On behalf of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons we warmly invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Queenstown, New Zealand for the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, set for 22–23 August 2025 at QT/Rydges. This year, the Meeting will focus on advancing aesthetic surgery with a special emphasis on Breast, Body & Face.

We are excited to welcome three internationally renowned speakers: Dr. Jim Grotting, past president of The Aesthetic Society, past chair of the American board of Plastic Surgery and esteemed author of Re-operative Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dirk Richter from Germany, past president of ISAPS and co- author of Body Contouring and Liposuction and Dr. Maria Wiedner, Chair of the Fellowship Committee at the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).  The speakers will share their invaluable expertise, covering key developments in aesthetic surgery. 

“Ask the Masters” workshop will be held on Thursday 21 August, just prior to the NZAPS main annual meeting.  This half day workshop offers a dynamic discussion covering breast augmentation, breast reduction, facial rejuvenation, and abdominoplasty—with a deep dive into surgical planning, technique selection, and the common pitfalls that can arise. Sponsored by the New Zealand Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the workshop is primarily aimed at SET Trainees and Registrars but is open to anyone to attend.

Beyond the conference, Queenstown offers a world-class setting that includes spectacular landscapes, skiing, and a vibrant atmosphere—an ideal location to combine your professional growth with relaxation. This promises to be an unmissable event for both New Zealand and Australian plastic surgeons looking to stay at the forefront of aesthetic surgery.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Jesse Kenton-Smith

Kirk Williams

Dylan Wyn James

NZAPS ASM 2025 Convenors

 

The ASM meets the RACS CPD requirement for 12 CPD hours for the competencies of Medical Expertise, Judgement and Clinical Decision Making, Technical Expertise and Scholarship and Teaching. The workshop meets the requirement for 4 CPD hours.

Schedule

View full schedule

Welcome

8:15AM - 8:30AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Session 1: Facial Rejuvenation

8:30AM - 10:30AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

My journey in facelift surgery - Dr Dirk Richter

8:30AM - 9:00AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

My journey in facelift - deep plane vs SMAS plication - Dr Jim Grotting

9:00AM - 9:30AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Local Speaker/Research Papers TBC

9:30AM - 10:00AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Panel Discussion

10:00AM - 10:30AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Morning Tea with Trade Exhibitors

10:30AM - 11:00AM
Friday, 22nd August
Coronet/Remarkables Room Level 4

Session 2: Eyelid and Brows

11:00AM - 12:45PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Ten mistakes in upper eyelid surgery - Dr Dirk Richter

11:00AM - 11:15AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

The gliding brow lift: How does it hold up over time? - Dr Jim Grotting

11:15AM - 11:30AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Lower eyelid malposition - Dr Dirk Richter

11:30AM - 11:45AM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Local Speaker TBC

11:45AM - 12:00PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Research Papers

12:00PM - 12:30PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Panel Discussion

12:30PM - 12:45PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Lunch with Trade Exhibitors

12:45PM - 1:45PM
Friday, 22nd August
Coronet/Remarkables Room Level 4

Session 3: Breast Reduction and Mastopexy

1:45PM - 3:15PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

My evolution in breast reduction surgery - Dr Jim Grotting

1:45PM - 2:05PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Research Papers

2:05PM - 2:45PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Panel Discussion

2:45PM - 3:15PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Afternoon Tea with Trade Exhibitors

3:15PM - 3:45PM
Friday, 22nd August
Coronet/Remarkables Room Level 4

Session 4: Mastopexy

3:45PM - 5:30PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Breast implant removal - algorithm for reconstruction with mastopexy and lipofilling - Dr Maria Weidner

3:45PM - 4:05PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Mastopexy with and without lipofilling - Dr Jesse Kenton-Smith

4:05PM - 4:20PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Success in augmentation mastopexy in the era of smooth implants - Dr Jim Grotting

4:20PM - 4:40PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Research Papers

4:40PM - 5:00PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Panel Discussion

5:00PM - 5:30PM
Friday, 22nd August
Queenstown Room

Welcome Function with Trade Exhibitors

5:30PM - 7:00PM
Friday, 22nd August
Coronet/Remarkables Room Level 4

Session 5: Massive Weight Loss Session

8:30AM - 10:15AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Speaker TBC

8:30AM - 8:45AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Lipo - body - Lifts in massive weight loss - Dr Dirk Richter

8:45AM - 9:10AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Diagnosis and treatment options for lipoedema with new devices - Dr Maria Weidner

9:10AM - 9:30AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Treatment of the buried penis in massive weight loss - Dr Dirk Richter

9:30AM - 9:40AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Research Papers

9:40AM - 9:55AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Panel Discussion

9:55AM - 10:15AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Morning Tea with Trade Exhibitors

