General
Yes you can, in fact, the best way to determine whether surgery will meet your goals is to talk through what you hope to achieve with Dr Avery during a consultation.
A consultation involves meeting with Dr Avery and the Avery Care Team, where your surgical hopes and expectations are fully explored, questions are answered, and the risks of surgery are discussed.
There will also be an opportunity to review more clinical photos of people who have had the kind of surgery you are interested in.
It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for an appointment with Dr Avery. We appreciate this might feel like a long time to wait when you have made the decision to explore your surgical options.
The wait is due to the large number of people who have chosen Avery for their surgical journey. We wish we could clone Dr Avery too!
We will do our best to accommodate your individual circumstances, for example, if you live out of town or you are hoping for surgery within a specific time frame.
Consultations can only be booked over the phone because of the fast-changing nature of the available spots.
To book a consultation with Avery, please telephone our administration team and we can find the next available time that is convenient for you. Our telephone number is 02 4002 4150.
Telephone Avery on 4002 4150 to discuss Dr Avery’s availability for the consultation, the requirements for a consultation (such as a GP referral), and associated costs. Consultations can only be booked over the telephone due to the changing nature of Dr Avery’s calendar.
There is generally a 6-8 week wait for a consultation with Dr Avery, although at times, earlier slots can become available. If your concern is urgent, please let our team know and Dr Avery will do his best to accommodate you.
Yes, your first consultation will be with Dr Avery. It is important that the surgeon who will perform your surgery is the first person you talk with to determine whether surgery will meet your expectations and is possible given your unique circumstances.
Yes, your GP or another specialist that knows you well must make a referral to Dr Avery.
Please make sure you factor in the time it takes to get an appointment with your GP or Specialist before booking your consultation with Dr Avery, to avoid the disappointment of postponing your initial consultation appointment.
The cost to consult with Dr Avery and the Avery Care Team is $365, and due to the high demand for consultations we ask for a prepayment of $100 at the time of booking to confirm your appointment. Unfortunately, we are unable to reserve your consultation time without this payment. Last minute cancelations can be frustrating for people who have been waiting a long time to see Dr Avery and miss the opportunity for that earlier appointment slot.
The cost to consult with Dr Avery and the Avery Care Team is $365, and due to the high demand for consultations we ask for a prepayment of $100 at the time of booking to confirm your appointment. The remaining $265 is paid on the day of your consultation. If the surgery you are considering is cosmetic you will not be eligible for a rebate, i.e., the full $365 is payable by you, regardless of whether surgery is recommended as an option or not.
The cost to consult with Dr Avery and the Avery Care Team is $365, and due to the high demand for consultations we ask for a prepayment of $100 at the time of booking to confirm your appointment. The remaining $265 is paid on the day of your consultation and you could receive a potential rebate of $76.15 if you have a referral from your GP or Specialist and your surgery involves a Medicare item number.
During your initial consultations with Avery, before you can book surgery, we will go over an individualised fee estimate and financial consent form with you for your surgery that has been individualised to your unique circumstances. Deciding to undergo surgery is a big decision, with lots of things to consider. Even though the medical aspects of planning surgery are important, it is also important to fully understand the financial aspects of your surgery.
At Avery, the surgeries we offer fall into three different financial categories. These are outlined in our comprehensive price guide to help you understand this sometimes-confusing area. For a detailed price guide with further explanation of what can be covered by Medicare and your health insurance, please click here.
If the surgery is medically indicated, and it attracts a Medicare item number, and your private health insurance policy covers the allocated item number, then some or all of your costs will be covered. To review our comprehensive price guide that provides an outline of the costs that your health insurance or Medicare may or may not cover, please download our guide, here.
For a comprehensive price guide and a detailed description outlining costs that Medicare may or may not cover, please download our price guide here. If you would like a tailored price, please book a consultation. Note: Medicare does not cover any part of the cost for what they consider to be cosmetic surgery 9no item number).
Please allow an hour for your consultation with Dr Avery.
When you come into Avery for your initial consultation, you will be greeted by the Avery Care Team and shown to our private and comfortable waiting area.
You will then meet with Dr Avery. During your time with Dr Avery, he will ask questions about what you are hoping to achieve through surgery and assess whether your surgical expectations are realistic considering the potential benefits and limitations of surgery.
He will listen to you, and your journey so far, including your medical history and will guide you through the choices you have for surgery, given your unique circumstances. He will address any questions you may have and then discuss the risks and possible complications of the surgery.
Dr Avery may also show you some photos of previous surgery results similar to what you are hoping to achieve. Feel free to bring some photos if you have something in mind that might help show the outcome you are hoping for, to further assist with the discussion around whether surgery will meet your expectations.
You will also discuss the estimated costs for your surgery and be given information to take away and consider about the surgery(s) you are thinking about.
At least 7 days after your consultations and once signed financial and surgical consent forms have been received, you can book a surgery date.
You will have at least 3 consultations at Avery, but ultimately you are able to have as many meetings with the Avery Care Team in person and over the telephone as you like to ensure you have all your questions answered and feel fully supported in your decision to have surgery.
Yes, please click here to see our gallery of Dr Avery’s previous work.
Dr Avery has extensive experience performing surgery and as we take our patients’ privacy very seriously, we do not display our full gallery online. All patients with photographs in the gallery have provided written consent. We will ask you for a few details before providing you access to our gallery for confidentiality reasons.
Before proceeding with any surgery, a second consultation or ‘pre-operative consultation’ will be needed with Dr Avery and following this, there will be a brief pre-operative assessment from the private hospital, which is usually a phone call. On the day of the surgery, you will also meet with the anaesthetist involved in your surgery. If required, a consultation with the anaesthetist prior to the day of surgery can be arranged.
At Avery, we believe it is important that you are fully informed about each step of your surgical journey. We will provide you with written information before your initial consultation, at your initial consultation (e.g., risks of surgery), and at every step leading up to your surgery. You will also have the opportunity to meet with us and talk with us as often as you need before your surgery (at least three face to face consultations). We also have comprehensive information about each surgery on our website, the risks and possible complications for each surgery, which can be found under our FAQs, and what you can expect during your recovery. We will also provide you with information about what to bring to the hospital and how to prepare for your surgery.
According to the Australian Medical Council, the title Specialist Plastic Surgeon is a title that can only be used by FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) approved specialist surgeons in the recognised field of plastic surgery.
Training to become a Specialist Plastic Surgeon involves an additional 5 years of training on top of training as a doctor and a surgeon, which is provided by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and administered by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The specialty of plastic surgery historically arose during the world wars and the reconstruction of faces and bodies injured by the weapons of war. It has its roots in reconstruction after trauma and as such utilises many of the skills and techniques required for excellence in cosmetic or aesthetic surgery.
In addition to the training and skills acquisition in plastic surgery that corresponds to the skills required for cosmetic surgery, plastic surgeons are governed by a code of conduct that places duty of care of their patients, including safety, as the first priority.
Dr Avery only operates at the accredited Lingard Private Hospital. This is to ensure your operation takes place in an environment governed by the guiding principle of safety to ensure your surgical experience is the best it can be.
The most important factors to any operation that Dr Avery undertakes is quality and safety.
Elective cosmetic surgery is not dissimilar, it is still surgery and all safety measures should be taken into consideration.
During surgery, medications are administered, adverse reactions can occur and can affect breathing and heart function. Appropriate equipment and levels of care are available at accredited facilities.
Additionally, when skin is breached with surgery, there is a risk of infection. Accredited hospitals must have high standards of sterilisation and storage of equipment used, and sterility in operating theatres, all to reduce the risk of infection.
With any surgery, there is a possibility of unforeseen circumstances and you need to be in the right place for this to be managed, an accredited private hospital facility is the most suitable for this.
Dr Avery has no financial relationship with Lingard Private Hospital. It is a separate entity from Avery and as such Avery has not control over hospital costs incurred by patients or the care received whilst a patient is there.
Yes, Avery will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions. These will include information about what to bring to the hospital and how to prepare for your surgery.
You will also receive a personalised pain management plan before you leave the hospital, and instructions on how to care for your wounds until we see you at your first post-operative appointment.
The Avery team is also always available to answer any questions you may have at any point on your surgical journey.
If you have any questions before or after your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 4002 4150.
It depends on the surgery you are having and if you have any underlying health concerns.
