Preparing For Surgery
Surgery Fees
Once you and your surgeon have decided that surgery is needed, our staff will be able to provide you with a cost estimate for your surgery. This can be a confusing area and our staff can offer you assistance in navigating the financial part of your surgery. This includes help with paper work, hospital admissions, health fund rebates and the like.
With respect to plastic and reconstructive surgery, some of the operations will receive a benefit from your insurer whilst others will not. We are able to give you the appropriate advice on all these matters and give you estimates of what the final costs might be.
Please be advised that when you have an operation, there is a fee for your attending surgeon, assisting surgeon, anaesthetist and the hospital.
Our staff are fully informed about charges and rebates and will be able to help you navigate your way through this complex area.
Your surgery fee covers you for up to six weeks of post operative care.
Preparing For Surgery
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Routine tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, are usually performed before the surgery. Discuss any medications you are taking with your surgeon and your family physician to see which ones you can safely stop taking prior to surgery. These may include any blood thinning medications or anti-inflammatory medications.
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If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will aid recovery and make the anaesthetic safer.
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If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your anaesthetic and surgical risks. Smokers have higher complication rates including infection and delayed healing rates. Report any infections to your surgeon. Elective surgery usually will not be performed until all infections have cleared up.
After Care
If you are having Day Surgery, remember the following:
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Have a family member or friend available to take you home – you will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours because of the anaesthetic.
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Do not drink or eat anything in the car on the trip home – the combination of anaesthesia, food and car motion can cause nausea or vomiting.
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After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat. Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours.
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If you had surgery on an extremity (arm, hand, leg, knee, foot), keep that extremity elevated and use ice as directed. This will help decrease swelling and pain.
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Take your pain medicine as directed. Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable. Do not wait until you are in severe pain. If you wait until the pain is severe to take your pain medication you will have more difficulty controlling the pain.
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Please keep your dressings intact until you see your surgeon for a post operative appointment.
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If you have any questions, please call one of our offices and speak with our staff. If you have an urgent medical problem contact, please contact your surgeon.
For Further Post Operative Instructions