Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Centre – Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Melbourne Australia

Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Centre - FAQ's

What is plastic surgery?

Contrary to its name, plastic surgery does not involve the use of plastics during surgery. The word plastic is taken from a Greek word that simply means 'moulding' or 'giving form'.

Plastic surgery generally can be divided into two types:

What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

• Reconstructive surgery- surgery to improve function or minimize disfigurement that has occurred as a result of an accident, disease or birth defect.
• Aesthetic or cosmetic, surgery- designed to improve a person's appearance by reshaping facial or bodily features

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. Ordinarily we will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Patients seen for cosmetic and elective surgery do not need a referral to make an appointment.

However, if you see Dr. Douglas McManamny for a reconstructive problem, you may need a referral for medicare rebate. It is best to check with your insurance company directly before making an appointment.

What should I expect during first visit?

The best and only way to find out if cosmetic surgery is right for you, is to consult Dr. Douglas McManamny, who will listen to your need, and examine you and provide you with educated advise. Dr. Douglas McManamny can tell you what you need to know about the procedure you are interested in, or recommend another to meet your needs and goals.

During your initial visit, the doctor will explain the specific procedure you want, help you visualize the results and go over the risks. Although complications are rare, all surgeries, especially those that involve anaesthesia, carry some risks. Dr. Douglas McManamny will outline these for you based on the specific procedure.

Procedures

What is scarring? Will they be noticeable?

A result of any surgical procedure is scarring. Each and every time the skin is cut either by scalpel or laser a surgical scar is produced. The quality and appearance of scars vary widely with the individual's healing process, the position of the scar on the body, and the degree of tension placed on the scar. The types of scars can be influenced by personal, familial and racial factors and CANNOT BE CONTROLLED by the surgeon.

Will they be noticeable- Probably not. Your surgeon will make every effort to keep scars as minimal as possible and try to hide them in the natural lines and creases of your skin. For the majority of procedures, your scars will fade over time and become barely visible.

Will the cosmetic procedure or surgery hurt?

During a procedure anaesthesia ensures that you're comfortable and feel no pain. If general anaesthesia is used, you'll even sleep through the entire operation After surgery any pain of discomfort you may experience can usually be controlled through medication and will usually subside in a matter of days.

How soon can I return to work?

Again, this differs widely on the procedure that has been performed, but on average, most cosmetic surgery patients are back to work within 3 to 10 days.

Do I have to stay in the hospital overnight?

The majority of cosmetic surgery procedures do not require hospitalisation. Some breast reduction and some tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures may be require an overnight stay, and are performed in the operating rooms at one of the local hospitals where you will stay overnight.

What is the Recovery from Plastic Surgery Like?

Each patient will tolerate pain post-operatively in a different way, and we consider this. While some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort. Appropriate pain medications are prescribed for the post-operative patients, and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal discomfort post - operatively. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable, and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles-such as an abdominoplasty or breast augmentation have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

When can I resume regular exercise?

The time a patient resumes regular exercises varies based on the operation performed. All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed at 1 month in most cases.

Fees and Payment

What about your fees?

The standard fee charged in this office for reconstructive surgery is the Australian Medical Association recommended fee. This means that in most instances there will be a moiety of your surgical fee which will not be covered by Medicare and your health fund. If there is any problem with this it is important that you ask about this gap. With respect to cosmetic surgery, some of the operations will receive a benefit from your insurer whilst others will not. We are able to give you the appropriate advice on all these matters and give you some exact estimates of what he final costs might be.

Please be advised that when you have an operation, not only is there a fee for your attending surgeon and his assistant, but also for the anaesthetist and the hospital.

Our staff are fully informed with changes and rebates and will be able to help you navigate you way through this area of your procedure.

What are your acceptable means of payment?

Fees will be reviewed with you at the consultation visit. Payment during the consultation is appreciated. Payment is required prior to your scheduled date of surgery.

Bank cheque, cash or credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, and American Express) are acceptable means of payment.

Financing Plans through independent financing companies are available. Please inquire within if you are interested.

Will my insurance cover all your treatments?

Insurance will only cover medical treatments. Cosmetic treatments are not covered.

Contact Us

For more detailed information about our non-surgical services and the support we provide to help you make the right decision, or to book an appointment, please contact us on (03) 9885 7177 or Book online.