Generally, there are predictable times related to the type of surgery performed.
Minor surgeries will generally involve a ‘day stay’ only without an overnight stay in the hospital. More significant surgeries will generally require a 1 to 7-night stay, depending on the procedure.
Additionally, discharge from hospital can only occur when recovery from anaesthetic and surgery is sufficient that pain is controlled, and eating and drinking is possible.
Generally, 7 to 10 days after your surgery. You will likely require someone to drive you to this appointment.
Our Practice Nurse Mel will be involved in all of your post-operative appointments and Dr Avery will be available to check in and oversee your post-operative care. At your appointments, we will check in how you’re feeling, examine the surgical site and assess your recovery progress. Dressings will be changed when helpful and you will always know what the next step in your recovery plan is.
As long as we need to make sure your wounds are examined and dressed, and your recovery progress is discussed and a plan until your next appointment is set. Your recovery is our priority and our entire team is available to make the process as smooth as it can be.
This will depend on the surgery that has been performed. Your first post-operative appointment is generally 7 to 10 days after the surgery, and you can expect to visit us at least once per week for the first 4 weeks after surgery.
First and foremost a plastic surgeon is a doctor and doctors have a duty to make the care of their patients their first concern. A very important principle in medicine is to first do no harm, a plastic surgeon must practice medicine safely and needs to be honest and trustworthy, working in partnership with a patient to address their needs and expectations in a safe and respectful manner.
This will depend on the surgery that has been performed. This will be noted in your post-operative instructions and discussed at your pre-operative appointment.
Sun exposure can adversely impact early wound healing and have an adverse effect on the pigmentation and long term quality of the scar. All scars should be protected from sun until they are mature, which may not be until one year post-surgery. A spray tan is fine after a few weeks once the wound is healed.
On completion of a medical degree, a medical student becomes a doctor, this new doctor is also able to refer to themselves as a surgeon, medical students learn about surgery and surgical techniques and are able to perform what would be considered minor surgery, but this is not generally what the medical profession or the general public thinks of when they think of a surgeon. According to the Australian Medical Council, the title Specialist Plastic Surgeon is a title that can only be used by FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) approved specialist surgeons in the recognised field of plastic surgery.
Training to become a Specialist Plastic Surgeon involves an additional 5 years of training provided by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and administered by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. This is in addition to both medical school and at least 2 years of supervised work as a junior doctor in public hospitals.
The Australian Medical Council of Australian and AHPRA have mandated that plastic surgeons state the qualifications in the following way: Dr Gary Avery (MED 0001633092), registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon – specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is the College responsible for training of specialist surgeons in Australia. It is the only college in Australia accredited by the Commonwealth Government, through the Australian Medical Council to deliver specialist surgical training. The F in front means Fellow, so FRACS means Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeon indicating that you have completed training through RACS.
Medical practitioners in Australia are registered with AHPRA; the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The medical register is open for the public to search for a doctor and this will show the doctor’s medical registration number and importantly their official registration status including their speciality. This register will also show any restrictions or conditions on a doctors practice.
Cosmetic surgery is defined as surgery that revises or changes the appearance, colour, texture, structure, or position of body features with the dominant purpose of achieving what the patient perceives to be a more desirable appearance. Surgery that is not considered primarily cosmetic in nature is surgery that Medicare has deemed medically necessary. It typically involves restoration, correction, or improvement in the shape and appearance of body structures that are defective or damaged at birth or by injury, disease, growth, or development for either functional or psychological reasons. Surgery that has a medical justification and also leads to improvement in appearance are excluded from the cosmetic definition.
The Australian Medical Board and AHPRA have defined what they consider to be cosmetic surgery, and Medicare decides what surgeries have item numbers attached to them.
Yes, you are required to have a referral from your general practitioner (GP) or a specialist. They cannot be a doctor that also performs cosmetic surgery, unless it is another plastic surgeon referring them on who has an initial referral from a GP or specialist. Medicare does not rebate any part of the consultation fee for a consultation related to cosmetic surgery, even if part of your consultation is about a surgery that does have a Medicare item number.
Yes, it is a requirement by law that the surgeon who will perform the surgery asks you about any internal or external reasons you have for wanting the cosmetic surgery (defined by the Australian Medical Board and AHPRA), including your expectations of surgery to ensure that they are realistic or in line with what the surgery can achieve.
Surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery (defined by the Australian Medical Board and AHPRA) are required by law to assess all patients wanting cosmetic surgery with a questionnaire that identifies whether they would benefit from further assessment and support. In which case the surgeon must refer the patient to a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist for further evaluation. The Medical Board of Australia mandates that surgery cannot be performed for cosmetic reasons unless this screener has been administered.
The results of your screener form part of your confidential medical records, kept secure in electronic form in Australian Data Centres in accordance with Australian government privacy laws for health record. They are only reviewed as required by your treating team who are all bound by confidentiality agreements.
Informed consent means you have a thorough understanding of the following:
- All the risks associated with your potential surgery.
- What the surgery involves.
- Where the surgery will be performed.
- Possible outcomes from the surgery – long and short term.
- That there is always a risk of revision surgery, and this has costs associated with it.
- Recovery times and care requirements for this.
- The qualifications, training and experience of the person performing your surgery.
- All associated costs of your surgery.
- That Medicare does not cover your surgery costs if your surgery is defined as cosmetic (no Medicare item number).
- It does not mean you are locking into having surgery, it means you understand what having surgery means.
At Avery, we have a culture of open and honest communication, where we hope your concerns can be raised directly with us, allowing us an opportunity to address them and work on a solution. Lingard Private Hospital, where Dr Avery operates, also has a complaints process you can utilise via the following link. In addition, other avenues for submitting complaints can be accessed via AHPRA, Health Care Complaints Commission or the Medical Council of NSW.
Surgery is not right for everyone. Every person is unique and surgery may not be the right choice for everyone. What surgery can achieve may not match the hopes and expectations of the potential patient. Surgery works with a person’s body or facial form, with many factors impacting outcome including genetics, and skin quality. Therefore, comparing yourself to others and expectations driven by wanting a similar appearance to someone else are often not achievable.
The best way to determine if your expectations are realistic for any given surgery, is by talking to a surgeon who regularly performs that surgery. Research your surgeon and the surgery before your consultation to ensure you are seeing a suitably qualified surgeon and that you have questions to ask so that you can make an informed decision about whether the surgery will meet your expectations. Consider getting a second opinion before going ahead with surgery.
Surgery for the primary purpose of changing appearance is considered cosmetic surgery (rather than for a change of function) and it is different to non-surgical cosmetic options. It involves incisions into the skin, and often the removal of skin and/or tissue, or the insertion of, for example an implant. Surgery involves risks from trauma to the body (cutting into the body), and from the anaesthetic.
For a list of some of the general risks of surgery, please visit our General FAQs.
All surgery carries risks. A surgical risk refers to a complication or an outcome (either big or small) that is unwanted or unhelpful in achieving the desired goal or purpose of the surgery.
The impact of complications on the final outcome can also vary, it may delay the final result but not compromise it, it may mean the patient requires extra treatment or surgery, it may also compromise the final result.
Risks can also be physical or psychological. When the goal of surgery is to reduce pain or suffering or to feel better, this may not occur despite the surgery going all as planned. This is why it is important to be clear about what you’re hoping to achieve by having surgery and making sure surgery can achieve what you are hoping it will. For a list of some of the general risks associated with plastic surgery visit our FAQs.
All surgery carries some risks. Some general risks of surgery include:
- Heavy bleeding from an operated site. This may require a blood transfusion.
- Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases.
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions.
- The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site may require further surgery.
- Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening.
- Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s).
- Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes.
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia.
A complication is an unwanted outcome (i.e., they are a risk of the surgery). Steps are usually taken to minimise the chance that these occur, but they are still possible. For a list of some general risks of plastic surgery, please visit our FAQs.
This will depend on the type of surgery you are having. Most surgeries involve a GA, but it is possible to do some under local anaesthetic or local anaesthetic and sedation combined. This will depend on your preference, safety concerns, what is considered clinically appropriate, and anaesthetic review. All surgeries performed by Dr Avery are done in an accredited hospital, with strict adherence to safety protocols.
