About Our Staff
You should be confident in your surgeon before undergoing any procedure. To learn more about the qualifications of our plastic surgeons, Graeme Southwick, Morris Ritz, Damon Thomas and Andrew Greensmith, contact our office today.
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Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery
253 Wattletree Road
Malvern 3144
Victoria, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9508 9508
Fax:+61 3 9508 9588
- Mr. Graeme Southwick OAM MB BS FRACS FACS
- Mr. Morris Ritz MB B.Ch FCS FRACS
- Mr. Andrew Greensmith M.B.CH.B, F.R.A.C.S.
- Mr. Damon Thomas M.B.CH.B, F.R.A.C.S.
- Catherine Boaden OAM RN
- Denise Staaf RN
- Margaret McLellan RN
- Karen Manolitsas RN
- Danielle Ellett
- Malvern Hand Therapy
- Michael Shen
- Ronna Moore
- Suzanne Rennison
- Jo Rosenow
Mr. Graeme Southwick OAM MB BS FRACS FACS
Plastic Surgeon
Mr. Graeme Southwick graduated with honors from Monash University in 1970 with a degree in medicine. He then went on to pursue post-graduate studies at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where he was awarded the Sir Gordon Gordon-Taylor Prize by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1973 for the highest marks in the first part examinations at the college. After completing his surgical training, Mr. Southwick made Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in otorhinolaryngology (ENT Surgery) as well as in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Graeme Southwick studied in London and the United States for two years and made Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. On return to Australia in 1979, he was appointed consultant plastic surgeon at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute and the Alfred Hospital. Since 1979, Graeme has been honorary senior lecturer in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Monash University, a position that involves both teaching and research.
Graeme Southwick has been in private practice as a plastic surgeon since 1979, and is currently director and chairman of the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery. Graeme has published and lectured widely in Australia and oversees on many aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially in microsurgery and endoscopic (television controlled) surgery for face and brow rejuvenation. From 1997 to 2004, Graeme was councilor for the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and elected president of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery from 2002 to 2004.
In June 2004, Graeme Southwick was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on the Queen’s Birthday Honour List for service through the provision of immediate medical assistance to victims of the Bali bombing, which occurred on the 12th October 2002.
Graeme Southwick is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the British Association of Plastic Surgeons.
Mr. Morris Ritz MB B.Ch FCS FRACS
Plastic Surgeon
Mr. Morris Ritz graduated from Witwatersrand University in South Africa in 1982 with a degree in medicine and the Sonya Walker Prize in physiology. He went on to pursue post-graduate studies in plastic and reconstructive surgery, gaining a fellowship with honor from The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa in 1990. Mr. Ritz then spent a year at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne as a microsurgery research and hand fellow.
From 1992 to 1995, Morris Ritz headed the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Baragwanath Hospital, while running his own private practice in South Africa. In 1997, Morris was appointed senior registrar at The Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, after receiving a fellowship for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in plastic surgery.
Morris Ritz has been awarded the Synthes Prize for best publication from the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Southern Africa and the Phyllis Knocker/Bradlow Award from The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa for the most distinguished graduate in academic excellence. Since then, he has been published and has presented extensively in Australia and overseas. Morris has a special interest in breast reconstruction, aesthetic surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery, and skin cancer surgery.
Morris Ritz is a member of the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa, the Society of Hand Surgery of South Africa, the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Mr. Andrew Greensmith M.B.CH.B, F.R.A.C.S.
Plastic Surgeon
Mr. Andrew Greensmith graduated from the University of Otago, New Zealand in 1993 with a degree in medicine and completed postgraduate training in surgery in Christchurch and Auckland, qualifying in plastic and reconstructive surgery FRACS in 2001. As a senior medical student, Andrew spent a four-month elective period in plastic surgery with Professors Fernando Ortiz Monasterio, Antonio Fuente del Campo, and Fernando Molina in Mexico City, Mexico, which further stimulated a longstanding interest in cleft lip and palate, craniofacial surgery, and aesthetic surgery.
Andrew received advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and in 2002, completed further subspecialty training in both aesthetic and craniofacial surgery in Paris, France with Professor Daniel Marchac. This training included undertaking research into the use of fibrin glue in facelift surgery and long-term outcomes in craniofacial surgery. In Paris, time was also spent focusing on complex ear reconstruction with Dr. Francoise Firmin, while some time in Europe was spent as a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, England.
In 2003, Andrew Greensmith began another fellowship in rhinoplasty and cleft lip and palate surgery with Dr. Jean-Claude Talmant in Nantes, France. This was followed by a one year cleft/craniofacial fellowship in Melbourne at the Royal Children's Hospital which included further intensive training in cleft and craniofacial surgery as well as rhinoplasty, ear reconstruction and aesthetic surgery. Andrew continues to work as a consultant at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne with interests in cleft craniofacial surgery, ear reconstruction and general paediatric plastic surgery as well as a consultant appointment at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne as part of the Otology team for complex ear reconstruction and microtia.
