A. The first step is to ensure that any cosmetic surgeon you consider is in fact a plastic cosmetic surgeon – preferably a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS members are fully qualified plastic surgeons who are accomplished in their field, with a commitment to high ethical standards. All Medici Clinics surgeons are members of the ASPS. Most surgeons in Australia will have the letters FRACS appearing in their credentials, indicating that they are certified by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the benchmark standard for surgical training in Australia.

Q. Does health insurance cover cosmetic surgery?

A. Some cosmetic procedures do have Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers, which will entitle you to a rebate on your surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees following your surgery. In many cases if an item number applies, your private health fund will cover all or part of your hospital theatre and bed fees. Our staff will make you aware of all your entitlements.

Q. How can I find out about specific cosmetic procedures?

A. The easiest solution is to simply contact us (or call us at our clinic in Victoria 1800 809 502 or Canberra 1800 809 705). We will be delighted to arrange a free private consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic surgery consultants. At the free consultation, you can talk over your requirements and concerns in a private, friendly setting and learn more about how the procedure that interests you. You will be given brochures and a written estimate of the cost.

Breast augmentation

Q. How long can I expect to be off work?

A. The average office worker can usually return to work within two or three days of surgery. People doing more strenuous types of work may need to take a little longer.

Q. How long will my stitches be in?

A. Stitches are usually dissolving, and these will not have to be removed.

Q. How much sensation will be left in my nipples after surgery?

A. Usually there is no loss of nipple feeling at all after surgery. In the rare cases where there is some temporary dulling of feeling, normal sensation gradually returns over a six to twelve month period. It should be anticipated that there will be some patches of skin numbness, particularly on the inner and lower portions of the breast, which is often a variable and transient phenomenon. This is not a major concern and will mostly disappear within 6 months.

Q. How long will it take for the swelling to go down after surgery?

A. Although swelling is minimal after breast augmentation, there will be some puffiness. You can expect most of this to be gone after six to eight weeks. Rarely does a permanent loss of feeling occur.

Q. What holds the implants in place?

A. During the normal healing process, the body responds by forming a tissue capsule around the implants. Once formed, this holds the implants in place.

Q. Does a breast implant leave unsightly scars?

A. Whenever the skin is cut, a scar line remains after healing. Normally, the small scar fades and is not easily seen. It can be in either the areola or under the breast fold; depending on your physical shape and the type of implant most suitable for you.

Q. How is the size of the implant determined?

A. Your client advisor and surgeon will give you the best advice for your frame and shape. Your new breasts will have a pleasing, balanced appearance in proportion to your shoulders, rib cage and hips.

Q. How long will the implants last?

A. Based on laboratory findings and human experiences to date, a gel-filled breast implant should last for many years.

Q. What happens after surgery?

A. A simple dressing is placed over the incision. Depending on the type of breast implant used, your surgeon will recommend some breast massage exercise for you to undertake for a brief period.

Q. How will I feel?

A. Some people may feel tired as the anaesthetic wears off, while others recover their energy quickly. You may feel some soreness or discomfort, which is normal and will last only a short while.

Q. How long will it be before I can start normal activities?

A. Following surgery, your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding returning to your everyday activities. This is usually within three to four days.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost of surgery or the implants?

A. Generally, insurance does not cover breast augmentation; however a written estimate will be given to you at your first visit with our client advisor.

Q. Do implants prevent breastfeeding?

A. No. As the implant is usually placed between the breast gland and the pectoral muscle or under the muscle, it does not interfere with the normal functioning of the milk ducts.

Q. Can I expect any problems with my breasts after implant surgery?

A. Although thousands of women have implant surgery each year, each person's reaction to surgery and implantation is different. Your surgeon is the best and most reliable authority on this question. Do not hesitate to review this with him.

Nose - Rhinoplasty

Q. How long can I expect to be off work?

A. You will have a plaster on your nose with some bruising around the nose for one week, so it is usual to take one week off work.