You will check in at the front desk of the hospital and be admitted to the hospital by a Nurse and there will be an additional consent process before surgery can proceed. You will be reviewed by an Anaesthetist who will explain the anaesthetic being sued for your surgery and post-operative pain relief. Dr Avery will also review you and complete skin marking and drawing, done either sitting on the hospital bed or standing up. You will then proceed to surgery.
Yes, most of the time before your operation you will be checking in with the hospital and going through pre-operative protocols. However, Dr Avery will see you before you go into theatre and review your surgery with you and complete any skin markings required for the surgery.
Once your surgery has been completed you will wake up on the recovery ward and the recovery Nurses will monitor you to ensure your initial recovery from surgery is on track. If your surgery is a day surgery, you will be discharged on the same day as your surgery. Otherwise, you will be transferred to a hospital ward for a length of stay dependant on the surgery you are having. Once on the ward, hospital medical personnel will look after you in consultation with Dr Avery. Dr Avery will check in with you daily to assess your recovery and communicate with you and the hospital staff about when your discharge is recommended. The Avery Care Team will provide all the information you need leading up to your surgery and while you are recovering.
At Avery, we believe people considering surgery should choose the surgeon and support team that is right for them. Ideally an appropriately trained surgeon (plastic surgeon) who is experienced in the surgery they are considering, and with a team that will support them when things go well and when the risks and complications that are possible with any surgery occur. We hope that anyone considering surgery researches extensively before choosing a surgeon. We support this process and who it leads to, regardless of whether that is Avery or not.
At Avery, we understand that when people come to see us to talk about changing something about themselves through surgery, they can feel vulnerable. We hope to create a space and culture where people can feel safe to talk with us openly and honestly. Where they know we will listen, with compassion and respond with kindness.
We believe every human being is unique and our purpose is to help you understand all of the options that are available to you and provide dedicated tailored care to your specific needs, without judgement and guided by integrity and excellence in care.
There is not a ‘typical’ Avery patient. We see people from all demographic groups who are wanting to change an external aspect of themselves motivated by reasons that are individual to them. Avery is a place where all people are welcome, and where our responsibility to provide an honest and ethical medical service is integral in everything we do.
Yes, Avery will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, at various stages along your recovery journey. We have used our extensive experience caring for people after surgery to anticipate what information you will need and when it is most useful to receive it.
You will also receive a personalised pain management plan before you leave the hospital, and instructions on how to care for your wounds until we see you at your first post-operative appointment.
The Avery team is always available to answer any questions you may have at any point on your surgical journey. If you have any questions before or after your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 4002 4150.
The Avery team is made up of Dr Gary Avery (MED0001633092) registered medical practitioner, with specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery, Practice Nurse Mel, Care Team Manager Anne-Marie, and our Care Team Coordinators Talya, Alice, Shauna, and Michelle. All our team is committed to providing a service grounded in human connection, integrity, and compassion.
Healite LED Therapy is a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment with no down time. It is used to enhance your body’s natural cellular recovery, with clinical studies demonstrating improved healing times and relief of pain. Our Healite LED Therapy device uses light at targeted wavelength 830nm to help the body heal after surgery and rejuvenate cells.
At Avery, we tend to err on the side of more rather than less information. We believe it is important to be fully informed about what to expect from surgery at every step of the way. We will be in frequent contact with you about what to expect before surgery and what is required from you for surgery to go ahead, and what to expect post-operatively right up to when your journey ends with us 4-6 months after your surgery. Additionally, Dr Avery, Nurse Mel, and the Avery Care Team are always available to answer any questions you have along the way.
Yes, support is crucial following your surgery. You should plan for your recovery like you would a holiday. Think in advance about what you will need, anticipating you will be in pain and limited in your movements. Make sure you have someone to help with the children, and have some meals prepared in advance or uber eats programmed into your phone! Having a support person or support people after surgery can help with these practical aspects during your recovery and also the emotional support that you might require following surgery. You will likely be tired, and having someone who understands what you are going through can be helpful. You will also need someone to drive you home from the hospital and to the first post-operative appointment at Avery.
There are many factors that impact the appearance and visibility of a scar, including the nature of the surgery, the size and placement of the scar, post-op care, sun-exposure, moisturiser and massage and time. Genetics and skin quality.
A surgical dressing will usually be left on for 2-3 weeks following surgery. The dressings will be removed at one of your post-operative appointments and then you will progress to scar management which consists of taping the wound with ‘Micropore’ for a number of days (this tape can get wet in the shower) and also using some sort of moisturiser to the wound and surrounding skin in the time when the tape is off. We suggest a vitamin E based cream or oil as a starting point but you may find a different cream or oil is best for you. There are a number of silicone-based treatments that can be applied to scars to help reduce the chance of an undesirable scar appearance.
This will depend on the particular surgery that you have. Most surgical wounds will be covered with a dressing that will typically be left intact until your post-operative appointment. Where possible, and this is most of the time, the dressing will be able to get wet in the shower. Some sites of the body will not be covered by a dressing and you may be given an ointment to apply to the wound. The dressings help support the wound, this helps with pain relief and in aiding healing. The dressing also helps keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. Most dressings will be left on for 2-3 weeks after surgery and will be removed at one of your post-operative appointments. A new dressing may then be applied or you may progress to what we call scar management, which consists of some combination of applying a medical tape to the wound and moisturising and massaging the wound.
Being able to shower after surgery will usually help you feel overall better and have you on your way to feeling like your usual self. When you can shower will depend on the surgery you have and our team will provide you with individualised instructions before your surgery.
To optimise your recovery, and therefore your outcome, it is important you embrace the idea of rest and relaxation. We encourage you to take the time to recover fully and do not rush the process. Follow all of your post-operative instructions and do not overdo activity or rush back to your usual activities of daily living. Allow time for bruising and swelling to settle and expect that there will be emotional ups and downs throughout the recovery process as your body recovers from invasive surgery.
Breast
If the surgery is medically indicated, and it attracts a Medicare item number, and your private health insurance policy covers the allocated item number, then some or all of your costs will be covered. To review our comprehensive price guide that provides an outline of the costs that your health insurance or Medicare may or may not cover, please download our guide, here.
All people considering breast surgery must obtain a referral from their GP or specialist before your initial consultation. If your breast surgery is considered medically appropriate you will be eligible for a rebate of $78.05. If your breast surgery is considered cosmetic in nature you will not be eligible for a rebate, and the Australian Medical Board mandates that we have a referral from you before your first consultation.
Thinking about a breast reduction in terms of a change in your cup size can be problematic because all bra brands have slightly different cup size measurements, making it difficult to match your expectations with what surgery can achieve given your unique circumstances. Cup size should be used as a rough guide only.
Breast implant volume is measured in cc’s or ml’s, breast implants also have a width (side to side measurement) a height (vertical measurement) and projection (the amount the implant sits above a flat surface). Determining the ‘right size’ is a combination of some of the physical measurements and position of the current breasts and skin, and the desired breast size and appearance. It is important to note that the size and appearance you might have in mind before your consultation, may not be realistically achieved with surgery. Dr Avery will discuss your expectations of surgery and whether surgery can meet these.
Being able to breast feed should not be affected following breast augmentation, particularly when it is performed with an incision in the lower breast fold. The breast tissue maintains its normal connections to the nipple and it should be possible to breastfeed. There is a risk that breastfeeding will not be possible. To find out more about the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, please visit our breast augmentation service page.
It is possible that your nipples and/or breast skin might lose sensation partially or completely after surgery. For many women any change in sensation will be temporary, but in some cases, there can be a permanent change in nipple sensation. This is a risk with breast augmentation surgery. For further risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, visit the service page on our website.
For a full list of risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
There is no increased risk of breast cancer following breast augmentation with implants. A relatively new finding is a type of lymphoma known as BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). This is a rare condition associated with some types of implants. Although there is no increased risk of breast cancer in women having breast augmentation with implants, it is still possible to get breast cancer. It is recommended to have routine breast screening if you are above the age of 50 and at any age, if there are any changes noted such as finding a new lump then this should be examined by a doctor such as your GP or Specialist just as would occur without breast implants. For further risks associated with breast augmentation, visit the service page on our website.
Sun exposure can adversely impact early wound healing and have an adverse effect on the pigmentation and long term quality of the scar. All scars should be protected from sun until they are mature, which may not be until one year post-surgery. A spray tan is fine after a few weeks once the wound is healed.
