A 'Rice Sizer'

When deciding on what size breast implant you want, there are several different options that your plastic surgeon might discuss with you;

Do you want High Profile (HP) or Moderate Profile (MP)?

Do you want Silicone or Saline?

Do you want the implant inserted in the crease incision, transax (armpit), areola (nipple) or in the belly button?

Do you want ‘Over’ the muscle or ‘Under’ the muscle?

But one of the most difficult decisions, might be ‘What size implant do you want?’

Many women puzzle and worry over this. When you have your consultation with a Plastic Surgeon, he will measure you, and determine what  size can fit within the diameter of your chest wall.

You may have a strong idea of what size you are aiming for, or you may be curious to see what the size your surgeon has suggested will look like,  on you. Either way, the ‘Rice Sizer Test’ can give you a rough guide to what size implant you want.

There are factors that will reduce the accuracy of this test (if you already have implants, or you have larger breasts before surgery), but in general, it gives a pretty good guide.

So here is how to make them:

Get a pair of stockings (preferrably skin colour, but it doesn’t really matter). Cut them off at about shin height- You will be filling the toe section with rice.

Fill them with the required amount of  uncooked rice (see table for measurements) and tie a knot in the stocking.

For a High Profile look, tie the knot close to the top of the rice. For a moderate profile implant,  tie the knot higher up, to give a loose ‘flat’ shape.

Place the ‘sizers’ in a tight sports bra.  Try wearing under clothes for several hours to get used to the look.

NOTE:  Depending on whether the implant will be placed ‘over’ or ’under’ the muscle will affect the accuracy of this test. If you are placing the implant under the muscle allow for some ‘volume loss’. Implants under the muscle tend to be compressed a little, so a 300cc implant might appear more like a 240cc implant over the muscle. Allow for a 20%volume loss when going under the muscle. So if you want a 400cc implant try making a 320cc rice sizer

(20% of 400cc = 80cc        so, 400 – 80= 320cc)

Table of rice quantities:

• 1 cup = 236cc
• 1/2 cup = 118cc
• 3/4 cup = 177cc
• 1/4 cup = 59cc
• 1/3 cup = 78cc
• 2/3 cup = 156cc
• 1/8 cup = 30cc

Use a combination of these measurements to create the right size for you.

The first time you wear these, you may be shocked by how large they look. The best idea, is to wear them for  (at least) a whole day.  Some people wear them for several weeks leading up to their surgery.

You’ll find that over time you will become accustomed to the new look, and may even want to try a bigger size . It’s much cheaper to find out that you want a different size before surgery than after!

Minimising Your Scars

The goal of all plastic surgery is to have an invisible scar, or as close to this ideal as possible.

So how can you increase the odds that your skin will heal well?

First of all, let’s talk about what can go wrong.

Hypertophic scars are the kind that become raised and thick.  Keloid scars are the kind that can actually grow over time, and thicken to a ‘zippered’ appearance.. Some nationalities are more likely to develop keloid scarring than others, and if you have other scars that have healed poorly, your chances are higher that you will have problems again.  So what can you do to reduce your chances?

Steps You Can Take Before Surgery;

Quit Smoking

smoking can reduce the body’s ability to heal, and reduces blood flow to the surgical area, thus reducing the chances of healthy skin re-juvenation

Alcohol

Stop Drinking Alcohol, before and after your surgery;  Drinking alcohol can actually increase your risk of infection, and that can result in messy scars. Drinking also takes a toll on your liver, and we all know that an unhealthy liver displays itself on your skin.  No alcohol for several weeks before and after the surgery would give your body a chance to concentrate on healing and ridding itself of the medication and waste that surgery naturally creates.

Drink plenty of water

Moisturise  your skin from the outside, And hydrate it from the inside – this is the best skin plan around! Keep a bottle of water on your bedsid

After Surgery

If your surgeon uses steri- strip tape (the white medical tape) on your incisions, leave it on as long as possible (unless directed otherwise). It helps to support the new scar, preventing stretching and sagging. It should also help to keep your scar flat.

Once the incision is completely closed (sealed tight and healed) you can start using scar creams, gels,oils or scar tape.

There are lots of different types, ranging from the basic natural oils, to the scientifically advanced lotions and gels.

Silicone gels (100% silicone) have been proven to work extremely well on keloid scars and surgical scars. Gels seem to absorb faster than creams, so a silicone gel would be one of the best options around for your scars.

