YOUR SURGERY PLANNER With Dr Chaithan Reddy

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YOUR SURGERY PLANNER With Dr Chaithan Reddy
YOUR SURGERY
  PLANNER
 With Dr Chaithan Reddy
YOUR SURGERY PLANNER With Dr Chaithan Reddy
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome                                                             3

Your Surgeon                                                        4

Commitments & Responsibilities                                      5

Financial Responsibilities                                       6-7

Preparing For Surgery                                            8-9

Advice on Blood Thinners & Herbal Supplements Before Surgery       10

Supplements, Nutrition & Hydration                             11 - 12

Nicotine Cessation                                                 13

What To Expect After Surgery?                                  14 - 18

   Pain Management

   Wound Healing & Dressings

   When Can I Shower?

   When Can I Drive?

   When Can I Travel?

   Minimising DVT Risk

Optimising Your Results                                            19

Rest & Emotional Well Being                                    20 - 21

Take Home Massage                                                  22
YOUR SURGERY PLANNER With Dr Chaithan Reddy
WELCOME                                                                                       THE PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC & MEDISPA

     The Plastic Surgery Clinic is one of Sydney’s premier clinics when it comes
    to all your Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery needs. Led by specialist Plastic
      Surgeon Dr Chaithan Reddy, your treatment will be tailored to your needs,
                       using the latest advances in plastic surgery.

This booklet is designed to provide you with the information required to help plan for your

upcoming surgery. Please take your time to read through the information carefully. The

booklet contains information pertaining to:

•   Preparing for your surgery
•   Your rights and responsibilities
•   Fee schedule and due dates
•   Optimising your recovery
•   Follow up care and scar optimisation

Dr Reddy and our team will also be readily available to discuss these important topics with

you. Please contact us on 84597111 or 84597112 if you have any further queries.

We welcome you to the clinic and we look forward to assisting you in your plastic surgery

journey.

Dr Chaithan Reddy
Director of ‘The Plastic Surgery Clinic’
                                                                                                                                     3
YOUR SURGERY PLANNER With Dr Chaithan Reddy
YOUR SURGEON

         Dr Chaithan Reddy
         MBBS (Hons), BDS (Hons), MS , FRACS (Plast)

         •   Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
         •   Member of the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
         •   Member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS)
         •   Member of the Australian Medical Association (AMA)

Thank you for asking me to be involved in your surgical journey. I believe it is a privilege to be able to operate on my patients and I take great pride in ensuring that

the best possible outcome is always achieved. My approach to my patients is to marry my surgical skills with your specific needs to achieve the desired result. Honesty,

integrity and professionalism is what both I and my staff pride our services upon.

Please feel free to visit our website to read more about my expertise and qualifications.

                                                                                                                                                                            4
YOUR SURGERY PLANNER With Dr Chaithan Reddy
COMMITMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Our Commitment                                                                      Your Responsibilities

My staff and I will endeavour to make your experience at the Plastic Surgery        Please ensure that you understand all the information provided to you.

Clinic as enjoyable as possible. Our friendly staff are also readily available to
                                                                                    Every effort will be made to ensure that your surgical pathway is as efficient as
answer any questions that you may have.
                                                                                    possible. Please also ensure that you have read through, understood and signed

All documented information is treated in a confidential manner and will only be     your consent forms and the relevant hospital paperwork.

disclosed to health professionals involved in your care.
                                                                                    Please also ensure that your post-operative appointment has been scheduled

Our clinic complies with the applicable laws and regulations, and all significant   and that you will be available at the scheduled times.

invasive procedures are carried out in accredited health facilities.
                                                                                    It is important that you inform my staff and I of any queries that you may have

We always endeavour to provide the highest level of personal and surgical care.     well prior to your scheduled treatments, so that sufficient time is available to

                                                                                    provide any further information that may be required.