Implants do not interfere with pregnancy. Breast size can increase with pregnancy, so the skin of the breasts can have a looser appearance post-partum. However, this can occur regardless of whether you have breast implants or not.
Breast Augmentation with an implant can help to correct some degree of breast ptosis, the volume of the implant fills a somewhat empty or deflated breast resulting in an apparent lift of the breast tissue. There is a limit to how much breast ptosis an implant can address, the additional consideration then becomes is a formal breast lift (with a different pattern of final scars on the breast) also required and if so, can this be done at the time of an augmentation or are they best done as separate procedures.
There is a chance of implant rupture with all types of implants, and the chance of rupture increases as the implants age. At times it may be significant trauma that causes implant rupture, but most often no particular cause for this can be identified. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the silicone gel stays in the breast, mostly contained by the scar tissue known as the capsule. The body tries to contain this rupture, which may cause inflammation, potential pain or change in the breast appearance. When saline implants rupture, the saltwater leaks out into the surrounding tissue, which is harmlessly absorbed into the body. For further risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, please visit our service page.
If your implant has ruptured or leaked, you might notice a change in the size or shape of your breast(s). You might also feel tenderness or pain in the breast(s). However, some women do not notice any signs or symptoms. An examination and possible ultrasound or MRI is advisable if you are concerned about a potential implant rupture, or if you have detected a new lump in the breast. It is also recommended to have a routine check and ultrasound of your breasts approximately 10 years after breast implant surgery, even without any change in the breast appearance. For further risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, visit our service page on our website.
Silicone is an extremely common substance that has a number of various uses, including the silicone gel used in breast implants for augmentation or reconstruction. Silicone has been used in breast implants for over 50 years. We are currently using 5th generation implants with silicone gel that has a consistency much like turkish delight or jelly that generally holds its form and sticks to itself. Medical grade silicone used in breast implants is safe. However, there are risks associated with its use and some women either do not tolerate the breast implants or may have problems related to the implants several years after insertion. Breast implants should not be considered as lifetime devices. Anyone undergoing breast augmentation with an implant of any sort will require further surgery at some stage in their life. For further risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, please visit the service page on our website. More information can also be found on the Australian Government TGA website.
Simply walking is advised and is recommended during the first 2 weeks after surgery. An increase in activity is encouraged between 2-6 weeks, limiting this increase based on how your body feels and responds. From 6 weeks you can be mostly unrestricted with exercise but it may not be until 12 weeks following surgery that you feel you are back to pre-surgery fitness, or even improved from your pre-surgery fitness if physical symptoms and restrictions have been addressed with surgery.
Pain immediately after surgery may be reduced by the use of local anaesthetic at the surgical site given during the surgery. The pain will also be managed with tablets or injections as required. Physical measures such as the dressings and supportive garments as well as limited movement and possibly ice packs will all help minimise any pain. Pain is usually well tolerated within a few days after surgery with all these measures. If your pain is increasing following surgery this is usually a sign that you may need a review to ensure your recovery is proceeding as expected.
Dressings and supportive garments will offer support to the wounds and the areas of your body that are still recovering. You will be also be advised to restrict excessive movement of the surgical area in the first two weeks after surgery. A good general rule throughout your recovery is if an increase in movement or activity does not increase any discomfort or swelling, then it is probably safe and this gradual progression back to ‘normal’ will be encouraged.
Breast augmentation surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic given by a specialist anaesthetist in an accredited private hospital.
Skin and breast volume or size. The breast volume beneath the skin is made up of firm glandular breast tissue and fat. During a breast reduction both skin and breast tissue/fat is removed.
The scars from breast reduction surgery incisions generally look like a thin line, initially red and a bit raised above your skin. Appearance will vary depending on the surgical technique used for the surgery and your genetics. Some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scars or keloids. Most scars should eventually fade and flatten but will still be visible.
For a full list of risks associated with breast reduction surgery, please visit our service page on Breast Reduction surgery.
Scars from a breast reduction are typically referred to as either a lollypop or anchor.
Around the areola (generally reduced in diameter), from the lower part or 6 o’clock aspect of the areola down to the lower breast fold (this is the lollypop), an additional scar in the breast fold joined to the lollypop makes an anchor.
Despite the final scar being around the entire areola, giving the appearance of the nipple and areola being removed and replaced higher up on the breast, for the vast majority of people the nipple and areola remain attached to the breast at all times. For the very small number of cases where the nipples are removed (nipple graft) the possibility of temporary removal will be discussed prior to surgery. This difference is important for several reasons, including appearance, nipple sensation and breastfeeding.
Technically the nipple is the central part that protrudes above the breast, the areola is the larger flatter coloured part around the nipple. Generally, the diameter of the areola is made smaller, as this is often larger than average as breast size increases. The nipple itself does not usually require any surgery.
It is possible that you may lose sensation partially or completely after surgery. Maybe temporarily. For others, this may be permanent. For risks associated with breast reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
For most women, it is generally possible to breastfeed following breast reduction surgery. Typically, the nipple and areola will remain attached to the breast tissue maintaining the pathway from the milk-producing part of the gland to the milk ducts in the nipple.
It is generally best to wait until breast growth has ceased and also that the patient is mature enough to understand and cope with the process of surgery and recovery.
Most swelling will be gone by about 6 weeks post-surgery. More subtle changes can continue to occur for several months and up to one year after surgery. Everyone is unique and as such this is a guide only.
A second breast reduction is possible. This is often chosen by women who have had an initial breast reduction earlier in their life. The same benefits and risks apply to the second reduction. For a full list of risks associated with breast reduction surgery, visit our breast reduction service page.
Gentle walking is advised and recommended during the first 2 weeks. An increase in activity is encouraged between 2-6 weeks, limiting this increase based on how your body feels and responds. From 6 weeks you can be mostly unrestricted, but it may not be until 12 weeks post-surgery that you feel you are back to pre-surgery fitness.
Pain following top surgery will vary depending on the extent of surgery. Pain immediately after surgery may be reduced by the use of local anaesthetic at the surgical site given during the surgery. The pain will also be managed with tablets or injections as required. Physical measures such as the dressings and supportive garments as well as limited movement and possibly ice packs will all help minimise any pain. Pain is usually well tolerated within a few days after surgery with all these measures. If your pain is increasing following surgery this is usually a sign that you may need a review to ensure your recovery is proceeding as expected.
Dressings and supportive garments will offer support to the wounds and the areas of your body that are still recovering. You will be also be advised to restrict excessive movement of the surgical area in the first two weeks after surgery. A good general rule throughout your recovery is if an increase in movement or activity does not increase any discomfort or swelling, then it is probably safe and this gradual progression back to ‘normal’ will be encouraged.
For a full list of risks associated with breast reduction surgery, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
A breast reduction aims to reduce the volume or size of the breast by removing skin and breast tissue. With removal of skin and reducing the weight of the breast, the breast will sit higher on the chest and also closer to the chest.
There are a number of similarities between these two procedures. Essentially all breast reductions involve some degree of breast lift and technically any breast lift (assuming no other procedure is performed on the breast) involves some amount of breast reduction, even if this is only skin. Generally, the aim of a breast reduction is to achieve a smaller, lighter, lifted breast; and the aim of a breast lift is to maintain as much size as possible but lift the breast higher on the chest. Both surgeries generally bring the breast tissue closer to the chest and reduce the amount of natural breast movement that occurs with a change in body position.
It all depends on the results you want to achieve. If you want to lift your breasts higher on the chest, and also increase the size of your breasts, then a breast lift with implants might be the indicated procedure for you; and this may possible in one surgery or may be best performed as two separate procedures. On the other hand, if you would like lift the breasts and address their shape without increasing their size, a breast lift alone might give you the results you want to achieve with surgery.
Ultimately, a consultation with a surgeon is needed to determine what is most appropriate for you as an individual. Dr Avery can discuss your surgical options given your unique circumstances and it is recommended you do your own independent research, come to your consultation with your questions, and seek a second opinion.
For a full list of risks associated with a breast lift please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
The extent of the scars will be dependent on the technique used to perform the breast lift. The scars from the incisions should look like a thin line, initially a bit raised above your skin. Their appearance will vary depending on the technique used to reduce the breasts and your genetics. There are people more prone to hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scars or keloids. As the scars heal, they will flatten and eventually fade and they will usually not be visible in clothing. For further risks associated with breast lift surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
The size of your breast will not increase with a breast lift.