Another option is silicone sheets. These act like the medical tape that is used initially after surgery but they are designed to be used over an extended time. It goes on like tape, and creates a hydrated environment for the scar to heal. It also has the added benefit of supporting the scar to keep it smooth. One downside it that it can lose its ‘sticking’ power, and start to come away from the scar (and if it is not touching the scar, its not doing any good!). The sheeting is also not useful when you are massaging the area.

Massage

In the end, it doesn’t matter too much what you use, as long as it helps to lubricate the area while you massage.

Massaging the scar helps to break down the scar tissue that naturally forms and create a flexible, supple scar.

You want to prevent a thick build up of scar tissue, and the best way is to massage the scar regularly.

Rubbing length ways,and then up and down in a zig zag motion is a great way to keep the scar soft. Do this a few times a day in the initial months, then 1-2 times a day for the next 6 months, for up to a year. This should result in the best possible scar.

In some surgeries (like Tummy Tucks) you may have ‘dog ears’ at the end of your scars. If you’ve ever tried to sew up a hole in a pair of jeans, you probably found that the end of your newly stitched hole,  resulted in a weird pucker of fabric where the ends didn’t quite meet neatly. In Tummy Tucks, this is called a dog ear, and if it is not too severe, it can be improved with massage. Massaging the skin can help to flatten minor puckers and release tension caused by the build up of collagen in the area.

If the cream, oil or gel that you are using causes irritation, stop using it straight away.

Don’t use any oils, creams or gels until your surgeon has ok’d them, using them before the wound is closed can cause it to become irritated and infected.

Keep Your Scars Covered

Another important thing to remember is that your scars shouldn’t see the sun during the first year of healing.

If you do want to tan, cover up your scars with sun block and a bandaid if possible. Always aim for as many levels of protection as possible, sunscreen and clothing plus some sort of bandage or gauze.

If you do tan the scar, it can permanently darken, leaving a more noticeable scar for the long term. Think of your scars being like a baby’s skin- it shouldn’t be exposed to the sun for the first year of life when it is at it’s most vulnerable.

How Long Will It Take To Fade?

It is normal for a scar to take a long time to fade, often the scar will actually get darker in the first 4 months and look worse, and then slowly fade to white over a year.

Most Breast Augmentation scars will be thin and flat on their own, but Tummy Tuck scars tend be larger and more prominent because there is more tension on the skin, and two areas of completely separate skin being bought together.

It is worth investing the time and money on you scars, after all- you are spending thousands of dollars on the procedure, making sure the end result is as good as possible seems like a worthwhile investment.

Been told to MASSAGE?

If you have just had Breast Augmentation with implants, you may have been told that you need to massage. Unfortunately it’s not the kind, involving a girls day at the spa.

When your Plastic Surgeon makes an incision into your breast pocket, he/she will also make a large pocket of space where the implant will sit.

If you are getting a ‘smooth’ shelled implant, he will probably make the pocket quite a bit bigger than the implant size.

This means that the implant can move around in the space quite freely. This extra ‘leg room’ means that when your body creates it’s own protective capsule or scar tissue around the new implant, it will do so, with enough room to spare.

As long as you keep this ‘large pocket of space’ around your implant, a tight capsule will not form, that compresses the implant and create a distorted shape (also known as Capsular Contracture or CC), giving the unwanted “orange” look.

So in order to keep the pocket nice and big you need to be massaging regularly. Possibly 3 times a day in the first 6 months, then once a day from then onwards.

This massaging pushes the implant up, down, sideways and ‘flat’.   The best way to do it, is with the palm of your hand. You want to push the ‘implant’ around, not the skin, so using the palm helps to give firm pressure in the right places. A good indication that you are doing it right, is that the nipple will stay in the same place, only the implant underneath will slide around.

So stand in front of a mirror and let’s get started:

Push your implant to the left, and hold for 20 seconds. Now push it to the Right for 20 seconds.

Push it up for 20 seconds, as high up as you can (imagine that you are trying to push it into your collar bone).

Push it down into the breast fold, (go easy if you have a new scar along this fold, but not too gentle!  Your stitches should hold just fine).

Now take your whole hand and flatten the implant like a pancake against your chest. This will make the implant flatten and push out all around the edges, creating a nice pressure all over.

Now repeat the process with the other breast.

You can do both at the same time, but if you have implants under the muscle, it is not as effective. The muscle tenses up as you push your opposite implant around, and makes it harder for your other hand to manipulate the breast as it tenses.