10:15AM - 10:45AM
Saturday, 23rd August
Coronet/Remarkables Room Level 4

Session 6: Innovations (TBC)

10:45AM - 12:25PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Lunch with Trade Exhibitors

12:25PM - 1:25PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Coronet/Remarkables Room Level 4

Session 7: Breast Augmentation

1:25PM - 2:45PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Breast Augmentation - Dr Jim Grotting

1:25PM - 1:40PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Local Speaker (TBC)

1:40PM - 2:00PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Research Papers

2:00PM - 2:35PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Discussion

2:35PM - 2:45PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

Judging/ Prizegiving / Announcement of 2026 ASM and closing

2:45PM - 3:00PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

NZAPS Annual General Meeting

3:30PM - 5:30PM
Saturday, 23rd August
Queenstown Room

ASM Dinner

7:30PM - 11:00PM
Saturday, 23rd August

Speakers

Dr James C Grotting, MD

James C. Grotting, M.D., is past chairman of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, past chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Past President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).  He is a clinical professor of plastic surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and operates a private practice in Birmingham, Alabama.  In addition to being President of ASAPS, Grotting has served as chair of the Society’s Education Commission, serves on multiple Society committees and is a former board member of the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), the nonprofit research and education arm of ASAPS. He serves on the editorial board of The Aesthetic Surgery Journal and is the author of five major textbooks in the specialty of plastic surgery. Dr. Grotting has directed a fellowship in aesthetic and breast surgery for the past 25 years. Dr. Grotting is a member of the prestigious American Association of Plastic Surgeons, past-president of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and a traveling Professor for both the Plastic Surgery Foundation and ASAPS. Dr. Grotting is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.  

Dr Dirk F Richter, MD

Dr. Dirk Richter is an international renowned plastic surgeon. He received his training in Brazil the US and worked among others with Professor Olivari, a pioneer in the field of eyelid and facial surgery. He then served as his successor for 21 years as the Chief of the Department in Germany.  Dr. Richter set his focus in complicated eyelid surgery and facelifts and has extensive experience in treating complication cases. He served as president of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the largest international professional society for aesthetic plastic specialists, until 2020 and is President Elect of the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRAEC).

Dr Maria Wiedner, MD

Dr. Maria Wiedner, MD, is a double board-certified specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery who served as Head of the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery at Malteser Hospital in Bonn until 2019. She now practices at Institut Uniq at  Bensberg Castle, where she specializes in state-of-the-art plastic and aesthetic procedures. After completing her medical degree in 2004 at the Medical University of Graz, she pursued specialist training at the Medical Universities of Vienna, Innsbruck, and Graz. Following specialization, she worked as a senior physician at the University Hospital in Graz for three years before relocating to Bonn, where she assumed the role of Head of Department.  With extensive training in all areas of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Wiedner has specialized in body contouring and breast surgery. A key focus of her work is the treatment of lipedema through gentle WAL liposuction of the arms and legs. Before transitioning to her current position, she further expanded her expertise with a two-year specialized training in aesthetic facial surgery at the Dreifaltigkeits Hospital in Wesseling.

Call for Abstracts

 

Abstract Submissions close: 12 April 2025

Authors notified: 12 May 2025

Earlybird Registration rates end: 23 May 2025

Confirmed Authors registered by: 25 July 2025

Electronic Posters by: 20 July 2025

Oral Presentation slides by: 13 August 2025

Meeting dates: 23-24 August 2024

Note that authors accepted for oral presentations and e-posters must attend in person – there is no option for remote presentation.

 

Please read the Abstract Guidelines before submitting your abstract online.

 

Download Abstract Guidelines (PDF)

 

Submit Online

Registration

Earlybird Registration rates end 30 May 2024.  Meeting Dinner tickets for ASM delegates and their partners can be purchased for NZ$150 each.  Partner ticket for welcome function NZ$60 each.  Registration is via Currinda and will require delegates new to the system to first create a profile.  Payment is by Visa/Mastercard or internet banking - an invoice will be emailed on registration completion.  Please see the Terms & Conditions section for cancellation policy.

 

Register Now

Registration Fees (NZ$)

ASM including Workshop - Earlybird ends 30 May 2025

Annual Scientific Meeting Friday 22 August and Saturday 23 August 2025 and "Ask the Masters" Workshop Thursday 21 August 2025 1pm-5pm includes afternoon tea Thursday, all day catering Friday and Saturday and Welcome Function Friday night.  (Meeting dinner not included but can be purchased separately)

Earlybird Regular
Member - Medical Specialist $1200 $1300
Member SET Trainee (NZ Training Scheme ONLY) $900 $1000
Non-Member SET Trainee (NZ Training scheme ONLY) $900 $1000
Member - Junior Doctor / RMO / Overseas SET Trainee $1050 $1150
Non-Member Junior Doctor / RMO / Overseas SET Trainee $1050 $1150
Allied Health Professional / Nurse / Medical Student $800 $900
Non-Member Medical Specialist $1800 $1900