Breastfeeding after breast lift surgery is possible. In most cases, although the position of the nipple is changed it remains attached to the breast and there is no damage to milk ducts. However, any surgery to the breast can potentially divide connections of the breast tissue and ducts and reduce the ability to breast feed in the future. For further risks associated with breast lift surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
It is possible to retain normal nipple sensation after surgery. Generally, the chance that there will be a change in nipple sensation increases with the extensiveness of the surgery. Some women may experience a reduced sensation in the nipples that can be temporary or permanent. They may also find their nipples hypersensitive for a short time after surgery. For further risks associated with breast lift surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
Pain will vary depending on the extent of surgery and your body’s response to the surgery. Pain immediately after surgery may be reduced by use of local anaesthetic at the surgical site. Pain will initially be managed by the hospital staff and by Dr Avery’s oversight. Physical measures such as dressings and supportive garments as well as limited movement will help with pain management. The Avery team will be following your recovery and will be supporting you to be as comfortable as you can be.
Simply walking is advised and is recommended during the first 2 weeks after surgery. An increase in activity is encouraged between 2-6 weeks, limiting this increase based on how your body feels and responds. From 6 weeks you can be mostly unrestricted with exercise but it may not be until 12 weeks following surgery that you feel you are back to pre-surgery fitness, or even improved from your pre-surgery fitness if physical symptoms and restrictions have been addressed with surgery.
The extent of the scars will be dependent on the technique used to perform the breast lift. The surgical breast lift component usually requires at least a scar around the areola and then often down from the lower aspect of the areola toward the lower breast fold. Common descriptions of typical scars form a breast lift procedure (with or without implants) are either a lollipop or anchor scar.
The scars from the incisions should look like a thin line, initially a bit raised above your skin. Their appearance will vary depending on the technique used to reduce the breasts and your genetics. There are people more prone to hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scars or keloids. As the scars heal, they will flatten and eventually fade and they will usually not be visible in clothing.
Breastfeeding after breast lift surgery combined with breast implants is possible. In most cases, although the position of the nipple is changed it remains attached to the breast and there is no damage to milk ducts. However, any surgery to the breast can potentially divide connections of the breast tissue and ducts and reduce the ability to breastfeed in the future.
There is no set time that implants need to be replaced, but in general the longer an implant has been in place, the more likely you are to experience issues leading to implant removal or replacement. These may be issues with the implants, such as rupture or a change in the breast size, position or appearance. Breast implants are not considered lifelong devices.
For further risks associated with breast implant replacement, visit the service page on our website. Please also visit the Australia Government TGA website for further information.
There is always a chance of rupture with all types of breast implants. Intense physical pressure caused by something such as a car accident or other trauma, or an aged implant may rupture. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the silicone gel stays in the body. The body tries to contain this rupture, which may cause inflammation, potential pain or change in the breast appearance.
When saline implants rupture, all that leaks out is saltwater, which is harmlessly absorbed into the body.
There is always a chance of rupture with all types of implants. Intense physical pressure caused by a car accident or other trauma, or an aged implant may rupture without trauma. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the silicone gel stays in the body. The body tries to contain this rupture, which may cause inflammation, potential pain or change in the breast appearance. When saline implants rupture, all that leaks out is salt water, which is harmlessly absorbed into the body. For further risks associated with breast augmentation surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
There is a chance of implant rupture with all types of implants, the chance of rupture increases as the implants ages. At times it may be significant trauma that causes implant rupture but most often no particular cause for this can be identified. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the silicone gel stays in the breast, mostly contained by the scar tissue known as the capsule. The body tries to contain this rupture, which may cause inflammation, potential pain or change in the breast appearance. When saline implants rupture, the saltwater leaks out into the surrounding tissue, which is harmlessly absorbed into the body.
If your implant has failed or leaked, you might notice a change in the size or shape of your breast. You might also feel tenderness or pain in the breast. However, some women do not notice any signs or symptoms. An examination and possible ultrasound or MRI is advisable if you are concerned about a potential implant rupture, or if you have detected a new lump in the breast. It is also recommended to have a routine check and ultrasound of the breast approximately 10 years after breast implant surgery even without any change in the breast appearance.
For further risks associated with breast augmentation, please visit the service page on our website. Please also visit the Australian Government TGA website for further information.
Breast implant replacement surgery is also referred to as breast implant revision surgery, and it involves the removal and/or replacement of breast implants for a variety of possible reasons. Replacement of breast implants is accomplished by removing an old implant and inserting a new breast implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle in order to enlarge its size. Breast implants do not have an indefinite life span, regardless of type, and may eventually require replacement surgery.
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Future surgery is often required to replace one or both implants. As with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may also be necessary to correct any problems that may also develop. Breast implants can be replaced after migration or rupture, or because they have gone hard (capsular contracture). Surgery may be required if there is a problem with the implant or if there has been a change in the relationship between the breast and the implant that has a negative impact on the breast appearance or the individual is experiencing pain. Some people also choose to have their breasts. For further risks associated with breast implant replacement surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
Replacement of breast implants is accomplished by removing an old implant and inserting a new breast implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle in order to enlarge its size. Breast implants do not have an indefinite life span, regardless of type, and may eventually require replacement surgery. Your surgery will be performed at an accredited hospital, under a general anaesthetic.
For a full list of risks associated with breast implant replacement surgery, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Surgery to remove a breast implant. Breast implant removal is accomplished by opening the breast and removing the implant from either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Future surgery is often required to replace one or both implants. As with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may also be necessary to correct any problems that may also develop. Breast implant removal may be due to an implant problem such as rupture or may be related to a change in the breast appearance despite no problem with the implant itself. Additionally, having breast implants is an individual choice, so it may also be an individual choice or preference to have them removed. For further risks associated with breast implant removal, please visit the service page on our website.
Your reasons for exploring surgery are unique to you. They might include a desire to address appearance but also may be to address symptoms such as pain, size or even just not wanting to have foreign material in the body anymore. It may be possible that implant removal improves some things but not others. It may result in a subjective improvement of the breast appearance but it is also possible that the change in appearance is interpreted as a deterioration in appearance in order to achieve some other goal and symptom relief. It is important you consider what your motivations are for having breast implant removal surgery and ensure you have researched enough so that you have a clear idea in your mind about whether your expectations will be met by having this surgery.
It is important to consider that there may be changes in the appearance, size and position of the breasts due to the impact of the implant on the breast tissue and skin, and also the passage of time, so that removing the implant may not see the breast return to how it was prior to having a breast implant. For further risks associated with breast implant removal, please visit the service page on our website.
Scars from breast implant removal surgery can either be via the initial incision or scar line that was used at the initial procedure, typical for many this will be in the lower breast fold. If the initial approach was via the lower breast fold, sometimes this may be made lower than the true breast fold and therefore if the implant is removed, the new scar will sit lower on the chest than the actual true lower breast fold. A breast lift may be performed at the time of implant removal and in this setting a breast lift scar will be the result. For further risks associated with breast implant removal surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
When a breast implant is placed inside the body, the body forms a layer of scar tissue around the implant, this layer is known as the implant capsule. How thick an implant capsule develops varies between people and varies over time. It can also be influenced by the properties of the implant and where the implant is placed (under or over the pectorals muscle in the chest). With time the capsule may cause symptoms such as pain or a change in appearance in the breast. These changes can occur with or without a problem with the implant itself such as an implant rupture. A capsulectomy refers to the surgical removal of this scar tissue layer. This can be performed during implant replacement or during implant removal. When the entire capsule is removed this is referred to as a total or complete capsulectomy. When it is removed all in one piece with the breast implant included, this is known as en bloc removal and is generally the goal when removing implants in women with symptoms suggestive of breast implant illness. At times, it may not be possible to remove the entire capsule due to factors such as its thickness or its attachment to other important structures. For further risks associated with breast augmentation, please visit our service page on our website.
There is no increased risk of breast cancer following breast surgery. A relatively new finding is a type of lymphoma known as BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). This is a rare condition associated with some types of implants. It will only be an extremely unlikely possibility for those patients who need implants to create breast symmetry. For more information visit.
All surgical procedures carry a risk of revision surgery. If required early, this may be to correct minor irregularities or issues with scars.