                                                                                           Feedback

                                                                                           ‘The Plastic Surgery Clinic & Medispa’ always welcomes your

                                                                                           feedback about your experience at the clinic. While we base our

                                                                                           services on up-to-date best practice, we are always open to hearing

                                                                                           from you so that we can improve our services even further.

                                                                                                                                                                        5
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Surgical Fee

The fees for reconstructive/non-cosmetic surgery are to a large part based

around those recommended by the Australian Medical Association. The fees for

cosmetic procedures are based on the time taken to undertake the procedure,

the complexity of the procedure and the level of expertise offered by Dr Reddy.

Fees for cosmetic procedures vary widely between surgeons and the saying “you

get what you pay for” if very apt for this type of surgery. Surgeon skill, attention

to detail, safety profile, complication rates, the quality of your aftercare, and

very importantly the results achieved, can vary significantly between surgeons.

The fees charged by surgeons often (but not always) reflect these important

considerations.

Prior to your planned procedure a surgical estimate will be provided to you.

Surgical procedures may have applicable item numbers, meaning that a

component of your surgical fee will be covered by Medicare and your health

fund. It is important that you understand your surgical estimate (quote) so that

you are familiar with any applicable out of pocket fees.

•   Elective or Cosmetic surgery fees are required to be paid at least 4 weeks

    prior to surgery*.

•   Skin cancer (or reconstructive) surgical procedures undertaken in hospital

    are to be paid at the time of your first post-operative visit. An invoice will be

    issued to you at that time, allowing you to then claim any applicable rebates       * A significant period of hospital operating time has been allocated to your surgery.
                                                                                        Payment enables confirmation of your hospital booking.
    from Medicare and if applicable your Health fund.                                                                                                                           6
Hospital Fee                                                                         Miscellaneous Fees

I.   Private Health Fund patients: Please check your level of cover with your        In some instances, other fees may arise depending on the type of surgery you

     health fund and whether an ‘excess’ applies or whether there are any other      are scheduled to have. These fees can pertain to blood tests, radiology (x-ray),

     applicable fees.                                                                physiotherapy, or pharmaceuticals (discharge medications). Apart from the latter,

II. Self-Funded patients: A quote will be obtained from the hospital and             for patients in health funds, these fees are often covered by your fund but please

     forwarded to you outlining the expected hospital fees                           check with your fund and the hospital you are having surgery at.

Anaesthetic Fee                                                                      When Fees May Change

                                                                                     Our clinic makes every effort will be made to provide an accurate estimate of
An estimate will be provided to you prior to your surgery. Following your surgery,
                                                                                     the above fees. It is very unlikely that the fees charged vary from the estimates
your anaesthetist will also provide you with an invoice for the services provided.
                                                                                     provided to you for surgery. Changes in fees generally only occurs if:

Pathology Fee
                                                                                     •   Your health fund status changes

If applicable, this will be billed directly to you from the relevant pathology       •   You will be responsible for the full cost of the hospital admission (or

provider. Routinely, you will be entitled to a rebate from Medicare (and health          prosthesis/implants) if your health fund does not cover the cost of your

fund if applicable) to cover a portion of this fee.                                      admission, prosthesis, or treatment

                                                                                     •   Unexpected additional care or extended medical care is needed, including

                                                                                         additional surgery, pharmaceutical, pathology, or radiology services
                                                                                                                                                                         7
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

We always want you to feel well prepared for your surgery.