ASM only - Earlybird ends 30 May 2025

Annual Scientific Meeting Only.  Friday 22 August and Saturday 23 August 2025.  Includes day catering Friday and Saturday and Welcome Function Friday night.  (Meeting dinner not included but can be purchased separately)

Earlybird Regular
Member - Medical Specialist $1050 $1150
Member SET Trainee (NZ Training Scheme ONLY) $900 $1000
Non-Member SET Trainee (NZ Training scheme ONLY) $900 $1000
Member - Junior Doctor / RMO / Overseas SET Trainee $900 $1000
Non-Member Junior Doctor / RMO / Overseas SET Trainee $900 $1000
Allied Health Professional / Nurse / Medical Student $650 $750
Non-Member Medical Specialist $1450 $1550

Workshop Only - Earlybird ends 30 May 2025

"Ask the Masters" Workshop Only.  Thursday 21 August 2025 1pm-5pm includes afternoon tea Thursday

Earlybird Regular
Member - Medical Specialist $250 $350
Member SET Trainee (NZ Training Scheme ONLY) $0 $0
Non-Member SET Trainee (NZ Training scheme ONLY) $0 $0
Member - Junior Doctor / RMO / Overseas SET Trainee $250 $350
Non-Member Junior Doctor / RMO / Overseas SET Trainee $250 $350
Allied Health Professional / Nurse / Medical Student $250 $350
Non-Member Medical Specialist $350 $450

Accommodation

The ASM venue is located within the QT/Rydges Lakeland Resort with accommodation available at both the QT Queenstown (accessed from Brunswick Street) and the Rydges Lakeland Resort (accessed from Lake Esplanade Road).  Delegates must book their accommodation directly and links have been provided for both QT and Rydges below offering special rates (until sold).  For alternative accommodation in Queenstown please go to QueenstownNZ.

Hotels at Venue

QT Queenstown

Please contact the Conference Organiser

 

Rydges Lakeland Resort

Please contact the Conference Organiser

 

Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions: NZAPS Annual Scientific Meeting (22-23 August 2025) and “Ask the Masters” Workshop (21 August 2025) Queenstown, New Zealand

 

Attendance

Limited to registered Surgeons, RMOs, Registrars, Plastic Surgery Trainees, Allied Staff, Medical students.  Trade Exhibitors and Sponsors should contact the Conference Organiser for registration information.   The Organising Committee reserves the right to refuse any registration at their discretion.

Attendance is in-person only, there is no remote option and sessions will not be livestreamed or recorded. Day only registration is not available for the Meeting.

Workshop

The NZ Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons has sponsored the workshop on Thursday for New Zealand based (SET) Trainees free of charge. All others may attend this workshop, however, a registration fee for this half day workshop will apply.

Payment

All fees are in New Zealand Dollars.  Payment will be accepted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only), internet banking or international bank transfer. Standard fees will apply from 1 June 2025 and will be applied to registrations which remain unpaid. Registration must be paid prior to the commencement of the event. All Free Paper and Poster Presenters must be registered and attend the ASM in person.

Delegate fees in compliance with NZ Tax Law include 15% GST.

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellations or alterations should be put in writing (email) to the Conference Organiser.  Cancellations made up to 1 July 2025 will be refunded less admin fee of NZ$100.00. No refunds (including social event tickets) will be made for cancellations from 2 July 2025 onwards.

Refunds cannot be made due to travel delay or disruption. The event WILL NOT be livestreamed.  If for any reasons beyond the control of the organisers, the conference is cancelled, registration fees will be refunded after deduction of expenses.

Social Functions / Programme

Where social functions are included with registration, delegates must indicate their attendance.  Functions will be closed off once maximum numbers have been reached. 

The Meeting Dinner is limited in number of attendees and excluded from the registration but may be purchased as a separate ticket.

Special diets may attract an additional charge.  Conference Organisers reserve the right to change the programme without notice.

Accommodation

Accommodation is booked directly with the hotel (see accommodation section).  The delegate should note the cancellation policy for their chosen hotel when making the direct booking.  It is the attendees responsibility to notify the hotel directly of any changes to bookings.  Please note that accommodation at the venue is always in high demand during ski season.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind.  It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice.  The NZAPS, and Conference Organisers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance.

Disclaimer of Liability

The Organising Committee, including the NZAPS, and Conference Secretariat, will not accept liability for damages of any nature sustained by attendees or loss of or damage to their personal property as a result of the conference or related events.

 

 

 

 

Contact

Meeting Organiser:

Sally Boult

Events 4 You Limited

+64 27 562 5949