Q. How long will it take for the swelling to go down after the surgery?

A. The majority of the swelling and bruising dissipates over two to three weeks. Some mild swelling may continue for several months, depending on how much re-sculpting is required at the time of the procedure.

Q. What happens after surgery?

A. The plaster and any other dressings are usually removed after one week.

Q. How will I feel?

A. Some people may feel tired as the anaesthetic wears off while others recover their energy quickly. The most common side effect is nasal congestion. You will experience swelling, bruising, soreness and numbness which is quite natural for the first two weeks. Some mild discomfort may continue for up to six weeks.

Q. How long will it be before I can start normal activities?

A. Following surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding returning to your everyday activities, which is usually within two weeks.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost of surgery?

A. Medicare item numbers may apply for this procedure. Our client consultant will help ensure you gain the insurance if this applies. If you have private insurance, your hospital and theatre costs may also be covered.

Liposculpture

Hips, thighs, legs, abdomen & knees

Q. How long can I expect to be off work?

A. Unless your work is strenuous or highly active, you should be able to return after a week.

Q. How long will it take for the swelling to go down after the surgery?

A. The majority of the swelling will subside within two to three weeks. Some mild swelling may continue for two months or so depending on the level of activity you undertake.

Q. What happens after surgery?

A. You will be required to wear a special elasticised support garment which will restrict activity for up to six weeks.

Q. When is the best time of year to have this procedure?

A. As the support garments are tight-fitting and can be uncomfortable during the hotter months, it is suggested that you undergo this procedure during the winter months.

Q. How will I feel?

A. Some people may feel tired as the anaesthetic wears off, while others recover their energy quickly. You will experience swelling, tenderness and stiffness of movement which is quite natural for the first ten days. Some mild discomfort may continue for up to eight weeks.

Q. How long will it be before I can start normal activities?

A. Following surgery your cosmetic surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding returning to your everyday activities, with a gradual build up after two weeks.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost of surgery?

A. As this is considered a cosmetic procedure, there are no item numbers hence rebates do not apply.

Face

Face, eyelids & neck lift

Q. How long can I expect to be off work?

A. Depending on your own level of confidence and the type of work you undertake, you can expect to be off for a week. This is something you should discuss with your surgeon.

Q. How long will my stitches be in?

A. Stitches are usually dissolving and therefore will not have to be removed. Any that are not dissolving will be removed within a week.

Q. How long will it take for the swelling to go down after the surgery?

A. There will be some swelling which should resolve within two weeks. This will depend on how much work has been undertaken.

Q. Does facial surgery leave scars?

A. The delicate incision marks are minimal and are carefully placed to avoid detection.

Q. How will I feel?

A. Some people may feel tired as the anaesthetic wears off, while others recover their energy quickly. You will experience some swelling and minor discomfort which is quite natural for the first seven to ten days. Some mild discomfort may continue for a short period thereafter, but should resolve itself soon.

Q. How long will it be before I can start normal activities?

A. Generally within two weeks, however following surgery your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding your return to everyday activities.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost of surgery?

A. Not usually. There are some circumstances where a small rebate may apply.

Tummy tucks - Abdominoplasty

Q. How long can I expect to be off work?

A. It is usual to take two weeks off work. However, if your work is very active, you may require an extra week off.

Q. How long will it take for the swelling to go down after the surgery?

A. The majority of the swelling dissipates over two to three weeks. Some mild swelling may continue for around two months, depending on the level of activity you undertake.

Q. What happens after surgery?

A. The larger dressing is usually removed after two weeks and replaced with a firm elastic support dressing for a further two weeks.

Q. How will I feel?

A. Some people may feel tired as the anaesthetic wears off while others recover their energy quickly. You will experience minor swelling and tenderness which is quite natural for the first two weeks. Some mild discomfort may continue for up to six weeks.

Q. How long will it be before I can start normal activities?

A. Following surgery, your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding returning to your everyday activities. Most people are able to return to work between two to four weeks after the operation, but vigorous exercise is not recommended for at least six weeks.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost of surgery?

