Cosmetic Surgery Consultation with Dr Tavakoli

• What Is Cosmetic Surgery?
• Who Is a Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery?
• Where Is the surgery performed?
• Who performs the Surgery?
• What Are the Risks?
• What Type of Anesthesia Will Be Used?
• How long is the recuperative period? When can I return to work?
• When can I resume regular exercise?
• What are the costs of cosmetic surgery?
• Is cosmetic surgery covered by medicare or my health fund?

What Is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery may provide the opportunity for you to feel better about how you look. It is different from reconstructive plastic surgery, which may be performed to correct a deformity caused by illness or trauma. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery together are called plastic surgery. Examples of cosmetic surgical procedures are those done to correct prominent ears, a large nose, baggy eyelids, facial wrinkles or breasts that are small and/or sagging.

Dr Tavakoli is a plastic surgeon who can perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery depending on the patient's needs.

Who Is a Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery?

A good candidate for cosmetic surgery is one who understands the procedure, is realistic about expectations of the surgery and is motivated primarily to please oneself. A less likely candidate is one who does not really understand the procedure, has unrealistic expectations or is motivated to please someone else.

At the initial consultation, you should explain your concerns and what you would like to have done. Your situation will be evaluated and you will be advised as to what can be accomplished. You should have some understanding about what will be done so that you can appreciate the magnitude of the procedure.

You also should be aware of the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. Since cosmetic surgery is elective in nature, you should be well-informed and certain that it is what you want. You should carefully weigh the "benefits" that you will receive from the surgery and the "cost" of the procedure which includes risks, inconvenience, discomfort and expense. Should you have doubts about proceeding with the surgery, you should seek and have a full explanation of the procedure and defer surgery until your doubts are resolved.

Where Is the surgery performed?

Cosmetic surgical procedures are usually performed in fully licensed day surgery centre or private hospitals. All operating rooms and recovery rooms are staffed with registered nurses and other skilled personnel devoted to your care. A well-equipped and well-staffed recovery room is provided in conjunction with the operating rooms. Equipment for emergency care is also available as well as personnel trained to handle emergencies should they arise.

Some procedures may require hospitalization, which typically involves a short stay at The Hills Private or St Lukes Hospitals.

Who performs the Surgery?

Your surgery will be entirely performed by Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, FRACS(plast.), member of ASPS and ASAPS

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is not an easy task. It isimperative in your research that you find a bona fide surgeon, trained by and meeting the stringent criteria and high standards of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Many “cosmetic surgeons" are in fact just General Practitioners who learned procedures by watching others. Plastic Surgeons are fully qualified surgeons and Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) who have completed a rigorous training program much as Heart Surgeons, Brain Surgeons, Eye Surgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Look for the FRACS qualification to confirm this. Plastic surgeons are also members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Once you have identified genuine plastic surgeons, you will need to choose between them. Plastic surgery and particularly cosmetic plastic surgery is an art form. Different surgeons have varying levels of training, experience and expertise. The "product" you get will be very different from surgeon to surgeon.

What Are the Risks?

Certain risks are inherent in any operation and although complications seldom occur, the risk of complications should be considered in your decision to have cosmetic plastic surgery.

Complications are undesirable occurrences associated with surgery that occasionally happen. You should be aware of these potential risks. The risks vary with each procedure and will be discussed in later sections of the website under PROCEDURES. Examples of potential complications are bleeding, infection, wound separation and loss of skin.

Bleeding can occur after any operation. Small amounts of blood will be absorbed by the body; larger amounts may require surgical removal. This may require a return trip to the operating room. Aspirin or drugs containing aspirin delay clotting and thus can promote bleeding. They should be avoided for 14 days prior to surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen may also cause bleeding and should likewise be avoided. Tylenol does not cause bleeding problems and may be taken prior to surgery. Congenital bleeding tendencies are rare, but if you have such a problem, you should advise your surgeon. Hypertension is another condition which may cause a bleeding problem. During surgery, some blood will be deposited in the tissues and cause a discoloration (bruise). This discoloration will usually fade in about three weeks.

Infection can occur during any surgery. In most cases, this is a minor aggravation but may delay healing or result in wound separation and a wide scar. In some cases, it may contribute to a more serious problem of skin loss.

Skin loss is a condition that occurs when tissue does not have adequate circulation and it dies. This is usually due to a combination of circumstances which may include tension on the skin, infection, swelling and the effect of nicotine. Smoking should be avoided for two weeks prior to and one week following the procedure.

In addition to complications, there are certain side effects of these procedures which may be undesirable. The most common side effect is a scar. Anytime an incision is made in the skin, the body heals with the formation of scar tissue that acts as a bridge or a bond to hold the cut surfaces together. Although the manner in which scars heal depends somewhat on the surgical technique, a number of other factors affect the final result. These include such things as hereditary factors, the characteristics of an individual's skin, age, location on the body, amount of tension on the wound and whether an infection occurs.

After the original operation, it may be necessary for secondary surgery to correct minor imperfections to obtain the maximum result. The decision for any secondary surgery will be made jointly by you and your surgeon. If you have any questions about the results of your surgery, do not hesitate to discuss them with your surgeon.

What Type of Anesthesia Will Be Used?

Most cosmetic surgery is performed under general anaesthetics. The choice of anesthesia will be discussed with you by Dr Tavakoli. However, the final decision will be made by your anaesthetist.

How long is the recuperative period? When can I return to work?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on. Most patients will require assistance for the first two days. Following these two days, most patients are able to care for themselves but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. The specific lengths of disability are outlined below by procedure. These are approximations, and do not include return to exercise.

Eyelid Surgery - Most patients can get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, you may feel comfortable going to the store by days 3-4, and with makeup could return to work in 5-7 days.

Facelift Surgery - Most patients can get around independently by the second day. Usually do not feel comfortable going out in public for 5-7 days. Requires 10-14 days before returning to work if in the public eye.

Breast Surgery - Most patients can get around independently by the second day. You can return to work at 7 days if not required to lift more than 2 Kg.

Liposuction - Most patients can get around independently by the second day, earlier if smaller number of areas were treated. One can return to work and normal activities in 10 days.

Abdominoplasty - Patients may take between 2-4 days before getting around independently. The recovery is almost identical to a C-section. One can return to a desk job at 10 days, other jobs 2-3 weeks.

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 post-operative day. Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 3 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are allowed after 6 weeks in most cases.

What are the costs of cosmetic surgery?

There is a charge for the initial consultation with Dr Tavakoli. This initial consultation is very important because it will help you determine if you are a candidate for cosmetic surgery and if it is something that you are interested in pursuing. More than one visit may be necessary before you feel comfortable with your decision. If you decide you would like to proceed with cosmetic surgery, procedural matters will be discussed with you by the staff at the clinic.

In Summary the Cost Breakdown is as follows:

• Surgeon's Fee
• Anaesthetic Fee
• Theatre Fee
• (Implant and Garments)

Sometimes after cosmetic surgery, secondary or touch-up surgery is necessary. If this is done within one year of the original surgery, there will be no additional surgeon's fee. However, other fees such as anesthesia, operating room, medications or tests will be charged.

Is cosmetic surgery covered by medicare or my health fund?

Cosmetic surgery is seldom covered by medicare or health funds in Australia. Some procedures in plastic surgery are "grey areas." They include Rhinoplasty, Otoplasty, Reduction Mammaplasty and Abdominoplasty. Please speak to Dr Tavakoli's staff for further clarification of this point.

Most cosmetic procedures attract GST (10%).