Andrew has published on a broad range of topics covering aesthetic facial surgery and paediatric plastic surgery in peer reviewed journals/books. He has special interests in facial aesthetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery, ear deformities, skin cancer and general hand surgery.
Mr. Damon Thomas M.B.CH.B, F.R.A.C.S.
Plastic Surgeon
Mr. Damon Thomas graduated from the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 1996. As a newly graduated doctor Damon developed a passion for the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. His plastic surgical training was spent in Auckland and Christchurch and he obtained his Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in plastic and reconstructive surgery in 2005.
Damon obtained a scholarship from the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2006 to undertake a fellowship at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery. Expertise in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery was gained including breast, facial, and body contouring surgery.
The following year was spent at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne as the Paediatric Hand and Microvascular Surgery Fellow. This provided the opportunity to develop his interest in managing congenital hand anomalies, cerebral palsy upper limb and salivary control conditions, trauma, and facial palsy.
Damon Thomas is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery, and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He currently has public hospital appointments at Austin and Barwon Health as a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
Damon’s particular interests include paediatric and adult hand surgery, reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery, facial aesthetic surgery, body contouring, and skin cancer.
Catherine Boaden OAM RN
Plastic Surgery Operating Nurse
For over 26 years, Catherine has shown dedication as a plastic surgery operating nurse for Mr. Graeme Southwick and now brings to the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery first-class operating room skills.
Following successful studies at St Vincent's hospital in Melbourne, Catherine lived in England, where she completed a theatre (operating) course at The Middlesex Hospital, London, before returning to Melbourne to become Charge Nurse in Plastic Surgery at The Avenue Hospital. Since 1985, Catherine has been associated with Interplast, a nonprofit organization providing plastic surgery for the less fortunate in underdeveloped countries in Southeast Asia. Catherine received an OAM for her voluntary work with Interplast, visiting 18 countries in more than 25 trips.
Denise Staaf RN
Plastic Surgery Nurse Consultant
Denise has worked alongside Mr Graeme Southwick for over 20 years and brings to the Institute great plastic surgery nursing experience both as a consultant and in perioperative management as well as offering complimentary consultations in the area of cosmetic surgery.
After completing training at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, Denise worked with several plastic surgeons at the Cotham Clinic and Cabrini Hospital. She then travelled to London and on her return established the plastic surgery ward at The Avenue Hospital as charge nurse. For over eleven years Denise developed the ward into a quality plastic surgery unit whose reputation for patient care was impeccable. Many plastic surgery nurses owe their training to Denise, who has been an active member and president of the Cosmetic and Reconstructive Nurses Association and still has time to be an excellent mother.
Margaret McLellan RN
Plastic Surgery Nurse
Margaret joined the Institute in October 2006 as a plastic surgery nurse, bringing a wealth of knowledge to this position with her diverse nursing background.
In 1974 Margaret graduated from Prince Henry's Hospital, Melbourne. She then proceeded to do her midwifery training at Mercy Maternity Hospital in East Melbourne where, on completion, worked in the post-natal field.
In 1978 she returned to Prince Henry's Hospital to the fields of orthopaedic and plastic & reconstructive surgery nursing. After completing a unit management degree at Lincoln Institute of Nursing, Margaret was in charge of the orthopaedic and plastic & reconstructive surgery unit for 10 years, going into a supervisory position part time which allowed her to work privately with a Melbourne plastic & reconstructive surgeon, both as a dressings nurse and theatre assistant for 10 years.
Karen Manolitsas RN
Injectables, Laser & Thermage Specialist
After
graduating from nursing at Prince Henry’s Hospital Melbourne, Karen went
on to complete her midwifery training at the Royal Women’s Hospital. She
furthered her career working at St. Bartholomews Hospital London, initially
in day surgery and then as nurse
co-ordinator of the I.V.F. Unit.
After starting a family in London, Karen returned to Australia where she worked as a medical practice nurse.
Karen has now expanded her skills to include many non-surgical treatments, including Vbeam Laser, various injectables and Thermage treatments.
Danielle Ellett
Aesthetician and Skin Care Specialist
Danielle Ellett successfully earned her advanced Diploma of Beauty therapy at the Australian College of Hair and Beauty and practiced beauty therapy in Melbourne before furthering her studies at the International Dermal Institute, also in Melbourne. Danielle has achieved accreditation in all aspects of skin physiology, technology, and advanced treatments in skin and body therapies. In addition to her post-graduate studies in beauty therapy, Danielle is certified in paramedical aesthetics, which incorporates advanced tuition in paramedical camouflage, skin peeling, exfoliation techniques, advanced skin analysis, and cosmetic chemistry.