Feeling prepared can help ensure that you have a smooth surgical

journey. It helps alleviate some of the normal ‘nerves’ that are

experienced in the lead up to surgery. It also helps in the recovery

process by ensuring that all the required measures are in place. A

Pre-operative instruction sheet will be provided to you at the time

of your consultation, and this will outline the requirements specific

to your planned surgery. The following serves as a checklist of

some of the more pertinent requirements:

•   Hospital booking form submitted to the relevant hospital
    ATLEAST 1 WEEK prior to your surgery

•   Signed surgical consent and financial consent forms have been

    returned to our clinic

•   For cosmetic/elective procedures, any necessary payments

    made at least 4 weeks prior to surgery

•   Prostheses (e.g., implants) if applicable, are confirmed

•   Surgical garment (if applicable) ordered and purchased

•   Any relevant blood thinner medications (Aspirin, Plavix,

    Xarelto, Warfarin) have been discussed with your surgeon at

    least 14 days prior to the surgery date

                                                                        8
Other Things To Note

•   The hospital will routinely contact you 1-2 days prior to your surgery. If you

    have not been contacted by 3pm the day prior to surgery, please contact the

    hospital. The hospital staff will inform you about your admission time and

    fasting time.

•   Please do not be late to the hospital as this can result in your surgery being

    deferred on the operating list due to the fasting time needs of other patients

    with medical conditions.

•   If you are on diabetes medications, please check with the hospital staff as to

    what you should do
                                                                                     Day Of Your Surgery
•   If required, the anaesthetist will also contact you 1-2 days prior to your
                                                                                     •   Please arrive on time to avoid potential delays to your surgery, or others
    surgery.
                                                                                         having surgery
•   Smoking should have ceased at least 4 weeks prior to your surgery, as it can
                                                                                     •   Please remain fasted as instructed. (Please also avoid lollies and chewing
    cause skin/tissue loss, increase infection, and lead to suboptimal scars
                                                                                         gum)
•   Hormone replacement therapy and the Contraceptive Pill – to have been
                                                                                     •   You may take your usual medications with a sip of water. Diabetic
    discussed at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and stopped where feasible
                                                                                         medications should have been discussed with the hospital/anaesthetist the
•   Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your surgery
                                                                                         day prior to surgery.
•   As per your procedure specific instruction material, using as antibacterial
                                                                                     •   Preferably wear zip-up or buttoned clothing to minimise disruption to your
    wash the evening prior (and morning of surgery if feasible) is recommended
                                                                                         wound dressings
•   If you are unwell during the week leading up to your surgery, please notify
                                                                                     •   Please bring your surgical garment or any relevant scans with you to the
    our clinic
                                                                                         hospital

                                                                                     •   If you are undergoing day surgery, please ensure you have a responsible

                                                                                         adult to take you home and stay with you overnight

                                                                                     •   Please ensure that you have collected any necessary scripts (antibiotics, pain

                                                                                         killers) prior to discharge
                                                                                                                                                                      9
ADVICE ON BLOOD THINNERS

There are certain medications and supplements that are known to affect blood              *THE BELOW LIST IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE. IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN AS TO

clotting and increase your risk of bleeding during and after surgery.                     WHETHER YOUR MEDICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTS THIN YOUR BLOOD, PLEASE

                                                                                          CHECK WITH YOUR GP.

    Common blood thinners include                              Common anti-inflammatory                                Natural Therapy preparations
    (but not limited to):                                      medications that may increase                           and Herbal supplements that may
                                                               bleeding risk include:                                  increase bleeding risk include:
    Asasantin, Aspirin, Astrix, Bex Tablets

    and Powders, Cardiprin, Cartia, Coplavix,                  Brufen, Celebrex, Celecoxib, Diclofenac,                Garlic, Ginkgo biloba, Goldenseal, St. John’s

    Disprin Forte, Eliquis, Isocover, Persantin,               Ibuprofen, Indocid, Meloxicam, Mobic,                   wort, Saw palmetto, oral Arnica, Ginseng

    Plavix, Pradaxa, Solprin, Vincents Powders,                Mobilis, Naprogesic, Naprosyn, Naproxen,                , Dong Quai/Angelica, Echinacea, Kava,

    Warfarin, Xarelto                                          Nurofen, Vioxx, Voltaren                                Feverfew, Valerian, Cranberry, Licorice,

