What to expect,
before and after.

Bring your referral where required, a current medication list and relevant medical information.

If you have had previous surgery in the area, operation reports, implant details, imaging or other records can be useful.

It can also help to write down your questions beforehand.

Nicotine significantly affects blood flow and wound healing and can increase the risk of complications in many plastic surgery procedures.

This includes cigarettes, vaping and other nicotine-containing products.

Depending on your operation, you may be required to stop nicotine use for a specified period before and after surgery. Your individual requirements will be discussed with you.

Some medicines and supplements can affect bleeding, anaesthesia or recovery.

Please tell us about everything you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by an appropriate medical practitioner.

This depends on your age, medical history and planned procedure.

Investigations may include blood tests, imaging, an ECG or other tests where clinically appropriate.

Not necessarily, but for many body-contouring and breast procedures it is preferable to be at a stable, sustainable weight.

Substantial weight change after surgery can alter the result.

This depends on the procedure and your priorities.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the breasts and abdomen and may change the result of previous surgery. If future pregnancy is likely, this should be part of the discussion about timing.

The appropriate hospital or accredited surgical facility depends on your procedure, medical circumstances and anaesthetic requirements.

The proposed facility will be discussed with you as part of planning your surgery.

Operations requiring anaesthesia are undertaken with appropriately qualified anaesthetic care.

The appropriate anaesthetic—local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia—depends on the procedure and your individual circumstances.

Some procedures are suitable for day surgery, while others require an overnight or longer hospital stay. This depends on the operation, duration of surgery, anaesthetic, your medical circumstances and your postoperative support.

All surgery carries risk.

The nature and likelihood of complications vary according to the operation, your health and individual circumstances. Possible general complications include bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, adverse scarring, blood clots and complications related to anaesthesia.

Procedure-specific risks will be discussed with you before you decide whether to proceed.

No surgical outcome can be guaranteed.

Anatomy, tissue quality, ageing, healing and scar formation vary between people. The aim is to establish realistic expectations about what surgery may reasonably achieve in your particular circumstances.

Any operation involving an incision produces a scar.

Plastic surgery aims to place and manage scars thoughtfully, but scars cannot be made invisible. Their final appearance depends on the operation, location, skin type, genetics and individual healing. Scars generally evolve considerably during the first year and can continue to mature beyond this.

Discomfort varies substantially between procedures and individuals.

You will receive a postoperative pain-management plan appropriate to your operation. Unexpected, severe or increasing pain should be reported because it can occasionally indicate a complication.

This depends on both your operation and occupation.

Someone performing desk-based work may return sooner than someone whose work involves lifting, repetitive hand use or strenuous activity.

Your anticipated recovery and return-to-work plan will be discussed before surgery.

You should not drive while impaired by anaesthetic effects or sedating pain medication, or while pain, restricted movement or dressings prevent you from controlling a vehicle safely.

The appropriate timing varies by operation.

Gentle walking is often encouraged relatively early, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and certain movements may need to be restricted.

Your return to activity should be progressive and tailored to your operation.

Follow-up is part of your surgical care.

Appointments allow us to assess wound healing, monitor recovery, address concerns and guide your return to normal activities. The schedule varies according to the operation and your progress.

You will receive postoperative instructions explaining expected symptoms and how to contact the practice if you are concerned.

Unexpected increasing pain, significant swelling, bleeding, spreading redness, fever, shortness of breath or feeling acutely unwell should not be ignored.

For a medical emergency, call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.

Revision surgery can occasionally be necessary because of a complication, healing issue, anatomical change or an outcome requiring further treatment.

The circumstances and potential costs vary considerably. The possibility of further surgery and relevant financial arrangements should be discussed as part of informed consent for your particular procedure.

Yes.

Patients travel to MIKKO Plastic Surgery from elsewhere in Tasmania and beyond. The practical arrangements depend on the procedure and the amount of postoperative monitoring required.

Please tell our team that you will be travelling when making your appointment.

A video consultation may be possible in selected circumstances.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, Australian regulations still require at least one of the required pre-operative consultations to occur in person with the surgeon performing the operation.

This depends entirely on the operation and your medical circumstances.

For some procedures, it may be important to remain within reasonable distance of the treating hospital and surgical team during the early postoperative period.

Your travel plans should therefore be discussed before booking flights or accommodation.

Not necessarily.

Recent surgery and prolonged immobility can increase the risk of venous thrombosis, and some operations have additional travel considerations.

Discuss planned air travel with your surgical team before making bookings.