What To Expect
During your initial visit and consultation we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question are right for you. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous operations and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
The medical conditions that may increase risks of surgery include high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes and bleeding problems. Medications that may affect your suitability for surgery include Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogril (Plavix), Nurofen, Voltaren and others.
Feel free to bring a friend or spouse with you if you like. Photographs will be taken to allow for planning of the surgery and to assess results following your surgery. These will be kept strictly confidential between Dr Gahankari and his staff. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally for surgery. We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging. Modern surgery is typically safe but, despite the highest standards of surgical practice, there are always potential risks and complications. These will be discussed during your consultation. When a final decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent form stating that you are fully aware and understand what your pending operation entails, including any potential complications and secondary effects.
A referral from your GP is required as this provides us with your medical history. Some procedures are eligible for rebates, and your consultation may be partly rebatable from Medicare if you have a referral from your GP.
Dr Gahankari and his staff are available at all times to discuss any issues or to clarify any questions you may have. To ensure a successful outcome, we encourage patients to be well informed before making a decision to go ahead with surgery. We believe in helping you make the right choices without placing you under pressure to make these important decisions.
A referral letter from a GP.
Medicare Card or Number.
Private Health Insurance details or Card, if applicable.
Workers Compensation Claim Number, if applicable.
Any x-rays, scans or test results, if applicable.
A list of your allergies and medications if not provided by your GP.
Address details of your referring doctor.
Address details of any other doctors or physiotherapists that you would like to be kept informed about your consultation.
All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons. We are dedicated to making your operation proceed smoothly. We carefully review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery. It is important that you fully disclose all important information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved. We will take every precaution necessary to reduce the possibility of any complications.
There are several important factors that come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you. One of the most important factors is your health. Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery.
Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are. People who have plastic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and can boost self-esteem.
Thirdly, you should have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect. Set reasonable goals as to the result you wish to achieve and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these goals during your initial consultation.
It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation. This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance. In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying for the operating room and anaesthesia costs more than once. However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications. The decision to have multiple procedures done simultaneously depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health. Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual. Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone within a matter of weeks. If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will be able to enjoy your normal activities within a short period of time. Any visible scars will fade over time but they are permanent. We take care to conceal any scars so that they are barely visible, if at all. The image-enhancing effects of plastic surgery become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look. When you come in for your consultation we can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
If you require an operation, Dr Gahankari’s staff will be able to provide you with a cost estimate for your surgery. Dr Gahankari’s standard fee is based around the Australian Medical Association recommended fee. This means that in most instances, there will be a portion of your surgical fee which will not be covered by Medicare or your Health Fund.
It is important that you ask about this price gap prior to receiving your treatment. Please note, that the coverage for various operations varies greatly depending on the Private Health fund involved.
For most operations done in a Private Hospital, or as a private patient in a public hospital, there is a fee for the doctor, assistant doctor, anaesthetist, and hospital. And there may be a need for visits to the physiotherapist for casts, splints or therapy. Our reception staff members will be more than happy to help you through what is often at times a confusing area.
No. You have the following options:
You can choose to ‘self insure’. This still allows you to choose your doctor and the location and timing of your surgery, but it will result in a higher out of pocket payment than if you were in a Private Health Fund. It is particularly important to note that operating theatre costs and prostheses costs can be high as Medicare does not cover this at all in a Private Hospital.
We will provide you with a quotation for the medical expenses of your procedure and discuss the quotation with you in detail before your procedure, so that you have a full understanding of the costs involved.
You will also be liable for any costs not covered by Medicare or your health fund – otherwise known as Out-Of-Pocket Expenses. We assist patients with obtaining estimate hospital fees from the hospitals we use.
It is your responsibility to confirm your level of cover with your health insurance fund, and any associated fees such as an excess or co-payments. Prior to your procedure, you will be provided with an estimate of the anaesthetist’s fees.
Unless otherwise stated in your quotation, it does not cover services provided by other doctors (such as radiologists and pathologists), or other costs associated with your stay in the hospital or day surgery unit, such as accommodation, pharmacy and physiotherapy.
In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to arrange additional medical services, resulting in further charges to you.
The type of the anaesthesia varies with each procedure. For some procedures, only local anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation is needed. This method will allow you to be awake, but insensitive to any pain. In more complex procedures, general anaesthesia is required and you will be asleep during the entire procedure.
The anaesthesia used in your operation will depend on the type and extent of the procedure(s), your age, and the surgeon’s preference. The anaesthetist managing your surgery is a highly trained, experienced, and a qualified, specialist doctor.
You will be required to fast for at least 6 hours prior to your surgery. This includes food, water, and chewing gum. Your operation may be postponed if you eat or drink before surgery.
Modern anaesthetics are safe and effective, but do have risks. Our anaesthetist will explain these to you prior to your surgery, and feel free to contact them prior if you have any concerns. Please inform us of any medical conditions you may have, current medications, allergies and any previous surgery.
Should you have any questions regarding your surgery, be sure to ask Dr Gahankari in advance. Well-meaning friends may not be a good source of information. Find out everything before proceeding with the operation – we believe a well-informed patient is a happy one.
After surgery, you will return to our clinic for follow-up care at prescribed intervals. This is the time your progress can be evaluated by Dr Gahankari and our highly qualified nursing staff.
Once the immediate post-operative follow-up is complete, we encourage our patients to come back for periodic check-ups to observe and discuss the long-term results of surgery. Please remember that if you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact us.
For your general health and well-being and to improve wound healing, patients are required to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery and continue cessation for as long as possible after surgery. If you are unable to stop smoking, please use patches or gum.
You must be able to move comfortably, and not be taking strong painkillers, as well as being capable to see clearly. This usually takes at least 3-7 days after your procedure.
Depending on the procedure, the recovery times will vary. For all hospital procedures, you should not return to work on the same day. Please arrange for a friend or relative to pick you up after your procedure. Minor surgery is performed as day only procedure and you can return to work the next day. Major surgery may require up to several weeks’ recovery. If time away from work is required, you will be provided with a medical certificate.
Patients heal differently from each other. Scars will initially appear red, and become less pink and noticeable over time. Several months may be required for your skin to heal thoroughly, but do not be alarmed if it takes longer than expected.
Dr Gahankari is a renowned expert in scar minimisation surgery. His experience, skill and technique offers minimal scarring wherever possible. However, most surgery will result in scarring to some degree. We can advise you on scar-minimising creams and post-surgical treatments to help reduce scarring.
We ask that you confirm your initial appointment at least two days prior to your consultation by calling 07 5539 4611.
For all aesthetic cosmetic consultations a prepayment of $75 will be charged to your credit card to secure your appointment. If you bring a referral on the day, you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare.
If for any reason you need to reschedule your appointment, we do require 48 hours notice. Failure to reschedule your appointment, or a no-show, will result in a cancellation fee of the prepaid $75.