                                                                                                                       Glucosamine, Red Clover, Omega-3 fatty

    Please check with your treating GP/                        Please stop these 7 days prior to surgery               oils, Hair Skin & Nails, Primrose oil, Fish oils

    Specialist that it is safe to stop any such                and restart after checking with Dr Reddy                & Krill oils

    medication(s).
                                                                                                                       You should stop taking such

    Nb: If you have been advised that you are                                                                          preparations/supplements at least 2

    not allowed to stop these medications,                                                                             weeks prior to surgery. You may restart

    please inform our clinic as Dr Reddy may                                                                           these 2 weeks after surgery

    need to substitute them for a short acting

    blood thinner.

                                                                                                                                                                          10
VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS, NUTRITION & HYDRATION

Vitamin supplements are common part of our daily life. It is important that you are not

deficient in certain vitamins in the lead up to surgery. It is also important that you are not taking

excessive doses of certain vitamins before surgery as this can impact on healing and increase

certain surgical risks. The following is a brief summary of what Dr Reddy advises:

Vitamin A
The recommended daily dose or as part of a multivitamin is fine. Caution with additional

supplementation in women planning to become pregnant.

Vitamin C
500-750mg daily in divided doses can play an important role in wound healing.

Vitamin E
The recommended daily dose or as part of a multivitamin is fine. Excessive doses or additional

supplementation can lead to increased risk of surgical bleeding.

Bromelain
Recommended doses may be taken to reduce bruising, swelling and inflammation. Used with

caution if already on blood thinners.

Vitamin B, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Flavonoids
Ensure these are a part of your multivitamin

Arnica
Avoid in the pre-operative period. May be commenced post-operatively as it may reduce

bruising, swelling and inflammation
                                                                                                        11
Nutrition

It is important that you maintain a good healthy diet in the lead up to your surgery, during your

surgery and following your surgery. Your body metabolism increases significantly with surgery

resulting in more calories being burnt. Hence it is not uncommon to feel tired after surgery as

much of your consumed calories are being used in recovering from surgery and wound healing.

Ensuring adequate protein intake is very important for wound healing. A well-balanced diet

consisting of protein, vegetables and fresh fruit is essential to optimal wound healing.

Your metabolic rate can also increase by 100%, so please do not limit your caloric intake

in the fear of gaining weight (being less active) after surgery.

Please be mindful of the fact that as part of the recovery process after surgery, you may not be

in a position to be preparing your own meals. You may consider either preparing these meals

prior and freezing them or arranging a nutritious meal service for the first few weeks after

surgery.

•   Please also check that you are not anaemic in the lead up to your surgery. Tiredness can be
    a sign of this. If you have any doubts, please speak with your GP or Dr Reddy as blood tests

    can be arranged to check your iron levels. In some patients requiring extensive surgery an

    iron infusion is arranged prior to surgery.

•   Patients that are taking Duromine (weight loss medication) should discontinue this at least

    7 days prior to surgery as this can have significant implications to your general anaesthetic.

Hydration

It is also very important to keep well hydrated around the time of your surgery. You will be on

various medications following surgery and some of these will be metabolised by your kidneys.

Ensuring adequate water intake will help flush out the metabolites of these medications.

Keeping well hydrated will also help minimise your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
                                                                                               12
SMOKING AND NICOTINE CESSATION

Smoking and nicotine replacement therapy has a significant negative impact on your surgery.

Nicotine (found in cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy) causes of constriction of blood

vessels, reducing the blood supply to wounds and tissues. Reduced blood supply results in a

significantly increased risk of wound healing complications.

Smoking and nicotine can lead to:

•   Skin death (skin necrosis)

•   Nipple areola necrosis following breast lift or breast reduction surgery

•   Wound break down

•   Unfavourable scar outcomes

•   Increased risk of wound infection

•   Increased anaesthetic risks

It is important that you abstain from smoking (including passive exposure) and nicotine

replacement therapy for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. Given

your safety is our priority, Dr Reddy typically refuses to undertake your surgery if you are still

smoking due to the increase in associated risks to you.

