Your Plastic Surgery Experience in Melbourne
Our aim is to guide and support you at every stage of your surgical experience, from your first consultation through to recovery.
Making an Informed Decision
Plastic surgery is a personal decision that may be considered for both reconstructive and aesthetic reasons. It should be something you choose for yourself, not in response to pressure, trends, or external expectations.
Take time to understand what the procedure involves, including the risks, recovery process, and likely outcomes. Every operation carries some risk, and results vary. Being informed helps you set realistic expectations.
Before proceeding, we recommend speaking with your General Practitioner (GP). They can offer independent medical advice, review your overall health, and provide a referral for a specialist consultation. This supports your safety and ensures the decision is right for you.
What to Expect at Your Initial Consultation
A valid referral is required for all plastic surgery consultations. This ensures we classify your appointment appropriately and plan for your needs. Referrals are not required for non-surgical treatments.
On the day, please arrive 15 minutes early for registration and clinical photography. If your face is being photographed, avoid makeup. Patients considering cosmetic surgery may be asked to complete a screening tool for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), in line with AHPRA guidelines.
You will then meet Dr Rodrigo Teixeira in our Melbourne clinic. He will listen to your concerns, review your medical history, and examine the areas involved. A personalised discussion will follow, including possible treatment options, expected outcomes, and any safety considerations. This consultation is designed to support clear understanding and informed decisions.
Follow-Up Consultation Before Cosmetic Surgery
The second consultation is a mandatory step for all patients considering cosmetic surgery. It offers an important opportunity to reflect on your first appointment, review the information provided, and ask further questions.
Between consultations, we encourage you to read through any printed materials, consider the advice given, and speak with trusted support people. This time is designed to help you make a well-considered decision that aligns with your goals and values.
Your second consultation may take place in person at our Melbourne clinic or via video conference. At this stage, we will revisit your concerns and, if needed, adjust the treatment plan. The focus is on providing more detailed information about the proposed procedure, including how it will be performed, anaesthetic considerations, hospital admission (if applicable), risks, potential complications, and the recovery process.
What to Know About the Cooling-Off Period in Cosmetic Surgery
If Dr Teixeira considers you a suitable candidate for surgery, you will receive personalised advice, an outline of the proposed treatment, and an estimate of fees. This includes information about the procedure, benefits, risks, and the expected recovery.
All adult patients considering cosmetic surgery must take a minimum 7-day cooling-off period after giving informed consent. This period allows you time to reflect on the details, ask questions, and feel confident in your decision.
For patients under 18, a 3-month cooling-off period is required before surgery can be scheduled. These timeframes help ensure all decisions are informed, voluntary, and made without pressure.
Preparation for Plastic Surgery
Preparation is key to a smooth recovery and a safe surgical outcome. Being physically and mentally well, and confident in your decision, supports your readiness.
In the lead-up to surgery, adopt healthy habits: eat well, stay active, and avoid alcohol and smoking. You may need to stop certain medications or supplements, particularly those affecting blood clotting. We will provide hospital instructions covering fasting times, what to bring, and how to prepare.
Make sure you have support arranged for your return home and a calm, clean space for recovery. If you have questions at any stage, our team is here to assist you.
What Happens on the Day of Plastic Surgery
On the day of surgery, Dr Teixeira will meet with you before the procedure to review your treatment plan and, if required, mark the areas to be addressed. This step ensures clarity and alignment with your goals.
If your procedure involves general anaesthesia or sedation, you will also meet the consultant anaesthetist. They will review your health history, explain the type of anaesthesia being used, and discuss how post-operative pain will be managed.
Make sure you are prepared for your hospital stay in Melbourne. This includes following all pre-admission instructions and having comfortable clothing for discharge. Please also arrange for someone to take you home following the procedure, as you will not be able to drive or travel unaccompanied.
Aftercare and Recovery of Plastic Surgery
Following discharge from hospital, most patients need some assistance during the early stages of recovery. If you’re travelling from interstate or overseas and do not have a support person, please let us know, our team can help plan for suitable care.
You will receive personalised post-operative instructions and ongoing follow-up from Dr Teixeira and his team in Melbourne. Carefully following this guidance is essential for your safety, comfort, and healing.
Follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and provide further advice. If you need help between appointments, our team is always available to support you.
Your Privacy and How We Protect It
Your privacy is central to the care we provide. We know that seeking plastic surgery is often a personal decision, and we are committed to offering a welcoming, respectful, and discreet environment. Our clinic in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne, is designed with your comfort in mind, and our team is trained to handle your care with professionalism and sensitivity at every stage.
All personal and medical information is managed in line with privacy laws and ethical obligations. Records, photographs, and clinical data are securely stored and not shared without your written consent. If you have questions about how your information is handled, we are always available to provide clear answers and reassurance.
FAQs
About Your Consultation
Yes. A valid referral is required for all consultations relating to surgical procedures, including cosmetic surgery. This ensures your appointment is conducted in line with medical standards and supports continuity of care. Referrals are not required for non-surgical treatments.
Telehealth may be available for some appointments, particularly if you live interstate or need flexibility. At least one consultation must take place in person to allow for a full clinical assessment.
Telehealth may be available for initial or follow-up appointments, particularly for patients who live interstate or require flexibility. However, at least one consultation must be conducted in person to allow for a full clinical assessment, as required by AHPRA guidelines.
Surgical Planning and Recovery
It is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and tightness. You’ll receive personalised post-operative instructions and a recovery plan tailored to your procedure, helping you know what to expect at each stage.
Follow-up reviews may be with Dr Teixeira or with an experienced nurse under his supervision. This team-based approach ensures you receive consistent and supportive care.
You will be given clear contact details and instructions for when to get in touch. Our team is available to provide reassurance and advice whenever you need it.
Yes. Unveil Aesthetics in Melbourne offers therapies such as LED light therapy, lymphatic support, skincare, and scar management. These can be tailored to your procedure and recovery needs.
We advise against travel during the early recovery period. Your suitability for travel will be reviewed during follow-up appointments once healing is underway.
Costs and Fees
Yes. After your consultation, you’ll receive a written quote for surgical and assistant fees, along with estimated hospital and anaesthetic costs. If you choose to proceed, we can help coordinate these quotes for you.
Yes. A deposit is required to secure your surgery date. Payment schedules will be outlined clearly in your quote. For cosmetic surgery, a 7-day cooling-off period applies before you can finalise your booking.
Some reconstructive or medically necessary procedures may be eligible for Medicare rebates or private health cover. Dr Teixeira will let you know if your surgery qualifies and provide item numbers. We recommend checking with your insurer to confirm your level of cover.
General Questions
In some cases, yes. This depends on your health, safety considerations, and the length of surgery. Dr Teixeira will advise during your consultation whether combining procedures is suitable.
You’ll receive instructions in advance. On the day, bring comfortable clothing, your regular medications, and completed hospital paperwork. Avoid makeup, and jewellery.
Yes. Scar management and recovery support are included as part of your surgical care. Additional treatments, such as LED light therapy and advanced skincare, are available through Unveil Aesthetics in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne, to support healing and comfort.
