Please click here for more information regarding your fees. The first consultation will take approximately 60 minutes, and it is often a good idea to bring a friend or spouse along with you.
Procedures that have a Medicare Item number should have a GP referral as part of the process. This will allow you to receive some money back from Medicare from your initial consultation fee, and will provide evidence to Medicare of your eligibility to claim that item number.
You are required to complete our online Patient Information Form. Please do this 2 weeks prior to your consultation if possible. The medical history provided on this confidential form will help your surgeon personalise your procedure and planning, increasing your chances of a safe & successful result.
During your first consultation, your surgeon will personally discuss your options with you and answer any questions or concerns you have regarding the relevant procedures. You will also receive information sheets to take away with you and read over. It is a good idea to read about the procedure you are interested in before you first meet with your surgeon. Clinical photographs will be taken to monitor your progress.
Consultations for dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections and removal of skin lesions usually do not take long. These minor procedures can generally be performed on the same day if we have been informed at the time of booking and can allow time.
Reconstructive surgery generally only requires one consultation, however two consultations are recommended prior to cosmetic surgery. This is to ensure you have all the relevant information and any additional questions you have are answered. Cosmetic surgery and complicated procedures require two pre-operative consultations.
In addition, you may need to be reviewed by the anaesthetist if there are concerns about your general health or suitability for anaesthetic.
Most reconstructive procedures are recognised under Medicare. These include breast reduction, rhinoplasty and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and skin removal after massive weight loss. For these procedures you may also be able to claim a rebate and hospital fee from your health insurance depending on your level of cover.
Our surgeons and anaesthetist fees are usually fixed according to the procedure and predicted operating time, and hospital facility fees vary according to your choice of hospital. We can organise a personalised quote for you detailing your surgical, anaesthetic and hospital fee after your initial consultation.
Minor procedures can be performed at the practice, however larger procedures will need to be performed at either a Private Hospital or Day Surgery. Depending on the procedure, a short hospital stay may be required. We only operate in accredited hospitals. This ensures that your safety is paramount.
How much recovery time will be needed, what pain is expected, scarring and any restrictions will be discussed in your initial consultation. Explanations of what to expect after your procedure and post-operative care are included in your information sheets.
The current evidence is that a surgically sutured wound is able to be gently wet after 48 to 72 hours. It is important to only pat the dressings dry and allow them to air dry if they get wet.
We recommend you see your surgeon or nurse one week after your surgery. Any sutures that need to be removed will be reviewed then. If your sutures are in an area that requires support for longer than a week (such as your back), another appointment will be made to remove the sutures and check your healing again.
Post-operative visits within four to six weeks of your procedure are generally included in your operation costs. In some circumstances you will need to pay for post-operative visits. Please check with our staff if this is a concern to you.
This is covered in depth in individual information sheets. The information here is of a general nature.
After your procedure you will be provided with a medical certificate that takes into account the operation that you have had as well as your type of work. Generally speaking if you are able to return to light physical activities, most patients can return to work.
Every time you damage the lower layers of skin you will have a scar. Your genetics and general healing ability will play a primary role in determining how well you scar. We use a range of techniques during your operation and in your post-operative care to assist your body to heal as well as possible. Plastic Surgeons that display the ASPS logo are fully trained to minimise the visibility of your scar.
Scars can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years to reach full maturity, depending on the procedure and your genetics. During that time you can expect phases of scar maturation where blood vessels grow into the scar tissue, making it pink, before it begins to fade. During this time it is very important to minimise sun exposure to the scar, as this could stimulate the pigment cells in your skin to produce a scar that is dark rather than pale.
Download the Patient Information Form. Please complete this form and return via email to info@norwestplasticsurgery.com.au, or fax to (02) 8824 3877. If you have not received a phone call within 24 hours, please call 1300 112 358 to make your appointment.
Dr Sandercoe is available for consultations on Tuesday and Friday.