Patient information
We understand that the process of cosmetic surgery can be overwhelming, so we offer a range of resources and patient information below, including frequently asked questions.
Feel free to give our friendly team a call if you have any additional questions, we will be happy to help.
Plastic and Cosmetic
Surgery Checklist
Preparation is one of the most crucial stages of your surgery. Not only can it ensure you feel ready mentally, it’s also important for you to follow these essential steps to ensure the smoothest recovery and healing after the procedure.
- Check your surgeon’s qualifications
Every specialist plastic surgeon has undertaken 8 – 12 years of surgical training beyond their medical degree and has qualified to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
- Understand what your surgery involves
It is important to know what your treatment involves and the anticipated results and recovery. Your surgeon should discuss possible risks, side effects and complications that may occur as well as what your aftercare will involve.
- Surgery performed in accredited facilities
Your specialist plastic surgeon should work in reputable hospitals and clinics that comply with the highest Australian standards of safety, cleanliness, infection control, staffing and equipment.
- Your surgeon will supervise your recovery
Your specialist plastic surgeon should supervise your care throughout the recovery process.
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What to consider before deciding on plastic or cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic treatments or surgery are a serious undertaking. You should consider why you want cosmetic surgery and what you expect from it.
You should discuss all of the options with your specialist plastic surgeon and not proceed until you are certain both you and your surgeon are on the same page about expectations and results that can be safely achieved.
Research the Surgeon: Do your due diligence and research the surgeon’s credentials, experience, and reputation. Make sure the surgeon is registered with the appropriate medical board.
Set Realistic Expectations: Cosmetic surgery can enhance your appearance, but it won’t make you look like a completely different person. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand the limitations of the procedure.
Consider the Recovery Process: Cosmetic surgery requires a recovery period, which can vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Make sure you have a realistic understanding of what to expect during the recovery process and plan accordingly.
Understand the Risks: Like any surgery, cosmetic surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and complications from anaesthesia. Make sure you understand the potential risks and discuss them with your surgeon.
Have a Support System: Cosmetic surgery can be a major life event, and having a support system can make a big difference in your recovery. Make sure you have family or friends who can provide emotional and/or practical support during the process.
By considering these factors before undergoing cosmetic surgery, you can ensure that you are making an informed decision and setting realistic expectations for your results. Remember, the goal of cosmetic surgery should not be to completely change who you are.
What you should consider before having surgery overseas
It is estimated that 15,000 Australians travel overseas every year to have procedures performed. While it may seem like a prudent decision in terms of budget or even the ability to combine a holiday and surgery to make the most of time off work, it’s essential that you consider all aspects and make an informed and safe decision.
Any type of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, is potentially a life changing surgery, and in order to safeguard your health it is crucial to select the right surgeon.
Asking the correct questions will provide you with valuable information regarding the skills and overall competence of the surgeon. This list of questions will assist you in your decision. Always ensure that all your doubts are addressed before proceeding with the surgery.
Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia is an important part of surgery as it helps alleviate the pain experienced during a surgical procedure.
There are three types of anaesthesia:
- General anaesthesia wherein the patient is completely unconscious;
- Regional anaesthesia which is applied to a certain part of the body;
- Local anaesthesia which is administered to smaller regions of the body.
The choice of anaesthetic will be discussed during the consultation and confirmed by the anaesthetist on the day of surgery.
With the exception of local anaesthesia only, all other types of anaesthesia are performed and monitored by a dedicated specialist anaesthetist who will also provide you with a customised post-operative pain relief medicine regime, to ensure your recovery is comfortable and as pain free as possible. Your wellbeing and comfort are our highest priority.
Hospitals
Major cosmetic surgery is performed in fully accredited medical facilities adhering to the highest standards of patient safety.
Our staff are fully trained and knowledgeable in the required best practices. The entire team is committed to ensuring your comfort and will provide full support on every stage of your treatment.
Patients are admitted in reputable and accredited facilities.
Dr Teixeira has operating privileges at the following reputable hospitals in Melbourne:
216 Burgundy Street
HEIDELBERG VIC 3084
109 Albert Street,
East Melbourne VIC 3002
159 Grey Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Pain after surgery
After surgery patients may experience pain and discomfort, especially in the first week. Pain can impact day-to-day activities, and the extent and degree of pain felt after any plastic surgery procedure depends on numerous factors such as your pain threshold, the use of local anaesthesia during the procedure, and even your age.
You are advised to follow all aftercare instructions including those related to pain medications and to contact Dr Teixeira’s team with any concerns surrounding your pain after surgery.
Complaints Handling
You will be provided with information about complaint mechanisms, including direct resolution, clinic processes, and relevant health complaints entities prior to your surgery.
FAQs
Why choose a Specialist Plastic Surgeon?
- Specialist Plastic Surgeons are accredited by a governing body, they have extensive training and are approved by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and administered by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Inc (ASPS).
If a Specialist Plastic Surgeon has the letters FRACS or Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeon following their name, then they are accredited to perform invasive cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Will my consultation with Dr Teixeira include a fee?
- Consultations are an important (and mandatory) aspect of your procedure. It is a medical assessment performed by a specialist plastic surgeon and therefore a professional fee will be incurred. If you are eligible for Medicare you may receive a particle rebate. More information regarding pricing can be found here.
Do I need a referral to have a consultation with Dr Teixeira?
- A General Practitioner (GP) referral is necessary for all medical and cosmetic consultations.
Are there any risks and complications with cosmetic surgery?
- Yes, all surgeries have risks and complications and we take patient safety very seriously. Cosmetic surgery should not be trivialised and should be carefully considered after appropriate medical advice. Dr Teixeira will explain the risks associated with every treatment and provide thorough information about the procedure that you wish to undertake. More information regarding risks and complications can be found on the individual procedures pages.
Who will be conducting the surgery and post-operative care?
- Dr Teixeira is the main surgeon performing all procedures. He may have surgical assistants in bigger cases. He also oversees the post-operative care until you are fully recovered with the assistance of experienced nurses.
Will I have my own private hospital room?
- While it is not guaranteed, most patients are afforded a private room.
What type of anaesthesia does Dr Teixeira use?
- The type of anaesthetic depends on multiple factors, such as age, general health, type of procedure, etc. The choice of anaesthesia will be discussed during your consultation and confirmed by the anaesthetist on the day of surgery. With the exception of local anaesthetic only, all other types of anaesthesia are performed and monitored by a dedicated specialist anaesthetist who will also provide you with a customised post-operative pain relief medicine regime, to ensure your recovery is comfortable and as pain free as possible. Your wellbeing and comfort are our highest priority.
Does Dr Teixeira accept international and interstate patients?
- We welcome international and interstate patients that wish to have surgery with Dr Teixeira. Our staff is very familiar with common concerns of patients travelling for surgery. Typically, when a patient located outside of Melbourne is interested in a consultation, they are advised to send photos to the office in advance. Privacy is always our foremost consideration in any discussion.
What is the minimum age for cosmetic surgery?
- Ideally purely cosmetic surgery that is not indicated to treat a medical condition and focus solely on changing the appearance should only be performed over 18 years of age. However, there are situations where concerns with the appearance may lead to psychological concerns and may need a thorough assessment and counselling before being eligible for cosmetic surgery. In addition, the candidate patient should have full support of their parents or legal guardians.
Please note that a mandatory three (3) months cooling off period applies to all patients under the age of 18.