There are a multitude of potions and lotions thrust at people through clever marketing, but only some are scientifically proven to have positive benefits. At the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, we have researched various skincare products and will recommend only products that may be beneficial to improving skin health, while decreasing the effects of sun damage and aging. A consultation with Danielle will ensure the correct delivery of safe, quality skin care and corrective make-up, resulting in a skin care program tailored to your individual needs.
Danielle’s services include facials; makeup (including camouflage) advice; and initiation and supervision of skin care programs including skin management, microdermabrasion, peels (including green peels and jesna peels), masks, AHA washes, IPL, and laser hair removal.
Malvern Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper limb – shoulder to hand. Hand therapy involves evaluation and testing to assess the injured limb from which a specific therapy program can be designed. A variety of specialised treatment techniques are used in therapy. Common conditions treated are:
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Common therapy interventions used to regain / enhance use of the Upper Limb are:
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Our therapists are:
Melissa Hirth
B App Sci (OT), M Sc (OT – Hand & Upper Limb Rehabilitation), Accredited Occupational Therapist (AccOT)
Melissa graduated from La Trobe University in 1994 with an undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy and in 2001 she completed her Masters Degree in Hand Therapy with her thesis topic investigating Dupuytren’s Disease. She has worked in the area of Hand Therapy for the past 10 years and has an interest in Hand Trauma and Sports Injuries. Currently a Senior Therapist at the Austin Hospital, Melissa is also an Honorary Affiliate of La Trobe University and a sessional tutor there.
Orleigh Ritz
BSc. Physiotherapy, M Physiotherapy – Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Orleigh graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 1981 at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. Initially she worked as a physiotherapist for 12 years in Cardiothoracic Surgery and Intensive Care Units. Orleigh then worked in Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and developed a special interest in Hand Therapy. Orleigh has been working in hand therapy for the past 13 years. She obtained a Masters of Physiotherapy in Upper Limb Rehabilitation at Melbourne University in 2000.
Kate Bennett
B OT, Accredited Occupational Therapist (AccOT)
Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from La Trobe University in 1998. Kate also works at the Austin Hospital and has been working in the area of hand therapy for the last 6 years. Kate has an interest in splinting, hand trauma and pain management.
Michael Shen
Remedial Massage Therapist
Michael
Shen is a professional remedial massage therapist and studied remedial
massage in China before entering clinical practice. Michael worked with
a Chinese herbal medicine company for ten years before coming to Australia
in 1989 to work as a massage therapist. He is a member of the Australian
Association of Massage Therapists and is recognised for WorkCover and
private insurance providers.
Michael’s special interest professional courses have included Reiki (2000) utilising energy release to aid healing, a nutrition and health course at Monash University (2001), Pilates (2002 and 2003), and postgraduate studies focusing on massage skills.
Ronna Moore
Manual Lymph Drainage Massage
Ronna was trained in remedial and relaxation massage at Nature Care College and the New South Wales College of Natural Therapies, qualifying in 1985. She has worked in private practice since then using a variety of massage therapies, including Manual Lymph Drainage, having been trained in the Vodder technique. Ronna is an accredited member of The Association of Massage Therapists of Australia.
Suzanne Rennison
Micro Pigmentation Practitioner
The Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery is delighted to offer the services of Suzanne Rennison, who has been in the beauty industry for over 25 years and was a pioneer of micro pigmentation (cosmetic tattoo) in Australia and New Zealand in 1986.
Suzanne is Australia's most respected micro pigmentation practitioner, performing treatments both nationally and internationally. She is the author of Design and Perform Cosmetic Tattooing/Micro Pigmentation Procedures, included in the national beauty training package for students in cosmetic tattoo, an HBIA board member, APAA member, and a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetics USA.
Suzanne provides a broad range of micro pigmentation applications including cosmetic camouflage and paramedical treatments, which incorporate disguising birth marks, scars, burns, vitiligo, alopecia, halo nevia, and repigmentation of the areola and nipple after breast surgery. In addition, Suzanne is a specialist in cosmetic tattoos including eyebrows, eyeliners, lip line, lip blend, full lip color, and beauty spots.
Jo Rosenow
Hair Stylist
The Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery is fortunate to have Jo Rosenow as part of its team of specialists. Jo provides a complete post-operative hair service and has been working closely alongside plastic surgeons for many years. This experience has given her the compassion to empathise with the post-operative needs of both male and female patients.
Jo specialises in hair coloring, highlighting, and tinting treatments, providing patients with everything from a subtle change to a complete makeover, complementing the patient's new look.
A highly experienced hairdresser, Jo considers patients' privacy paramount and, with her knowledge of plastic surgery post-operative care, her individual service is sure to be a comfort to all patients.