There are a number of situations where massage is NOT recommended.

In the first few days after your surgery you will probably be told not to massage. This allows the wound enough time to heal. It also allows you time to recover a little, so that your breasts are not as tender or painful. The first few times that you massage can be quite uncomfortable. If your surgeon has recommended it, persist. It will get easier with time .

If you have textured implants, you will not need to massage. These implants are designed to bond with the scar tissue and not move.

Anatomical implants (tear drop shaped) are also not meant to be massaged. They can rotate sideways if they are not textured, and this can create a serious problem. So don’t massage this type!

Brazilian Furry Implants are also not meant to be massaged. They are similar to textured implants, and are meant to adhere to the surrounding tissue.

Once your incisions are closed and healed, you may want to use a massage oil or cream to help with the process.

This is just to help lubricate the area and make the movement easier, plus it might help the skin stay supple and stretch mark free.

Massage is one of the most important things that you can do, as the patient, in preventing CC after surgery (provided you have been told to do it by your surgeon).  If you are likely to forget, try doing it when you get out of the shower, before getting dressed. Then again when you wash your hands/ or use the bathroom before eating lunch. Then again when you brush your teeth before bed.

You may even want to enlist the help of your partner, who will probably be pleased to have the job.

Keep massaging, for the life of your implants, and you will hopefully have soft, supple breasts for years to come.

Plastic surgery involves the body’s largest organ; our Skin.

When the skin is separated from the under-lying tissue it fills with fluid and creates swelling. The body can struggle to rid itself of this excess waste, which can slow down the healing process and increase discomfort.

That’s where compression garments/ bras come in. Some surgeons like to put them on you during the surgery, others prefer to use bandages for the first few days, so that they have easy access to the incision site.

The gentle, but firm pressure helps the skin ‘adhere’ to the new under-lying tissue, to prevent excessive bruising or swelling.

They also provide support for the skin and scar. Scars need support in the early days, so that there is not too much pressure on the delicate skin, the last thing you want is a stretched, wide scar.

Supporting the skin also helps to prevent stretch marks from forming.

These specially designed clothes, help improve and increase blood circulation,
rid your body of potentially harmful fluids, decrease your post surgery recovery time and reduce swelling. In short, they help you to recover faster.

Because plastic surgery covers so many different areas of the body there’s a wide range  of compression or post- surgical clothing. I will cover several of the most common types and what you should look for when buying them;

Breast Implants, Breast Lifts and Reductions:

Design Veronique Surgical Compression Bra

Design Veronique Surgical Compression Bra

For those who are having a breast augmentation (implants, lifts or reduction), it is vital that the bra does not have an under-wire that might irritate the new scar .  An under-wire can also change the shape of the newly forming breasts by molding the shape of the new scar tissue, which is not a desirable outcome!

An under-wire can also reduce the blood flow to the newly forming breast tissue, which can lead to complications such as necrosis (death to the skin and surrounding tissues).

Another feature to look for is a front opening design.  When your muscles are sore and you have limited arm movement, the last thing you need is to be wrestling with a bra that closes at the back!

A zippered front design makes it easy to get on and off by yourself, and undo while lying in bed to massage, check your wounds and other such things that you will be doing during the recovery.

They usually come up quite high at the front and extra long down the front (around your ribs). This is not so that you look as ‘grandma-ish’ as possible- but so the swelling and fluid is compressed in areas where it tends to build up. Your new breasts might seem like they are up in your collar bones initially, so the compression needs to start up there and go right down to your lower ribs.

Compression Girdles or Binders (for a Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty or liposuction of the mid-section)

Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Binder by Design Veronique

These sexy numbers are reminiscent of the good old days when women wore girdles to maintain the perfect waistline.  Your great -grandma would be proud- your mother who burnt her bra in the 70′s, might not be.

The main function of these are to support the weakened muscles and ensure the skin re-adheres to the new underlying tissues as quickly as possible.

They vary from a simple, big “velcro” band, to the more high-tech sort that starts under your breasts and and extends down to your crotch. Some have an ‘open’ crotch design, others have a special snap/ hook and eye opening for trips to the bathroom. One of the bonuses of these ‘body suit’ style garments are that they also provide compression over the pubic mound. Many a post surgery woman has wondered why she has the side profile of a Ken Doll. The swelling travels south from the stomach area- and this means that the pubic bone can cop a lot of excess fluid. Some of the best abdominoplasty garments have a special reinforced section to combat this problem. The other benefit to a body suit design is that they won’t roll up at the bottom when you move.