A. There are Medicare item numbers for this procedure. If you have private insurance, your hospital and theatre costs may also be covered.

Ears - Otoplasty

Q. How long can I expect to be off work/school

A. It is usual to take two weeks off work/school.

Q. How long will it take for the swelling to go down after the surgery?

A. The majority of the swelling subsides over two to three weeks. Some mild swelling may continue for two months or so depending on the level of activity you undertake.

Q. What happens after surgery?

A. The larger dressing is usually removed after one week and replaced with a lightweight flat band for a further week.

Q. How will I feel?

A. Some people may feel tired as the anaesthetic wears off, while others recover their energy quickly. The most common experience is discomfort when sleeping on the side of your head for two weeks or so. You will experience minor swelling and tenderness, which is quite natural, for the first two weeks. Some mild discomfort may also continue for up to six weeks.

Q. How long will it be before I can start normal activities?

A. Following surgery your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding returning to your everyday activities, which is usually within two days or so.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost of surgery?

A. There are Medicare item numbers for this procedure, which your client adviser will help you with. If you have private insurance, your hospital and theatre costs may also be covered.

Breast reduction & breast uplift

Q. How long can I expect to be off work?

A. The average woman undertaking general clerical duties usually needs just one week before returning to work. It may take longer to return to other types of work where lifting or more active movement is involved. This is something you must discuss with your surgeon.

Q. How long will my stitches be in?

A. Stitches are usually dissolving and these will not have to be removed.

Q. How much sensation will be left in my nipples after my surgery?

A. Sensation does return to nipples, however how quickly it returns is very much an individual healing characteristic. For some, sensation may return quickly while others may take up to 12 months. In rare circumstances, sensation does not return at all. This is a risk your client adviser and plastic surgeon will discuss with you.

Q. How long will it take for the swelling to go down after the surgery?

A. There will be some bruising and swelling which should resolve within six to eight weeks, however complete healing with the final result can take up to six months.

Q. How long must I wear a special bra after my breast reduction?

A. A soft cup support bra is usually worn day and night for the first two weeks depending on your surgeon's instructions. After that time you can wear whatever type of bra you feel most comfortable in.

Q. Do breast reductions leave scars?

A. Scars are relatively inconspicuous after some months. However, they will be faintly visible and permanent. Since they are around and below the nipple they should not be noticeable with low-cut clothing.

Q. How will the new size of my breasts be determined?

A. Your choice of size or degree of reduction is determined at the time of your consultation. Selection is based upon your general stature and chest size and the amount of breast tissue present.

Q. How will I feel?

A. Some people may feel tired as the anaesthetic wears off, while others recover their energy quickly. You will experience some swelling, soreness and discomfort - which is quite natural - for the first two weeks. Some mild discomfort may continue for up to six weeks.

Q. How long will it be before I can start normal activities?

A. Following surgery your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding returning to your everyday activities, which is usually within two to three weeks.

Q. Will insurance cover the cost of surgery?

A. There are Medicare item numbers for breast reduction surgery which will provide a rebate. If you have private insurance then your hospital and theatre costs may also be covered.

Q. Does reduction surgery prevent breast feeding?

A. Some surgeons have not reported any success with patients being able to breast feed after a reduction, while others indicate that it is possible to do so. Your surgeon will discuss this with you at the time of consultation.

Arms

Q. What happens after surgery?

A. This will depend on the degree of sagging of your arms and in turn the extent of the incision required. This will be discussed during your pre-surgery consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

Q. Do I wear arm garments?

A. This will depend on the extent of the incision and how much fat or loose skin needs to be removed. You may need to wear your arm garments for four weeks.

Q. How long do I stay in hospital?

A. Usually one night.

Q. When do stitches come out?

A. Stitches are usually removed 7 to 10 days after the surgery.

Q. Is there a Medicare item number for this procedure?

A. Yes, a Medicare item number may apply to this procedure. If you have private insurance, your hospital and theatre costs may also be covered.