Other Illicit Substances

If you are taking any illicit substances either regularly or infrequently, please advise Dr Reddy as these can have implications with respect to your surgical and

anaesthetic risks.

                                                                                                                                                                     13
AFTER YOUR SURGERY

Medications                                                                         this point in time. This will not be the final result of your surgery. Facial wounds,
                                                                                    particularly on the nose can still look inflamed. You will notice a significant
When you are discharged from hospital, depending upon the nature of your
                                                                                    reduction in this appearance over the course of the week.
surgery, stronger pain medications may be prescribed. It is a good idea however

to have simple ‘over the counter medications’ available at home for symptoms
                                                                                    A lot of the swelling will resolve during the first two to three weeks, in the case
such as pain (paracetamol, Ibuprofen) and nausea. Based on the recommended
                                                                                    of more involved procedures, it can take several months for all the swelling to
doses (an providing you have no contraindications to Nurofen), pain medication
                                                                                    resolve. During this period, the swelling may be different on one side compared
such as Panadol and Nurofen can be taken at the same time if needed. If
                                                                                    to the other.
requiring use of your stronger prescribed opiod pain medications, then it is a

good idea to take aperients to minimise constipation and consume a diet that is
                                                                                    If you develop increasing pain, warmth, redness, or feel unwell please contact
adequate in fibre.
                                                                                    our clinic on 8459 7111 or 8459 7112. For afterhours concerns, please either

                                                                                    contact the hospital where you had your surgery; present to your nearest
If you stopped your usual blood thinning medication(s) prior to surgery, please
                                                                                    afterhours GP; or present to your nearest Emergency Department.
check with Dr Reddy as to when you may restart these.

                                                                                    It is common to see bruising after surgery. In some cases, this can be quite
Wound Healing & Dressings                                                           extensive and is the case of facial procedures, and this can appear quite
Please attend to your surgical dressings and wounds as advised by Dr Reddy.         dramatic. Bruising often tracks in a downward direction due to gravity. E.g., it

                                                                                    is not uncommon to see bruising around the eyes (even “black eyes”) following
A small amount of ooze/blood on the dressings is not unexpected after               forehead procedures and bruising around the chin and neck following facial
surgery. If anything more noticeable is evident, you may apply gentle pressure      procedures higher up. The bruising typically resolves with in a 2-week time
for 5 minutes. You should contact our clinic (or the hospital afterhours) if any    frame but can take longer. Bruising that is slow to resolve or persisting can
significant ooze/bleeding is encountered.                                           unfortunately leave some degree of persistent staining in the skin. I therefore
                                                                                    recommend using a bruising cream (e.g., Hirudoid) to be applied to sites of
For smaller skin procedures you may have been advised to remove your dressing       bruising, taking care not to contact the eyes to help expediate the resolution of
after 48-72 hours, please note that your bruising and swelling will be maximal at   bruising.
                                                                                                                                                                       14
You may also notice that the wound is not necessarily flat during

                                                                                                            the initial weeks after surgery. In some instances, the wound may
                                                                                                            appear bunched up or elevated with little pleats/puckers. This

                                                                                                            is sometimes undertaken to avoid an inverted final scar or to

                                                                                                            minimise the length of your final scar. Allow time (weeks) for this

                                                                                                            to resolve. These changes will commonly resolve with time and

                                                                                                            scar care.

                                                                                                            If surgical tape was applied to your surgical wounds (often the case

                                                                                                            in breast surgery and body contouring surgery), this is typically left
1 Week Post                                           8 Weeks Post                                          on for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the tape can be simply peeled off.
Bleparoplasty, rhinoplasty & facelift                 Bleparoplasty, rhinoplasty & facelift
                                                                                                            The wounds should then be moisturised and retaping with either

                                                                                                            Micropore or Silicone tape should be continued. Dr Reddy and our

                                                                                                            team will discuss this with you at your first post-operative visit.