Some have a ‘hook and eye’ opening or zips either up the centre or on the sides for easier removal.

Some of the best compression girdles come with openings designed for accommodating drains (those tubes that help to drain fluid out of your body into a small external bag that you may have to carry around for the first few days or week).

These full piece items are ideal if you can afford them, some costing as high as $200.

Post Surgical Compression Garment Clothing by Design Veronique

The simple ‘velcro’ binder is what many hospitals will issue as the standard. They are simple and easy to take on and off but their biggest down side is the tendency to ride up too high as you wear it.  They often find themselves bunched up around your bra line and leave the swelling to build up down low where you need the coverage the most.

They also tend to be itchy and irritating when the itchy velcro rubs on your hips and sides. This can be combated with a long singlet top worn under the velcro binder.

They do the job of supporting the repaired abdominal muscles but they are certainly not the ideal option.

There are also ‘stage 1 and stage 2′ binders or compression clothes available in some brands.

Stage 1 refers to the initial period of recovery- the first fortnight after surgery. The support is moderate and they usually have zippers for easy “on and off”.

Stage 2 compression garments usually have no zippers (you are probably able to dress yourself easily at this point) and come in a smaller cut/size as the initial swelling will probably have subsided by this point.

Liposuction

Obviously there are numerous places on the body that lipo can be performed so the different styles of post surgical wear vary,  from full body suits to legs stockings, arm sleeves and suits that cover like a full piece swimsuit.

With liposuction the blood flow is compromised and it is essential to keep the area compressed so that the skin re-adheres well and the swelling is reduced. Your body has to rid itself of the toxins and a good quality compression clothing is vital.

Facial Surgery (Face and Neck Lifts)

Face Lift Compression Bandage by Design Veronique

There are facial bands for neck lifts that help to support the face. They wrap all the way around the face, and over the top of the head. They help to shape the new neck skin and around the jaw.

What other options should you like for?

There are also ‘stage 1 and stage 2′ binders or compression clothes available in some brands.

Stage 1 refers to the initial period of recovery- the first fortnight after surgery. The support is moderate and they usually have zippers for easy, minimal stress “on and off” of the clothing.

Stage 2 compression garments usually have no zippers (you are probably able to dress yourself easily at this point) and come in a smaller cut as the initial swelling will probably have subsided by now.

So what colour should I get? This is not as silly a question as you might think.

Black and skin colour are probably recommended for the initial week after surgery. There can be blood, betadine (the antiseptic used in surgery) and other things that can stain the fabric immediately after surgery.

For this reason you should have a spare item to change into. The exception being the velcro binder for Tummy Tucks as this is generally worn over a singlet or piece of clothing (due to it’s stiff, itchy fabric).

The fabrics of these surgical clothes are specially designed to maintain their shape, even with constant wear and are usually made from a special lycra/nylon blend. This gives softness and support.

Some of the leading brands are; Design Veronique, Marena, Rainey,Vedette and Taylor and Taylor.

Make sure you get the right size, too tight and they can become very uncomfortable, but too loose and they are useless. Companies that operate in Australia such, as Marena  have representatives who can help you with sizing and they should also be able to return and exchange a wrong size before your surgery.

These surgical clothes can seem pricey but when you consider the cost of the surgery, the post-surgical clothing is a relatively small investment in your potential outcome and comfort.

*Special thanks to Design Veronique for permission to use images

Brazilian ‘Furry’ Silimed Implants? Fad or Fantastic?

The latest trend in Australia, in the breast implant industry, are the unusually named Brazilian or “Silimed” implants.

So what are they, and will they be a passing fad, or a lasting breakthrough in breast augmentations?

Australia has recently approved these implants after extensive testing overseas, where they have been around for the past 30 years.

So why are they so different?  They’re covered in a layer of polyurethane-foam that creates a ‘furry’ feel to the outer shell. It is supposed to feel like suede or fur which is why they are often referred to as “furry Brazilian implants”.

The outer shell, reportedly reduces the risk of Capsular Contracture, which is a risk that every woman considering breast surgery should be aware of.

Firstly, what is Capsular Contracture? Well, our bodies have a natural defense against any ‘foreign object’ that we take into our body. Our bodies try to create a capsule (or lining) of tissue to wrap around the implant and keep it away from “us”. With breast implants this is normal until it begins to tighten or become smaller than the implant.

