“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy
child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because
you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)

ABOUT

Associate Professor David Chong is a highly respected and experienced plastic surgeon based in Melbourne, Australia and is now solely seeing patients born with cleft lip and palate.

After the completion of his surgical training in Perth, David spent three years in Dallas and Toronto at the International Craniofacial Institute and The Hospital for Sick Children, working alongside world leaders in facial surgery. David is the immediate Past President of the Australasian Cleft Lip and Palate Association and is actively involved in training cleft surgeons around the world

David has decided to reduce private practice to cleft lip and palate patients only. He is now widely recognised as an expert in the field of cleft surgery and his time is now largely occupied by invited lectures widely and volunteer work in Lower Middle Income Countries.

All other private patients will be referred to Justin Easton.

PROCEDURES

David performs a range of reconstructive surgical
procedures on patients of all ages. He aims to restore confidence by
approaching each patient with warmth, skill and empathy.

CLEFT

Countless parents around the world have entrusted the repair of their child’s cleft lip or palate to David – confident in his expertise to provide them a chance at a normal life. David has spent many years perfecting his technique in this form of surgery, and approaches every child and their family with warmth and empathy. David is a highly-valued member of the Operation Smile and Mercy Ships surgical teams, and gladly donates his time and expertise to give children and adults from some of the poorest parts of the world the smile and opportunities they deserve.

CLEFT REVISION

Whilst David is world renowned for his cleft work with children, he is equally passionate about refining older cleft repairs to achieve a more natural and less noticeable result. Whether surgery is to address issues of facial appearance or to relieve affected speech, David’s adult patients feel an immense sense of freedom following the procedure.

NOSE

The nose is a common source of dissatisfaction, and in many cases only a subtle correction is needed to make a difference to the overall balance of the face. David’s approach to rhinoplasty is to refine the shape of the nose to achieve a less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing appearance that balances the facial features, with emphasis placed on the way the nose works and preserving or improving nasal airways.

EARS

Ears can be a source of concern for many people, with feelings of insecurity often rooted in childhood bullying. David performs otoplasty on patients of all ages, to create ears with a natural appearance and that no longer attract unwanted attention.

UPPER EYELIDS

Heavy upper eyelids can be one of the first signs of aging, and patients often complain of being told they look tired. David has worked with many patients to lift the upper eyelids, carefully removing extraneous tissue to open the eyes and ‘lighten’ the upper face. He also offers an alternative procedure, if required, to equalise asymmetries and achieve a longer lasting result.

SKIN LESIONS

David’s extensive experience with facial procedures has equipped him well to expertly minimise the impact of skin cancers and moles on the face by removing them and ensuring that there is as little aesthetic consequence as possible. David also reviews patients who would like to improve the appearance of scars left behind from prior removal. Although David’s primary interest is in the face, he is also happy to see patients with lesions and moles on their body.

If you would like to see more before-and-after photos of David’s work, please
make an appointment to see him and discuss what he can do for you.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

MEDIA

These videos are a snapshot of David’s work here and around the
world, and show his passion and commitment to his work.

TALITA’S STORY

This video has become a symbol of the incredible work done by Operation Smile around the world. David met Talita in Brazil when she was four years old, and had the privilege of repairing her cleft lip. This heart-warming video made by David captures the moment she sees her new smile for the very first time.

ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Created as part of the ‘Great Care’ series by the Royal Children’s Hospital, this short clip is narrated by David and gives an insight into the reasons he chose his career path, and why he is so passionate about his work with children.

AN ORDINARY MIRACLE

In this time-lapse video made by David, we see the mesmerising progression of two sets of hands in purposeful movements as they agree to effect a change. A rare glimpse into a cleft lip repair from start to finish, this video was short-listed for the Tropfest short film festival.

This recent video shows the important work done by the Mercy Ships and features a 56 year old man named Samba whom David was fortunate enough to meet.

“To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy
child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because
you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)