What To Expect
During your initial visit and consultation we will discuss your 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 at 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 partner with you to your appointment.
Photographs will be taken to allow for planning of the surgery and to assess results following your surgery.
These will be kept strictly confidential, adhering to all legal and regulatory privacy requirements.
Your appointment is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so you are fully informed.
Modern surgery is typically safe but there are always potential risks and complications. These risks will be discussed during your consultation.
When a decision is made, you will be required 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 typically required as this provides us with your medical history. Some procedures are eligible for rebates, and your consultation may possibly be partly rebatable from Medicare if you have a referral from your GP.
Dr Gahankari and his staff are available 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 most appropriate choices without placing you under any 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 degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons.
We carefully review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for us to proceed with your surgery.
It is important you fully disclose all important information so we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved.
We 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 reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and can help lead to a successful recovery.
You should have realistic expectations. 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 more than one procedure during one operation. If that course of action is deemed appropriate and safe, it may save you the expense of paying for the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once.
However, it is possible that having more than one procedure at a time may lead to increased risk of 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 will decide whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation. This decision will always based on the safety of the patient.
Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to assist the healing process and recovery time. The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual. Bruises typically disappear within several days, and most swelling has typically subsided within a matter of weeks.
If you follow our post-operative instructions carefully, you will likely be able to enjoy your regular activities within a short period of time.
Most visible scars will typically fade over time, but scars are permanent.
The aesthetic effects of plastic surgery generally become more evident over time, with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust.
When you come in for your consultation we will discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
Dr Gahankari’s staff will be able to provide you with a cost estimate for your particular surgery.
Dr Gahankari’s standard fee is based around the Australian Medical Association recommended fee.
In most instances, all, or a portion of your surgical fee which will not be covered by Medicare or your Health Fund.
It is important you understand 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 taking place 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. In some cases, there may also be a need for visits to the physiotherapist for casts, splints or therapy.
Our staff will guide you through the costs of your surgery.
No.
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 from Advanced Aesthetics, your quotation 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 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 you are able 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.
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 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 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.
The ability to drive post surgery will differ from patient to patient. 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.
The type of work you do and the type of procedure you have had will determine the suitable period you will require prior to returning to work. Please arrange for a friend or relative to pick you up after your procedure.
Minor surgery is performed as a day-only procedure and you can typically 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.
Healing times will differ from patient to patient and is dependent on the procedure undertaken.
Dr Gahankari has a special interest in scar minimisation surgery. However, most surgery will result in scarring to some degree.
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.