                                                                                                            You will notice that your surgical wound or incision is typically pink

                                                                                                            (and can be pigmented in pigmented skin types) in the first few

                                                                                                            weeks to months after surgery. They will then reduce in colour,

                                                                                                            eventually leading to lighter coloured scars.

                                                                                                            For facial and body contouring procedures requiring compression

                                                                                                            garments, it is very important to wear these as instructed. Such

                                                                                                            compression garments are important in optimising your result

                                                                                                            from surgery. They are designed to help protect the surgical

                                                                                                            repair, potentially reduce seroma risks, and reduce swelling.
1 Week Post                                           6 Weeks Post
Blepharoplasty, Brow lift, lip lift, & fat grafting   Blepharoplasty, Brow lift, lip lift, & fat grafting
                                                                                                                                                                                  15
When Can I Shower?

Often just having a shower makes us feel great after surgery. Generally, after
any cosmetic facial procedures, I recommend showering from the neck down

for the first week. Your dressings are typically removed at our clinic after 1 week

at which point you will be able to shower directly over these areas. For body

contouring procedures, you will typically be able to shower normally over your

surgical dressings, after the first few days. This is still feasible even if you have a

drain still in place.

                                                                                          When Can I Drive?

                                                                                          There are no strict guidelines advising when it is safe to drive. This is often

                                                                                          dictated by how you feel physically after surgery and whether there are

                                                                                          impediments to driving safely. By the time you are ready to drive, you will need

                                                                                          to feel comfortable and capable enough that your arm movements will permit

                                                                                          you to turn the steering wheel in a reflex manner, that your neck range of motion

                                                                                          and vision is not limited, and that you will not pose a risk to yourself or others on

                                                                                          the road.

                                                                                          Everyone will reach these milestones at their own pace, but as a general guide

                                                                                          •   Allow for approximately 1 week after facial, eyelid, and rhinoplasty

                                                                                              procedures

                                                                                          •   Allow for approximately 2-4 weeks after breast procedures

                                                                                          •   Allow for approximately 3-4 weeks after body contouring procedures

                                                                                                                                                                            16
When Can I Travel?

This may apply to you, particularly given that you may have travelled from              •   If travelling overseas, I would recommend waiting at least two weeks after
interstate or overseas to have your surgical procedure with Dr Reddy.                       surgery.

Alternatively, you may also be having surgery with a desire for personal travel         •   Avoid lifting luggage or straining as this could lead to bleeding, or implant

after your surgery. The answer to this question depends upon the duration of                malposition in the case of breast implant surgery.

travel time, the extent of surgery undertaken, and access to simple medical care
                                                                                        Abdominoplasty and Bodylift procedures
at your planned travel destination.

                                                                                        •   If travelling interstate, I would recommend waiting 2-3 weeks after surgery.
Travelling too soon after surgery can add unnecessary risks. I would generally          •   If travelling overseas, I would recommend waiting at least 4 weeks after
not recommend travel during the first week after any elective cosmetic surgical             surgery.
procedure. You are also required to return to our clinic at the 1-week post-            •   Avoid lifting luggage or straining. Avoid bending forward excessively in the
operative mark for wound review, and removal of dressings & sutures. Keep in                case of a bodylift procedure.
mind that even bending your head down, lifting luggage or straining can increase

blood pressure and precipitate bleeding. The following may serve as a useful            And don’t forget to stretch your legs and do your DVT prevention exercises as

guide to when interstate or international travel might be considered appropriate:       this is essential during travel after surgery!

Facial procedures

•   If you have had a facial procedure, then it is quite possible that you will be in

    a position to travel one week after surgery.

•   If travelling overseas, I would recommend waiting at least two weeks after

    surgery.