Following surgery for breast asymmetry, particularly if implants are used, the composition of each breast may be different and the change that each breast experiences with time may be different.
Breast implants also carry a risk of requiring surgery in the future. For these reasons, it is possible that further surgery may be required many years after initial breast asymmetry correction.
The nipple is pulled into the breast instead of pointing outward. Some nipples can be pulled out but fall back into the breast. For some, it may not be possible to pull the nipple out at all.
Inverted nipples can be a congenital condition with no particular reason or cause identified, or it may arise as a result of disease or trauma. Most often the inversion will occur with no obvious cause and at any stage. Whatever the cause, an attempt can usually be made to correct nipple inversion.
For a full list of risks associated with nipple correction surgery, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
As with all surgical procedures the scarring will depend on skin type, other genetic factors, and wound healing. For most people the scar at the base of the nipple on the areola is well-concealed.
Gynaecomastia is a benign condition. Breast cancer although uncommon in men is possible. Both gynecomastia and breast cancer can be seen as a change in the appearance and size of the breast or nipple and areola and therefore, it is important to have any lumps or changes in the breast(s) checked by a doctor.
Prior to considering any surgical interventions, a medical evaluation should be performed by your GP. Any suspicion for an existing malignant breast tumour or other medical issue must be addressed before your consultation with a plastic surgeon.
All incisions leave a scar that will fade and mature over time. The incision required will depend on the extent of gynaecomastia, taking into account the amount of skin excess and the size of the breast tissue. Genetic factors and skin quality will also impact scar quality.
The aim of gynaecomastia surgery is to create a flat chest. The majority of the breast tissue is removed to achieve the desired chest shape, but given that men who do not have gynaecomastia also have a percentage of breast tissue, some will be left attached to the areola to recreate a natural appearing male chest appearance.
Generally, the chance that there will be a change in nipple sensation increases with the extensiveness of the surgery.
Some men may experience a reduced sensation in the nipples that can be temporary or permanent. They may also find their nipples become hypersensitive for a short time after surgery.
The length of a breast reconstruction surgery can last anywhere from 2–8 hours depending on the techniques being used, whether one or both breasts are being reconstructed, and whether other procedures such as a breast reduction, breast lift, nipple reshaping, or breast augmentation are being performed on the other breast.
The best method for you depends on many factors, including your body shape, past surgeries, current health, treatment needs and personal preferences.
The risk of breast cancer recurrence depends on the stage and nature of the cancer and any additional breast cancer treatments. Any risk of breast cancer recurrence is best discussed with the doctors treating your breast cancer. Reconstructive surgery has not shown to increase the risk of the cancer returning or make it harder to detect if cancer does return.
Your medical oncologist will help determine if and when chemotherapy may be a beneficial treatment option for your breast cancer. If chemotherapy is required after surgery you may need to wait until your surgical wounds from your mastectomy and reconstruction have healed and recovered before starting chemotherapy. If you have complications such as wound healing problems or infection, chemotherapy may be delayed.
You may want to delay breast reconstruction until you are finished with radiation therapy as radiation may influence the final result of your reconstruction. Radiotherapy may impact any wound healing and the final appearance of any reconstruction. If you require radiation or have had radiation, it is frequently recommended to use your own tissue or a combination of your tissue with an implant.
Implant-only reconstruction may not be recommended as radiation often results in an increased risk of implant complications such as infections, fluid build-up and severe capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant causing hardening of the breast).
Breast conservation surgery usually involves removing a portion of breast tissue where the cancer is located, followed by radiation therapy. The removal of breast tissue can often leave an indentation or dimple on the breast. This dimple may not be seen until after radiation treatment. Reconstructive options can help improve the contour and appearance of the breast.
Surgical drains are soft flexible silicone tubes that are placed within a cavity or space created via surgery. Surgical drains are used to help remove blood and fluid that leaks from body tissue following surgery. In addition to removing any blood and fluid (which may increase the risk of discomfort, infection or wound healing problems), surgical drains may also help a surgically created space collapse down and allow body tissues to stick to each other and aid the recovery process. Surgical drains may be used if there is a large potential space created, which happens in most cases of double incision chest (top) surgery and some cases of limited incision chest (top) surgery.
Recovering from surgery is a gradual process rather than a single point in time. In general, you will require two weeks off any work, focusing on resting and doing small amounts of activity only. After two weeks, depending on your comfort level and the demands of your job, you may be able to return to work and may feel comfortable enough to drive. By six weeks most people will have only minimal restrictions on activity if any, and any surgical wounds should require relatively minor care to help the scar obtain its optimal appearance.
Wounds from surgery of any sort can take up to 18 months to start fading.
It is possible to combine surgical procedures to multiple areas in one operation. Surgery to the abdomen and breasts is one such combination that may be safely combined, depending on the unique circumstances of the individual. There are some Medicare and health insurance restrictions to certain combinations of surgeries performed at one time.
The key considerations of combining surgery are:
- the safety and length of the surgery.
- the influence more extensive surgery may have on the ultimate outcome.
- the required recovery period.
The potential surgical combinations will depend on your personal goals and requirements. If you are considering surgery to multiple areas, the order in which you may undergo these will also depend on what is clinically recommended to most likely achieve the desired outcome.
After your body has recovered from childbirth and you have returned to your pre-pregnancy weight or have lost as much as you weight can with diet and exercise. We also recommend waiting until you have finished having children.
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If the surgery is medically indicated, and it attracts a Medicare item number, and your private health insurance policy covers the allocated item number, then some or all of your costs will be covered. To review our comprehensive price guide that provides an outline of the costs that your health insurance or Medicare may or may not cover, please download our guide, here.
Sun exposure can adversely impact early wound healing and have an adverse effect on the pigmentation and long term quality of the scar. All scars should be protected from sun until they are mature, which may not be until one year post-surgery. A spray tan is fine after a few weeks once the wound is healed.
Abdominoplasty (which has also been referred to as a tummy tuck) is a surgery that consists of the removal and tightening of the abdomen skin, removal of excess fat where appropriate, and repositioning or tightening of the rectus abdominis muscles if required.
There are a number of types or variations of abdominoplasty, and what type of abdominoplasty is appropriate for any given person will depend on a number of factors unique to the individual. A mini abdominoplasty involves removing skin from the lower abdomen. A traditional or full abdominoplasty involves incision along the lower abdomen and around the umbilicus (belly button). An extended abdominoplasty involves incisions extending further around the lower part of the body and in a circumferential abdominoplasty this may join up around the entire abdomen and back area. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘360 abdominoplasty’ or a ‘body lift’. A Fleur de Lis (FDL) abdominoplasty involves a vertical incision along the length of the abdomen in addition to the lower horizontal abdominal incision. In addition to the skin removal component, a variable amount of liposuction may be involved with an abdominoplasty, and there also may be ‘muscle repair’ if required, eliminating an excessive gap between the rectus abdominis muscles, or tightening this inner layer of the abdominal wall.
Before considering any surgery, researching the type of surgery and the potential surgeon to perform this surgery is important. The next step is a consultation where the surgeon can listen to what you’re hoping to achieve and examine you to determine if this is a reasonable expected outcome of the surgery being considered. During this process the surgeon will determine what type of abdominoplasty is best for what you’re hoping to achieve and what is clinically possible.
For a full list of risks associated with abdominoplasty, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Recovery from abdominoplasty will depend on the type of abdominoplasty you have had, with more extensive surgeries typically requiring longer recovery times. The occurrence of any complications (or risks associated with the surgery occurring) can also extend your recovery, along with your own unique circumstances that will impact the length of your recovery. Typically, we advise at least 4-6 weeks of dedicated recovery time. During this time, you will be seeing the Avery team regularly and information about post-operative visits and how to optimise your recovery will be provided to you by the Avery care team. For full information on the risks and recovery of this procedure, visit our abdominoplasty service page.
There are a number of types or variations of abdominoplasty and the resulting scar can vary depending on the type. The scar that is seen after surgery relates to where the skin is cut and removed from. The scar for most abdominoplasties is along the lower abdomen, just below where a typical pair of underwear would sit, or roughly where a caesarean scar would be. It usually extends further out to each side to approximately the bony protrusion that can be felt and often referred to as the hip. A mini abdominoplasty may only have this scar. A traditional or full abdominoplasty would have this scar and also a new scar around the umbilicus (belly button). An extended abdominoplasty scar may go even further around the lower part of the body and in a circumferential abdominoplasty this may join up and be complete. This is sometimes referred to as a 360 abdominoplasty or a ‘body lift’. A Fleur de Lis (FDL) has a vertical scar along the length of the abdomen in addition to the lower abdominal scar.