It can become constrictive around the implant and “squeeze” it into a deformed shape, leaving the breast looking either like a tight tennis ball or an unusual, deformed, shape. It can happen soon after surgery or years down the track. It is believed that infection or contamination may be a trigger.

These ‘furry brazilian implants’ cause a different reaction, instead of one large capsule forming , many ‘micro capsules’ form. This means that it doesn’t contract like a tight bag around the implant.

Studies have shown that in a first time breast augmentation, the chance of capsular contracture (CC) is around 17% over the first 7 years.

Studies into  Brazilian silimed implants suggest a rate as low as 1% over 15 years- (the range being 0-9% in different studies) which is a significant reduction- one that makes these implants very attractive! This could mean less ‘re-dos’ over the span of a normal woman’s life, an exciting prospect, for sure.

So how do they work?

They use a shell that adheres to the body’s natural tissue, made from polyurethane foam. It has a special circular pattern that prevents the formation of the large ‘capsule’.

The shell also resists the ‘squeezing’ affect much better than a normal ‘thin shelled’ implant due to its thicker surface. They are filled with the same cohesive gel that all silicone implants use in Australia.

One of the potential concerns, is that the coating may have  carcinogenic properties (may cause cancer).

Implants using this polyurethane coating were pulled from the market internationally in the early 1990′s due to a small, unquantifiable risk that  long term exposure to the foam may cause cancer.  The recent approval of their use in Australia suggests that no long term risk has been identified.

This polyurethane foam surface has been used for years in other medical devices, such as pacemakers and blood vessel grafts, and it is believed that the risk of adverse affects from the materials used (such as cancer) are negligible, however it is something that will no doubt be considered by women who decide to use them.

So what do they feel like?

If you were to hold one in your hand it would resemble fur or a suede material, but once inside your body they start off by feeling firmer than a regular silicone implant. This can last longer than the normal ‘softening’ process of a regular implant. The idea is that they start out firmer but end up being softer than other options in the end.

One of the big issues with these implants is that they don’t move once they are implanted. Normally an implant will “Drop and fluff”, a process where they start off high and tight, compressed by the pectoral muscle. As the muscle  relaxes and the stretches the implant moves into the proper position. It looks from the outside like it is ‘dropping’ down.

Because the silimed brazilian implants act more like velcro, adhering to the chest wall, the surgeon does not have the same room for error. They have to be positioned exactly right the first time.

They do still ‘fluff’, meaning that the initial shape will change as the muscle relaxes, and they will look better as the swelling, bruising and ‘fluffing’ occurs.

One of the main benefits is actually the use of “anatomical” shaped Brazilian Silimed implants. These anatomical implants are designed to have a more natural tear dropped shape, however are not as widely used as the round shape due to the risk that they can ‘rotate’ or turn sideways once implanted. Usually they are made from textured shelled implants to prevent this from happening.  The polyurethane ‘velcro’  effect virtually removes this risk.

Another possible risk with implants is ‘bottoming out’ but due to the nature of the silimed implants this is less likely to happen.

They have been trialed in Australia for 3 years, and available to the general public,  for 2yrs. Some surgeon’s are so happy with them that they use them exclusively, others are still sceptical about the safety of the polyurethane coating.

The US has not yet approved the use of them.

So, it will be interesting to see whether they become the future of implants in Australia or if they will become just another confusing option in the breast implant checklist.

PlasticSurgeryForum is on Twitter and Facebook.

I know some of you prefer ‘the cloak of anonymity’ when it comes to your forum involvement, but there are others (I hope!) who will not mind ‘friending a newbie’ (that being us).  So if you feel like following, subscribing or ‘twadding’ (is that a real twitter term or am I showing my ignorance by believing everything I read?!) we would LOVE to have you join us.

Over the coming week I am hoping to get some face book and twitter buttons on each page so you can ‘like’ or ‘share’ posts, threads or articles with others, or just follow what’s happening on the forum from your phone.

I hope it’s a great new resource -

Facebook

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Thanks guys, for all your support,

Sienna

Some might disagree on what the necessities in life are exactly, however, most people view plastic surgery as being firmly in the  ”luxury” category.

I have come to disagree with this, after seeing and talking to many many woman about this topic I think there are a great majority of people that opt for ‘elective’ surgery out of a very reasonable need.