Neck

Q. Do I wear facial garments?

A. Yes, usually you will be advised to wear facial and neck garments for one week after surgery.

Q. How much swelling will there be?

A. There will be some swelling for about a week, but this will dissipate fairly quickly.

Q. When will I see the real difference?

A. It is best to wait for a few months to get a clear idea of the result.

Q. Is this procedure painful?

A. As with all surgery, some discomfort is to be expected. Pain control will be maintained as necessary to ensure you experience minimal discomfort.

Lips

Q. How do lips change with age?

A. Natural substances such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that provide the skin the structure and volume, decrease with age. This, together with environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, smoking and stress all contribute to how our skin ages. The lips in particular have an extremely thin outer layer, which becomes progressively thinner as the body ages. Over time the corners of the mouth begin to droop (mouth frown), the v-shaped area of the upper lip known as Cupid’s Bow begins to flatten out and the lips lose their youthful fullness. Vertical lip lines can also begin to appear, causing lipstick to bleed.

Q. How does JUVÉDERM® enhance my lips?

A. By treating the border of the upper and/or lower lip, JUVÉDERM® injectable gel enhances lip contour and definition. Lip volume can also be enhanced when JUVÉDERM® is used in the lip body. The results should last for at least 6 months.

Q. How and why do wrinkles form?

A. Many facial wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to form facial expression. The wrinkles formed during facial expression are called dynamic wrinkles. When we are young our skin springs back to its initial position at rest but as we get older these wrinkles remain on the skin. The wrinkles and folds present at rest are called static wrinkles. The process occurs because natural substances such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that provide the skin with structure and volume decrease with age. This, together with environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, smoking and stress contributes to the creation of wrinkles and folds.

Q. Where do facial wrinkles and folds form?

A. Individuals differ but generally facial wrinkles and folds are formed over the years in the areas shown above. The names given to the wrinkles and folds in each area are labelled.

Q. How does JUVÉDERM® smooth out wrinkles?

A. Unlike wrinkle-relaxing injections that treat dynamic wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that cause the wrinkle causing facial expressions, JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is placed below the skin’s surface to literally “fill in” or “plump up” the static facial wrinkles and folds that are present at rest. JUVÉDERM® is used to diminish the depth of wrinkles and create a natural and more refreshed facial appearance that should last for at least 6 months.

Q. What is JUVÉDERM® made of?

A. JUVEDERM® is a smooth injectable gel that is made from a natural complex sugar called Hyaluronic Acid (Hy-al-ur-onic Acid). Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is found naturally within the tissues of living cells, including human skin. HA assists in skin hydration by attracting and holding water and also combines with collagen and elastin to provide skin structure and elasticity.

The HA in JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is not derived from animals and is manufactured and purified by Allergan, especially for the smoothing of wrinkles and soft lip enhancement.

Q. How is JUVÉDERM® made?

A. In it natural form, HA is a single chain sugar which is naturally metabolised (broken down) by the body within days. It is important that a dermal filler is not metabolised by your body quickly, so that the results last for as long as possible. To achieve this, the HA in JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is cross-linked, a process by which individual sugar chains are linked together to form a soft solid or gel which takes the body much longer to metabolise.

The longevity and smoothness of JUVÉDERM® relies on the cross-linking and manufacturing process. JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is manufactured using proprietary Hylacross™ technology which delivers a high degree of cross-linking a smooth formulation.

Q. What does the JUVÉDERM® procedure involve and how long does
the result last?

A. Treatment with JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is a non-surgical procedure by which JUVÉDERM® is administered through a few injections by a trained medical professional. Your doctor may decide to administer a topical (cream) or local anaesthetic to help numb the area being treated. The majority of people resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. The results you receive from JUVÉDERM® injectable gel should last for at least 6 months.

Q. Are there any side effects?

A. Because the HA in JUVÉDERM® is naturally present within the skin and not derived from animals, there is no need for an allergy pre-test before the treatment. HA dermal fillers have been clinically studies for many years and clinical trials have shown that JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is well tolerated.