Scarring will vary between patients. The size and location will depend on the type of surgery had, as well as your skin type. Usually, the scar will be red at first, but fades over time, finishing a little lighter or darker than the surrounding skin after 12-18 months.
The scarring can vary between patients depending on genetic factors such as skin type, and environmental factors such as sun exposure.
Abdominoplasty does not affect your ability to get pregnant. The skin of the abdomen stretches during pregnancy and this may be uncomfortable following an abdominoplasty. The abdominal muscles will also possibly stretch again during pregnancy and any gap that has been repaired during an abdominoplasty may recur. For this reason, it is a good idea to wait until after having children before having an abdominoplasty.
Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat from the underneath the skin. It may be performed with an abdominoplasty to areas of skin that are not excised to help ensure the contour of the remaining skin is appropriate.
Muscle separation, otherwise known as rectus diastasis or divarication refers to an increased gap between the vertically aligned rectus abdominis muscles that sit on either side of the midline of the abdominal wall, these are the muscles that can give the appearance of a ‘six pack’. With pregnancy, it is possible that the two muscles move apart from each other and after pregnancy, the muscles stay apart and the layer of tissue that encases the muscles becomes loose. During an abdominoplasty this separation can be repaired and the lose tissue layer covering the muscles can be tightened.
An abdominoplasty and repairing muscle separation are two different procedures that can be completed together if required, or separately if both are not necessary.
Muscle repair is usually done as part of an abdominoplasty surgery. For some people it may be the main component of the surgery or even the only part, the approach would be similar and thus the scar on the skin is the same that would occur from an abdominoplasty.
Gentle movement, such as walking, is advised, and is recommended during the first 2 weeks after surgery. An increase in activity is encouraged between 2-6 weeks, limiting this increase based on how your body feels and responds. From 6 weeks you can be mostly unrestricted with exercise but it may not be until 12 weeks following surgery that you feel you are back to pre-surgery fitness.
Pain following surgery is common and will vary depending on the extent of surgery and your own unique circumstances. Pain immediately after surgery may be reduced by the use of local anaesthetic at the surgical site, given during the surgery. The pain will also be managed with tablets or injections as required during your hospital stay and over your recovery at home. Physical measures such as the dressing, supportive garments, limited movement and possibly ice packs will all help minimise any pain. Pain is usually well tolerated within a few days after surgery with all of these measures in place. If your pain is increasing following surgery this is usually a sign that you may need a review to ensure your recovery is proceeding as expected. The Avery Care Team is available to check in with regularly to monitor your pain levels and recovery. A good general rule throughout your recovery is if an increase in movement or activity does not increase any discomfort or swelling, then it is probably safe and this gradual progression back to ‘normal’ will be encouraged.
The best time to proceed with body contouring surgery is when your weight loss is mostly complete, and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least a year before body contouring surgery.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised, to explore your options.
It is possible to combine surgical procedures to multiple areas in one operation. Surgery to the abdomen and breasts is one such combination that may be safely combined, depending on the unique circumstances of the individual. There are some Medicare and health insurance restrictions to certain combinations of surgeries performed at one time.
The key considerations of combining surgery are:
- the safety and length of the surgery.
- the influence more extensive surgery may have on the ultimate outcome.
- the required recovery period.
The potential surgical combinations will depend on your personal goals and requirements. If you are considering surgery to multiple areas, the order in which you may undergo these will also depend on what is clinically recommended to most likely achieve the desired outcome.
Body contouring is a reconstructive surgery to remove excess skin and associated underlying fat to contour a particular area of the body. In particular where skin is overlapped, redundant, excessively mobile or extends well beyond what would be considered a typical place for it to rest.
Body contouring surgery is an umbrella or generic term often used in the context of surgery that involves multiple areas of the body or to surgery that may be done in several stages. It typically refers to types of surgery that may be considered as a single procedure such as an abdominoplasty but often due to the extent of the skin sagging or excess, the surgery extends beyond the areas typically considered by the individual surgeries and a larger area of the body needs to be addressed with surgery. Body contouring surgery is usually considered after significant weight loss where the skin does not shrink back fully.
For a full list of risks associated with body contouring surgery, please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Body contouring surgery is a permanent surgical procedure; however, it does not prevent future weight gain and the lifestyle factors that influence this.
Revision surgery is a risk for any surgery. In surgeries where large areas of skin are removed to change body contour, where the removal stops and one body area transitions into another, there is a risk that the contour is improved but a small irregularity remains. Further surgery may be required and can vary from a small revision surgery to new surgery, which involves this next body area. For a full list of risks associated with body contouring surgery, visit the service page on our website.
Most body contouring procedures will be done under a general anaesthetic, and all undertaken in an accredited hospital.
A body lift is a specific surgical procedure within the larger group of body contouring surgical procedures. Body contouring surgery is the term used to describe a number of operations that are generally considered by people who have lost a significant amount of weight. Following weight loss, the overlying skin may not shrink and may leave loose hanging skin that produces symptoms such as skin irritation, difficulty with clothing choices and concern with appearance. Other specific procedures that could be considered in this category of body contouring surgery include variations of an abdominoplasty (often know as a tummy tuck within the general public), breast lift, thigh lift or reduction, arm lift or reduction and neck lift. The body lift procedure addresses loose lower abdominal skin that an abdominoplasty does and also the upper outer thighs and buttocks.
A body lift is a specific surgical procedure within the larger group of body contouring surgical procedures. Body contouring surgery is the term used to describe a number of operations that are generally considered by people who have lost a significant amount of weight. Following weight loss, the overlying skin may not shrink and may leave loose hanging skin that produces symptoms such as skin irritation, difficulty with clothing choices and concern with appearance. Other specific procedures that could be considered in this category of body contouring surgery include variations of an abdominoplasty (often know as a tummy tuck within the general public), breast lift, thigh lift or reduction, arm lift or reduction and neck lift. The body lift procedure addresses loose lower abdominal skin that an abdominoplasty does and also the upper outer thighs and buttocks.
The most appropriate time, for clinical reasons, to have body lift surgery is when your weight loss is mostly complete and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least a year before body contouring surgery.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised.
For a full list of risks associated with body lift surgery please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
After your body has recovered from childbirth and you have returned to your pre-pregnancy weight or have lost as much as you weight can with diet and exercise. We also recommend waiting until you have finished having children.
The best time to proceed with any body contouring surgery, including arm lift/reduction surgery, is when your weight loss is mostly complete, and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least one year before body contouring surgery.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised.
For a full list of risks associated with arm lift / reduction surgery please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Yes, (brachioplasty) arm lift/reduction surgery will result in some visible scars. Typically, this is on the inner aspect of the arm from the level of the elbow to the armpit. Dr Avery will limit scar length and try to position each scar in the least conspicuous position. Nonetheless, scars may be more noticeable than you anticipated. It is important that you have realistic expectations of the surgery and that you discuss potential outcomes with your surgeon. For further risks associated with arm lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
Gentle and limited use of the arms informed by change in pain or discomfort should guide arm use after surgery, lifting nothing more than a few kilos for 2-3 weeks following surgery. With time, increased use and increasing weight will be possible, as comfort allows. For further information on recovery, please visit the brachioplasty (arm lift) service page.
Recovery is an individual and typically non-linear process. Typically, you will need to be careful with how you use your arms and what you lift for 6 weeks after surgery. The typical pattern is gradually increasing use over 4 weeks with close to normal function by 6 weeks, guided by pain and swelling. For further information on recovery, please visit the brachioplasty (arm lift) service page.
Recovery is an individual and typically a non-linear process. You will most likely be walking straight after surgery. Generally, by 4 weeks post-surgery some higher intensity movement is possible with regular use of arms any time after 6 weeks, being guided by any change in discomfort or swelling. For further risks associated with arm lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
The best time to proceed with any body contouring surgery, such as thigh lift/reduction surgery, is when your weight loss is mostly complete, and your weight has been stable for several months. If you have had surgery to help achieve weight loss, you may be required to wait at least a year before any aspect of body contouring surgery. It is advisable to have surgery once you’ve reached your preferred weight, and you are able to maintain your new weight.
