About - Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Melbourne

He is a Fulbright Scholar and heads the Program for Cellular and Molecular Innovation in Surgery at the University of Melbourne where he helps develop cutting edge technologies to improve surgical care. Dr Findlay is the Director of Australasian Clinical Trials in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Stanford University and the Inaugural Stanford Applied Regenerative Medicine Fellow.

Dr Findlay is an expert in applied stem cell therapies and regenerative surgery. He was the first Australian appointed as a member of both the Association of Academic Surgeons and the esteemed Society of University Surgeons in the United States. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr Findlay received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 in recognition for his ongoing contribution to clinical care and surgical practice.

Dr Findlay practices at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Canberra Hospital, Epworth Freemasons and the National Capital Private Hospital and has private rooms at Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Melbourne and Canberra. He is a supervisor of Plastic Surgical Training for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr Findlay is dedicated to the care of his patients and establishes common goals for their short and long-term care as part of any tailored management plan.

He loves spending time with his wife and teenage kids, plays the piano and guitar, and enjoys Crossfit and triathlons.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Why Choose Us

Our mission at Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Australia is to provide our patients with exceptional and comprehensive care.
It is important to us that we:

listen to your needs
develop a shared understanding of your situation
inform you about your options
and partner with you
To provide ethical, effective, long-lasting and sustainable expert plastic surgical care.
No gimmicks, no day spa, no hard-sell, just great advice and expert care.

Highest Quality

Our multi award-winning Reconstructive Plastic Surgeons are highly trained. We are experts in the restoration of form and function to all parts of the body.

Our surgeons are reconstructive surgery specialists, focusing on breast reconstruction, melanoma and skin cancer removal and reconstruction, head and neck surgery, facial reconstruction, hand and lower limb surgery, restoration of function following burns and trauma.

We work collaboratively with expert surgeons from other specialties to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Holistic Approach

At RPS, we offer a fully integrated, holistic service. We treat the complete spectrum of conditions from the simple to the complex.

Our referral partnerships allow us to tailor your care and refer you to additional centres of excellence, if required.

Fully Qualified Specialists

What do the letters after my surgeon’s name mean?

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and is awarded to medical practitioners upon graduation from university.

The letters FRACS means Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The distinction is only awarded to specialist surgeons who have completed a minimum of 12 years medical and surgical education, with at least five years of specialist postgraduate training. A specialist plastic surgeon with the letters FRACS appearing after his or her name is accredited to perform invasive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

The letters FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after a surgeon’s name mean that the surgeon’s education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College in the USA.

Professional Service

We specialise in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. We communicate with your existing health care providers to ensure seamless care. Our team at RPS Australia will take the time to listen to you and understand your needs.

We make sure you know your options. We encourage you to ask questions. We work hard to ensure you do not feel pressured or rushed during the decision-making process. We partner with you to develop a tailored management plan, based on agreed goals.

We deliver expert surgical care and we work directly with you through each of the phases of your recovery to achieve the best possible outcome.

We are dedicated to on-going surveillance and appropriate follow up. We collaborate with your GP and other specialists (e.g. Dermatologists, Breast Surgeons etc) to deliver optimal results. We prefer long-term solutions. One of the measures of our success is when you no longer need our expert care but we are always happy to see you again, should the need arise.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Australia’s healthcare setting is currently responsible for 7% of Australia’s carbon emissions. At RPS Australia, we are working towards offsetting our carbon footprint with the aim of becoming carbon neutral; ensuring we can continue to provide high quality patient care without costing the earth.

Specialist reconstructive plastic surgeons

Our Team

Michael Findlay

MBBS, PhD, FRACS, FACS.

Director – RPS Australia

Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgeon
Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training – The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The Canberra Hospital
Director – Program for Cellular and Molecular Innovation in Surgery- The University of Melbourne Department of Surgery.
Director- Australasian Clinical Trials in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ACTPRAS)
Australasian Liaison- Plastic Surgery Research Council and European Plastic Surgery Research Council

Michael enjoys spending time with his family, bike riding, staying active and playing the piano. .

Kate Rafferty

Registered Nurse, RPS Australia Business Development Manager.

Kate is a Registered Nurse with post graduate qualifications in Paediatric Critical Care, Perioperative Nursing, Education and Management.

She has been a co-author of four editions of a textbook covering all aspects of Clinical Dosage Calculations.

When not in Melbourne, she can be found in South West Victoria enjoying time with her family, a large garden, and plenty of Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Caroline Ousley

RPS Australia General Manager

Caroline has an extensive history as a plastic and reconstructive secretary and now works as the General Manager, covering the management of both Practices for RPS Australia.

Caroline comes from a long line of highly accomplished medical receptionists and is our expert resource regarding medical rooms management.

When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time in her garden and travelling with her husband and children.

Elisa Giammario

RPS Melbourne Medical Receptionist/ PA for Dr Findlay

Elisa joined RPS Australia in July 2021. She has over 14 years’ experience as a dental assistant and medical receptionist.

Elisa has meticulous attention to detail focusing on the management of patients accounts. She also has an infectious laugh and a passion for providing exceptional care for our patients

She is family orientated with two beautiful children, manages best when fuelled with good coffee, and makes the best lasagne you have ever tasted.

Nicky Graupner

RPS Australia Policy and Procedure manager.

The delightful Nicky brings a wicked sense of humour and irreverent wit to RPS Australia’s family. She also writes and manages the vast suite of policies and procedures used to outline care outcomes for our patients.

When not enriching the days for our staff, she can be found in Southwest Victoria, working in the cancer centre for a regional hospital.

Nicky and her husband share their household with Fuzzy, the Border Collie, and two cats – Bean and Mocha.

Nicky maintains her endless energy with Pepsi Max and a obsession with pasta.

Vanessa Brotto

RPS Research Fellow

Registered Nurse

Vanessa is a Registered Nurse and Research Associate with over 24 years of experience in critical care nursing and over 17 years as an academic. She also has extensive expertise in education and executive leadership across health and social service sectors. She is committed to improving healthcare quality and outcomes through evidence-based practice, strategic system reform, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Vanessa brings strong skills in clinical governance, research, and workforce development, delivering impactful solutions that support individuals and communities. When she’s not at work, you’ll find Vanessa sailing, volunteering, or navigating her way through a sea of Board and Committee meetings with enthusiasm, chocolate and purpose.