•   More extensive combined facial procedures may require a 3-week period

    before it is safe for travel

Breast procedures

•   If you have had a breast procedure, then it is quite possible that you will be in

    a position to travel one week after surgery.                                                                                                                            17
Minimise My DVT Risk

There are various factors that contribute to increasing DVT (deep vein
thrombosis) risk after surgery. These include being relatively less mobile,

potentially having reduced fluid intake, and certain procedures and surgical

factors. It is important therefore that you are mindful of the measures that you

can take to minimise your DVT risk.

•   Keep well hydrated. Ensure that you drink at least 2L of water per day both

    before and after your surgery

•   Preferably stop the oral contraceptive pill or hormone therapy 4 weeks prior

    to surgery and recommence 2 weeks following*

•   Wear your hospital compression stockings for at least one week after surgery

•   Every hour, please stretch your legs, get up for a walk around the house, and

    perform foot exercises or get up for a walk around the house

*There are still no clear guidelines in the medical literature surrounding this,

but the OCP and Oestrogen based therapy can increase your risk of deep vein

thrombosis (DVT). In some cases, deep vein thrombosis can spread to the lungs,

and this is a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. Whilst

there may be the advantage of reducing DVT by stopping these medications, this

needs to be weighed up against the risk of pregnancy and the effects on your

condition that is being treated with OCP/Oestrogen therapy. It is best to speak

with your physician or GP regarding the type of OCP/Oestrogen therapy that you

are on and whether it is feasible to stop these.

                                                                                   18
OPTIMISING YOUR SCAR RESULT AND LONG TERM CARE
Several factors influence scar outcome. The most significant factors influencing your scar outcome pertains to your skin type and genetics. These unfortunately cannot
be changed. Factors that can be modified to optimise your scar result pertain to your after care. Proper wound and scar management can play an important role in

optimising your result as your scar will continue to mature over a 12-month period. In addition to keeping your wound clinic, the following measures can help optimise

your results:

    Promote Healing                                                                        Scar Care

    LED light therapy (‘Healite’) has been shown to clinically reduce post-                Dr Reddy and his nursing team will advise you on how to best optimise

    operative bruising and swelling, thereby reducing your down time. It                   your scar. You will be advised to start moisturising and massaging your

    helps to provide the optimal conditions for wound healing, thereby                     surgical site approximately 1 week after surgery. You do not need to

    increasing collagen production and promoting skin renewal.                             worry about scar management during the first week after surgery.

    Being a non-invasive treatment, it can be commenced even at your                       Scar management will be discussed with you at your first post-operative

    first post-operative visit and continued as per your requirements. Each                visit. Taping of your incision lines may also be advised depending upon

    treatment routinely tales approximately 15-20 minutes.                                 the type of procedure that was undertaken.

                                                                                           Please also discuss the role of silicone gel or sheets in your scar care
    The treatment is commonly undertaken following skin cancer surgery,
                                                                                           regime when you see our team at your first post-operative visit.
    cosmetic surgery, or dermal filler treatments. Healite can also be used
                                                                                           It is important to avoid smoking (including secondary smoke) as this will
    to treat photodamage, vitiligo, acne, and for skin rejuvenation.
                                                                                           also affect the quality and appearance of your surgical scar.

                                                                                                                                                                       19
REST AND EMOTIONAL WELL BEING

Rest, Returning to work and exercise

The importance of rest is often underestimated after surgery. Please rest up at      Returning to work and physical activity is typically dictated by how you feel and

home as advised. Straining or exertional activity will raise your blood pressure     the extent of surgery that you have had. The following table provides you with a

and increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Bleeding can lead to a    simple guide to give you an approximate idea on time frames. These may vary

return to the operating theatre to achieve control of bleeding, which will in turn   in individual cases depending upon the nature of your work (office-based vs

slow your recovery further.                                                          physical tasks) and your comfort levels.