Jo's personal and caring services are available exclusively at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, in hospital or at patients' homes.
About the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery
Established in 1997 in Victoria, Australia, the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery is a modern facility that combines plastic surgery with ancillary disciplines in an effort to increase service to our patients. We have been successful in this effort thanks to our dedicated team of plastic surgeons, plastic surgery-trained nursing staff, and other support staff who are committed to providing patients with the best possible care and unparalleled results. Confidentiality is of course paramount at our Institute, and a private entrance is available for our patients; this can prove especially useful after surgery.
The Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery is associated with Stonnington Day Surgery - a fully equipped, registered, and accredited state-of-the-art operating complex. We also have a strong association with Monash University and private hospitals, such as Cabrini Hospital and The Avenue Hospital, as well as the public hospital system, which assists with the achievement of high standards of excellence at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery. In addition to our hospital associations that promote teaching and research, we are proud of our strong fellowship program, established several years ago. Our fellowship program has allowed surgeons from many countries to study with us. We are committed to ongoing research into new techniques and treatments.
We have also initiated advanced aesthetic surgery workshops, held annually for over ten years. These workshops allow plastic surgeons from Australia, New Zealand, and other Southeast Asian countries to focus on and learn new technology, as well as advance our regional standards.
We are proud to have established our Institute in Melbourne, Victoria for plastic surgery. We take great pride in the high reputation that we are accomplishing locally, interstate, and overseas.
Auditorium
Amongst the many facilities available at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery is a fully equipped auditorium. The Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery Auditorium is utilised for medical training sessions and educational seminars about the many services provided at the Institute.
The Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery Auditorium has capacity for approximately 60 people. We welcome you to speak to us should you be interested in hiring the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery Auditorium for your own function. We are fully equipped for any style of presentation and can provide you with assistance in the areas of staffing, catering, etc.
Should you be interested in hearing more about any of the services we offer, please contact us via our enquiries page and we will make sure you are invited to our next seminar dealing with the area of your choice.
Stonnington Day Surgery
Motto: Embracing Life
Mission Statement: To serve the needs of our patients in a practical and sensitive way; to recognise their concerns; to convey an understanding of procedures and outcomes and to restore health and well-being using best practice, in a safe and caring environment.
Our surgeons, highly skilled nurses, and dedicated support staff are privileged to serve you in a unique, state-of-the-art operating complex. Stonnington Day Surgery especially caters for surgical specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, dental surgery, and urology.
We strive for the perfect balance of restoring health and well-being in a safe and caring environment, whilst at the same time delivering personalised attention and respect for your privacy.
The Stonnington Day Surgery is a modern facility situated in the inner southeastern suburb of Malvern, about 20 minutes from downtown Melbourne, with ample basement car parking and lift access.
Confidentiality is, of course, paramount at Stonnington Day Surgery and you will find our service to be quietly efficient and discreet.
Contact Details
Stonnington Day Surgery
Level 1, 253 Wattletree Rd
Malvern Victoria Australia 3144
Telephone: +61 3 9508 9509
Facsimile: ++61 3 9508 9599
Email: enquiries@stonningtondaysurgery.com
Links
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is a non-profit professional association devoted to maintenance of excellent ethical and professional standards within the field and the provision of information to all interested parties.
Visit the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons website.
The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery was formally established in 1978. It provides a forum in Australasia for plastic and reconstructive surgeons, offering the highest quality ongoing education, research and exchange of ideas in the field of aesthetic surgery.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is an internationally recognised organization for 5,400 surgeons who are based mainly in Australia and New Zealand.
Visit the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons website.
The Australian Medical Association
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is an independent organization which represents more than 27,000 doctors, both salaried or in private practice, including general practitioners, specialists, teachers and researchers, and doctors in training.
Visit The Australian Medical Association website.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), established in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, founded in 1967, has 2,100 members. The organization focuses on conducting research and educating cosmetic surgeons on the latest advancements in aesthetic plastic surgery.
Visit the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website.
The British Association of Plastic Surgeons
The British Association of Plastic Surgeons was founded in 1946 with the objects of relieving sickness and protecting and preserving public health by the promotion and development of plastic surgery. The aim of the association is to advance education in the field of plastic surgery.
Visit The British Association of Plastic Surgeons website.
Mediplan
Mediplan is a flexible funding plan specifically designed for the payment of medical treatment. It can be used to pay for most treatments and procedures including plastic and cosmetic surgery, as well as hospital and medical fees. Mediplan has many other benefits, including a membership program which provides you with a number of fantastic "health and well being" offers within a wide range of services. Mediplan was the first company in Australia to offer patient funding and has grown to now look after the many needs of Australians.
Visit the Mediplan website.