The injection itself should cause minimal discomfort, and if experienced, side effects are generally temporary injection site-related effects, the majority of which should last 3 days or less. Patient may experience injection site redness, pain, firmness/hardness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching or discolouration. The majority of people resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Q. How long has JUVÉDERM® been used?

A. JUVÉDERM® injectable gel has been available in Europe since 2000 and was approved for use in the U.S. in June 2006. In 2006 JUVÉDERM® was also listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Q. Can JUVÉDERM® be used with other procedures?

A. Many people use a combination of cosmetic products and/or procedures with JUVÉDERM® injectable gel to achieve complimentary effects. Your doctor will advise you as to whether or not you will receive better results if JUVÉDERM® is combined with other products and/or procedures.

Q. What is BOTOX®?

A. BOTOX® is a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkle-causing muscles creating an improved appearance. The active ingredient in BOTOX® is botulinum toxin type A derived from bacteria in much the same way penicillin is derived from mould. It is manufactured in sterile laboratory conditions.

BOTOX® is a prescription only medicine and as such is only available from your doctor. It is registered for the treatment of glabellar frown lines, which are the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows when you frown.

Q. How does BOTOX® work?

A. Many facial wrinkles occur when we use our muscles to make repeated facial expressions. BOTOX® can be used to relax specific facial muscles that cause expression lines. Once the muscles are relaxed, you cannot contract them and continue to make the undesirable facial expressions. Thus, the lines gradually smooth and new lines are prevented from forming.

Q. What does treatment with BOTOX® involve?

A. It is a non-surgical treatment whereby a small amount of BOTOX® is injected into selected facial muscles by your doctor using a very fine needle. Generally, BOTOX® treatment for glabellar frown lines takes around 10 minutes. Discomfort is typically minimal and brief, and no anaesthetic is usually required. The injection may sting for a few seconds but normal activities can be resumed soon after. After the injection, it takes 2-3 days for BOTOX® to begin taking effect and about 7 days to see the full effect.

The dose recommended for the treatment of frown lines will vary depending on your individual situation and the severity of your frown lines. Your doctor will know what the best dose is for you and which muscles to inject to give you the best results.

Q. How long does BOTOX® last?

A. The effect can last up to 4 months before lines slowly begin to return. If you have repeat BOTOX® treatments, the effect tends to last longer.

Q. Does BOTOX® cause more wrinkles to form?

A. BOTOX® relaxes the facial muscles that cause expression lines, it does not cause more wrinkles to form. If you choose not to have further BOTOX® treatments your muscles will eventually return to normal activity and your wrinkles will gradually revert to their pre-treatment levels.

Q. Will facial expression be effected by BOTOX®?

A. BOTOX® works specifically on the muscles treated. This means that any muscle left untreated, including untreated facial muscles, should not be affected by BOTOX®. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you and which muscles to inject to give the best results.

Q. Are there any side-effects?

A. In addition to its use for cosmetic reasons, BOTOX® is also used to treat patients of most age groups in a variety of therapeutic indications including cerebral palsy in children, movement disorders (head, neck, shoulders, face), and axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive under arm sweating).

In the amounts used for the treatment of frown lines, the side effects are usually temporary and localised to the area of injection. Possible sides effects include headaches, pain, burning, bruising or redness at the injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids, lack of feeling, skin tightness and nausea.

Q. Can BOTOX® be combined with other products and procedures?

A. Many people use a combination of cosmetic products and/or procedures with BOTOX®. Your doctor will advise you as to whether or not you will receive better results if BOTOX® is combined with other products and/or procedures.

Find out more about the possibilities we can offer you. Contact Medici Clinics to arrange your FREE consultation with one of our expert consultants in a friendly and discreet setting.

The Medici Clinics difference is the quality of service and support we offer. Our top priority is ensuring you are absolutely delighted with any procedure you undertake.