Rest, Returning to work and exercise

Surgery can lead to a variety of emotions. The extent of these emotions will         lower than normal. This can be secondary to feeling uncomfortable, being away

affect different people differently. Our emotions and response to such emotions      from family, and being in a hospital setting. Sometimes you may even question

are quite often dictated by our personality types and own prior personal             why you went ahead with surgery.

experiences. In general, however it is quite common and normal to feel a little

anxious and nervous in the lead up to surgery no matter how well we prepare.         As you feel more comfortable and independent in your mobility and self-care,

You may find that your sleep is disturbed the night before surgery.                  you will often see a turnaround in mood, with a sense of positive well-being.

                                                                                     Because of this variation in emotional wellbeing during the overall process of

Sometimes this can be because of nerves or because of excitement around the          surgery, we encourage you to have a good support network as this can make the

potential results of surgery and what this will mean to you. Following surgery, it   whole process easier to manage.

is not uncommon to feel a sense of relief. You may also find that your mood is                                                                                        20
WORK                  SHORT (NOT BRISK) WALKS   DRIVING                             VIGOROUS EXERCISE/GYM

SKIN LESION REMOVAL     2-7 days              7 days                    1-2 days (if vision not impaired)   3 weeks

RHINOPLASTY             7-14 days             7-14 days                 1 week                              6 weeks

FACE/NECK LIFT          3 weeks               2 weeks                   2-3 weeks                           6-8 weeks

BELPHAROPLASTY          2 weeks               2 weeks                   1-2 weeks                           4 - 6 weeks

LIP LIFT                1 week                1 week                    24hrs                               3-4 weeks

OTOPLASTY               1 week                2 weeks                   1 week                              4 weeks

BREAST LIFT/REDUCTION   3-4 weeks             3 weeks                   4 weeks                             12 weeks

BREAST IMPLANTS         1 week if sedentary   2-3 weeks                 3-4 weeks                           12 weeks

ARM LIFT                4 weeks               3 weeks                   4-6 weeks                           12 weeks

TUMMY TUCK              4-6 weeks             6 weeks                   6 weeks                             12 weeks

BODY LIFT               6 weeks               6 weeks                   6 weeks                             12 weeks

THIGH LIFT              4-6 weeks             6-8 weeks                 6 weeks                             12 weeks

GYNECOMASTIA            1-2 weeks             1-2 weeks                 1-2 weeks                           6 weeks

                                                                                                                                    21
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
               ST LEONARDS
Suite 1, Mezzanine Level The Forum Courtyard   Firstly, I thank you for entrusting your care with us. We also understand that all patients will experience

            205 Pacific Highway                things differently during their surgical journey. We however always endeavour to treat you on a personal

      St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia        level, and we hope that this guide will serve as a useful tool for you in helping to making the whole

                                               process easier for you.
                BELLA VISTA
        Suite 202, Level 2, Building C,        I have taken a great deal of time in putting this resource together. In putting this together I have
          Norwest Private Hospital             reviewed the medical literature widely and ensured that the information provided is on par with current
               9 Norbrik Drive                 best medical practice and advice. I have also tailored the information to my specific recommendations
      Bella Vista, NSW, 2153, Australia        based upon excellent outcomes and my experience undertaking these procedures over the past 15

                                               years. I hope that you find it as useful as I have intended it to be and as always, my team and I are always
                 WESTMEAD
                                               available to provide further advice whenever you require.
  Suite 9, Specialist Center, 16 -18 Mons Rd

      Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia
                                               As a patient you will find the journey challenging at times but rewarding in the long term. Take

             NORTH GOSFORD                     confidence in knowing that you will have a great team and surgeon by your side along the way.

            Suite 4, 12 Jarrett St

    North Gosford, NSW, 2250, Australia

     P: (02) 8459 7111 or 1300 073 339

   E: info@theplasticsurgeryclinic.com.au

   w: www.theplasticsurgeryclinic.com.au
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