Just google ‘before and after pics’ on some of the differing surgeries and you will find that there are a lot of necessary situations. Take for example the woman who has joyfully breast fed several babies only to find her breasts are no longer so full of joy…. in fact they look a little more like a pair of socks with a marble in each one.

Or the woman who has chronic back pain from excessively large bossoms. If her pain was from Gall Stones, they wouldn’t hesitate to slice and dice to fix the problem, however the critics cry “plastic surgery is optional, and only fake people do that sort of thing”.

We strive for perfection in many areas in our lives, and so there is a pressure to be perfect looking, however most people who are going into these surgeries are doing so, not to stand out in the crowd as a playboy pin-up girl, but to restore a feeling of ‘normal’ to their bodies.  There are always the exceptions, the people that choose to get extreme changes  but in general Australia has very conservative Plastic Surgeons, who’s goals are that of conservative improvement. Thats not to say that there is anything wrong with ‘non- conservative’ goals either, in the art of breast surgery there are some beautiful examples in ALL shapes and sizes!

My story

I really started this web site to create a place for people to come and share their experiences and questions with each other in a safe environment. I never would have dreamed that I would be involved in a project such as this a couple of years ago.  But my prejudices changed after the birth of full term twins, and my stomach went from being something I prided myself on to being not disimilar to a stucco wall.  There was no earthly way that skin was going back to its original position.

Luckily twins didn’t give me much time to contemplate the fate of my tummy, but I soon discovered the other side effect that goes with having a beach ball sized mound for several months- muscle separation, never to return to their rightful place supporting my back and torso.

I went searching for other people online who had similar problems but realised that most of the good forums are overseas. Australia just did not have the forum that it needed. So, here it is….. but  in its infant form. We need YOU to come, stay and help make this place the helpful, fun, social place that it can be.

Seeya all,

Sienna

Most of the time we can only go on our impression of the doctors personality and the amount of framed certificates hanging on his wall, and that could be all together misleading.

Just because someone has the personality of a goldfish doesn’t mean he is not picasso in the operating room!

So how do you find the surgeon who will create the ideal you have in your head?

Here are some ideas that should help (and some that might not help at all…):

• Do they have the highest qualifications available?

• “Members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have recognised training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and operate to the highest standards. Member surgeons operate only in accredited surgical facilities, adhere to a strict code of ethics, and regularly attend continuing medical education courses.

  Look for the letters FRACS after a doctor’s name. This means that they meet the standards of surgical training set by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). The RACS is the only accredited surgical training college in Australia.

  You can also check that a doctor is a specialist in plastic surgery by calling the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons’ information hotline on 1300 367 446 or by clicking on the ‘Surgeon Search’ button at www.plasticsurgery.org.au”

• Have they performed many surgeries in the particular area you want. Have they done extra training in that field? Some surgeons do mostly Breast Augmentation, wheras others might be trained in Craniofacial surgeries, and would be more suited to nose surgeries.

• Do you know anybody who has been a patient with the surgeon. Forums such as this one are a great way for people to share their experiences in an unbiased way.

• Google their name, if no lawsuits apear thats a good sign…

• It is a good idea to go to 3 consultations to get several opinions on what would be best for you. Different surgeons might have totally different ideas on what you should have done.

• When you went to the consultation did you feel that the surgeon listened to your goals and desires? It is important to listen to their proffessional opinion, as that is their area of expertise, however your goals are individual, and a good surgeon should be able to take your aims and ideas and help you achieve as close to that as possible.  A surgeon that makes you feel uncomfortable may not be easy to deal with if something goes wrong down the track, especially if you need a redo. What are their guarantees if there are problems? Will they cover any costs that may arise due to complications.

• Ask to see photos of their patients, but keep in mind that they will always show the good cases! These pictures can give you an idea of where the surgeon makes the incisions and what procedures he does regularly.

• There are risks in every surgery, don’t always base your decision on the cheapest option. This does not mean that the outcome will be better if you pay more money, but in Australia, the more qualified a plastic surgeon is, generally the more they can charge.  A registered, board certified  surgeon will have undergone more training than a cosmetic surgeon and will likely charge accordingly. It is your life and body that you are trusting to this person, so make sure you feel completely happy before proceeding.

Know your stuff. Research what you are doing as much as you can, be informed and you will be prepared to ask the right questions. If you know clearly what you want you will be in a better position to get it!

Lastly, check for a picture of a wife on the desk- if she looks extra-ordinarily attractive, chances are she has benefited from his skilled hands, and you know you are in good hands!