It is possible to have a consultation regarding potential surgery during your weight loss journey, i.e., before your weight loss has stabilised.
For a full list of risks associated with thigh lift / reduction surgery please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
Provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness, the results of the surgery are long-lasting. However, a thigh lift/reduction will not prevent the effects of time, your genetics, and lifestyle choices.
Yes, thigh lift surgery will result in some visible scars. Typically, this is on the inner aspect of the thigh. Your surgeon will limit scar length and try to position each scar in the least conspicuous position. Nonetheless, scars may be more noticeable than you anticipated. It is important that you have realistic expectations of the surgery and that you discuss potential outcomes with your surgeon. For further risks associated with thigh lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
Liposuction is a surgical technique that can be used in a number of body contouring procedures and is often used in a thigh lift/reduction procedure.
Some of the possible complications and risks associated with liposuction may include:
- Thermal burn or other heat injury to the skin or deeper tissues from the ultrasound device that is used to liquefy fat cells. This can occur in ultrasound-assisted liposuction
- Complications caused by the injection of anaesthetic fluid can include lignocaine toxicity (if the solution’s lignocaine content is too high) or collection of fluid in the lungs (if too much fluid is given). This can occur in tumescent and super-wet liposuction
- Excessive fluid loss, which can lead to shock
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection that develop in fatty tissues. This can be a serious complication and can be difficult to treat
- Delayed healing
- Friction burns or other damage to the skin or nerves
- Irregular skin surface, uneven contours or rippling
- Asymmetric or ‘baggy’ skin surface
- Change in skin sensation or numbness
- Skin pigmentation changes, skin discolouration or swelling
- Unacceptable scarring
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
- Pain, which may be ongoing
- Allergic drug reactions
- Formation of blood clots or fat clots, which may migrate to the lungs
- Persistent swelling in the legs
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Further surgery may be necessary to address complications
It should be possible to get out of bed and to a nearby toilet the night of surgery or the next day dependant on the extent of surgery, any other surgery and factors that may limit your movement such as pain. You will be guided by hospital staff and by Dr Avery, given your unique circumstances. However, you should anticipate your movement being limited following surgery. For further risks associated with thigh lift / reduction surgery, please visit the service page on our website.
Face
If the surgery is medically indicated, and it attracts a Medicare item number, and your private health insurance policy covers the allocated item number, then some or all of your costs will be covered. To review our comprehensive price guide that provides an outline of the costs that your health insurance or Medicare may or may not cover, please download our guide, here.
Sun exposure can adversely impact early wound healing and have an adverse effect on the pigmentation and long term quality of the scar. All scars should be protected from sun until they are mature, which may not be until one year post-surgery. A spray tan is fine after a few weeks once the wound is healed.
Visual obstruction, scarring from previous trauma, skin irritation or functional issues related to certain nerves in the face, may make you eligible for Medicare rebate. The most common reason for surgery is to correct visual obstruction, which usually progresses with time once it becomes symptomatic. To qualify for a Medicare rebate and have some coverage from your health insurance based on obstruction, you will need to have an assessment by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine if the excess skin is obstructing your visual field.
Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelid. Excess upper eyelid skin can lead to visual filed reduction or obstruction, skin irritation and possible infections.
Typically, a week off work is sufficient however, you may still have some visible bruising.
A goal of upper blepharoplasty may be to address some limitation of the upper visual fields and in this context, they may be improvement in the visual fields.
Skin is removed during upper blepharoplasty surgery, which means there will be scars following this procedure. Generally, the scars are partially obscured at the site where a skin crease often exists on the eyelids. Like all scars, individual results will vary depending on a variety of factors including genetics and skin quality. For a full list or risks associated with blepharoplasty surgery, visit the service page on our website.
A brow lift elevates skin on the forehead but does not directly impact the eyelid skin. An upper eye lift removes the skin of the lids by reducing the amount of skin between brown and lash, but it does elevate the brow position or change its shape.
The post-op bandage needs to be kept dry while in use. After the first checkup, if the wound is healing well, the post-op bandage is removed and it will be acceptable to shower and wash your hair. Activities such as swimming can put pressure on the healing ears. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid swimming for 6 weeks. When returning to swimming lessons an adjustable neoprene (wet-suit material) headband can help gently support the ears and avoid the ears being pushed forward with the weight of the water.
As with all surgical procedures, revisional surgery may be necessary. This may be to correct minor irregularities or even some degree of recurrence of the initial concern. Surgery to the ear (or even simply ear piercing) can result in a keloid scar and this may need treatment. A keloid scar may not become obvious for several months following surgery.
Ear correction surgery is mostly done on children between the ages of four and fourteen because children’s auricular cartilages are still soft and it is easier to shape the cartilage or auricle into the appropriate form and pin it back, using gentle surgical techniques. Teenagers and adults have firmer cartilage; however, ear surgery can still be effective in teenagers and adults.
Where there are incisions, there are scars. As the incisions are usually located behind the ears, scars will be well-hidden. Ears can be an at-risk site on the body for keloid scars.
Some throbbing or aching of the ears may occur during the first few days. A customised pain relief program will be created for you or your child to manage pain and discomfort during the recovery period.
Some bruising and swelling is expected following rhinoplasty surgery. It may take about 7- 10 days for bruising to resolve and several weeks for the swelling to subside. Elevating your head when sleeping and resting, applying ice, and use of over-the-counter medications may assist in the relief of these symptoms.
Ultimately the decision to explore surgery is yours to make. However, small children require hands-on attention and can be unpredictable in their movements (e.g., throwing their heads back) and being around small children will increase the risk of trauma to your nose post-surgery.
Rhinoplasty surgery involves repairing or reshaping the nose cartilage and bone to achieve a change in size, shape, or function of the nose.
For a full list of risks associated with rhinoplasty / nose surgery please refer to the risk section on our website under services. These will also be discussed with you during your consultation and provided to you in your comprehensive surgical consent form.
The Avery team will provide you with detailed information about what to expect over the course of your recovery and will be available to answer any questions you have along the way.
An overnight stay in hospital is often recommended following rhinoplasty surgery. Following rhinoplasty surgery, you may return to work and normal activities within 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the procedure. There will be some bruising, swelling, and occasional bleeding, which generally subsides about 2 weeks after the operation. A customised pain relief program will be created for each patient and issued before leaving the hospital. As with any recovery, your unique circumstances, medical history, and genetics will affect your path of recovery. For further information on recovery, visit the rhinoplasty / nose surgery service page on our website.
A cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery involves reshaping the nose cartilage and bone to achieve a change in size or shape of the nose. This can also be a reconstructive procedure if required after a trauma to the nose or related to a congenital issue. A functional rhinoplasty refers to surgery to address issues with breathing due to the internal structures of your nose. If your concerns are only related to breathing a consultation with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon is recommended.
Rhinoplasty surgery involves repairing or reshaping the nose cartilage and bone to achieve a change in size or shape of the nose. This can address issues with breathing due to the internal structures of your nose, however, if your concerns are only related to breathing a consultation with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon is recommended.
Yes, rhinoplasty surgery involves repairing or reshaping the nose cartilage and bone to achieve a change in size or shape of the nose. There are limitations with any surgery, and with what can be achieved given your unique facial structure. Your expectations and whether surgery can achieve what you are hoping for will be discussed during your consultation with Dr Avery.
Yes, rhinoplasty surgery involves repairing or reshaping the nose cartilage and bone to achieve a change in size or shape of the nose. There are limitations with any surgery, and with what can be achieved given your unique facial structure. Your expectations and whether surgery can achieve what you are hoping for will be discussed during your consultation with Dr Avery.
You should not blow your nose for 7 to 10 days after rhinoplasty surgery to avoid any potential trauma to the nasal structures.
Some bruising and swelling are expected following rhinoplasty surgery. It may take at least 7- 14 days for bruising to resolve and several weeks for the initial swelling to subside, with the final result at around 12-18 months after surgery. Elevating your head when sleeping and resting, applying ice, and use of over-the-counter medications may assist in the relief of these symptoms. For a full list or risks associated with rhinoplasty, as well as information on recovery, please visit the service page on our website.