery, however, his training in Australia and overseas has led him to sub-specialise in three main areas: Microsurgical reconstruction of the breast (DIEP flap reconstruction), aesthetic surgery of the breast and body and complex skin cancer reconstruction of the face, head and neck.

Plastic Surgery Sydney, Dr Rhys van der Rijt, Aesthetic Surgery, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck

Education & Qualifications

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
BSci (Med) MBBS MS (Syd)
FRACS (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)

Dr van der Rijt's Research & Publications

Areas of subspecialty

Complex skin cancer excision and reconstruction
Microsurgical reconstruction of the breast (DIEP flap)
Aesthetic surgery of the breast and body (including breast reduction and post pregnancy surgery)

Things to consider when choosing your surgeon.

1. Check Their Credentials

Unfortunately, in Australia, the cosmetic surgery industry is poorly regulated and doctors without specialist surgical qualifications can call themselves a surgeon. You want to ensure your surgeon is well trained, experienced, and has a specialist qualification. Ideally when it comes to certain surgery, such as breast reconstruction (DIEP flap) or aesthetic surgery, your surgeon should have sub-specialty or “fellowship” qualifications.
2. Be specific about what you want

This seems simple but if you can be specific on what you want and why, then your surgeon is more likely to understand your wishes and be able to achieve the realistic outcome you are looking for. It will also help avoid the trap of being talked into a procedure you do not need.
3. Talk to people

You may have friends or family who have undergone the procedure or know doctors or nurses who can recommend and give a first-hand experience. This can be sought out in forums or talking directly to people.
4 . Seek second opinions

Meet your prospective surgeon and ensure they understand your needs and hear you clearly. A good surgeon should advise you not only about the procedure but also its risks, realistic outcomes, recovery and alternatives. If you feel you cannot establish a comfortable rapport, then they are probably not the surgeon for you. Be wary of surgeons who don’t encourage second opinions.
5.Take time to make a decision

Take time to process the information and ask questions. Seek a second opinion if you need. Do not rush into a surgical procedure without having all your concerns addressed. This may be a once in a lifetime decision on your body and you need to ensure you have done the due diligence to ensure you are making the right decision.