But to the hundreds of patients across the world who are healed of cleft lips or palates, burns and congenital deformities, the results of his work are life-changing.

Mr Dowling, of Waverley Plastic Surgery, is one of 34 plastic surgeons who volunteered in Interplast missions in 18 developing countries in 2006-07. Interplast, which was formed in Australia in 1983, has provided 29,000 consultations and almost 17,000 operations in 22 countries in the past 25 years.

The organisation has also sponsored more than 65 overseas surgeons and anesthetists to train in Australia.

Mr Dowling and another surgeon set an exhaustive pace on a visit to Laos last year, operating on about 150 patients in two weeks and seeing another 150 patients for preparatory work or to follow up on previous operations.

He said while facilities were often primitive, the surgeons could still do a wide and relatively sophisticated range of work.

"In developing countries, they've got poor infrastructure in all respects.

"You have to take in everything that you need - all the instruments, dressings, personnel.

"The surgery is totally different to what you perform in developed countries. You treat burns that have been neglected and congenital deformities that have not been seen for 16 years, whereas over here these are dealt with straight away."

He said he first experienced Third World medicine as a trainee and still enjoyed helping people in developing countries.

"It's about providing a service to people who otherwise have no access to specialist surgeons," Mr Dowling said.

To donate or volunteer, phone 92491231 or visit www.interplast.com.au