What is the expected recovery time post-surgery?

The amount of time off required post-surgery is dependant on the time spent in theatre, the complexity of your specific surgery and how physically demanding your occupation/normal duties usually are. You will be informed at your consultation how much time you will need to take off. Below are some approximate guidelines for recovery time:

• Breast enlargement surgery: 1-2 weeks
• Breast reduction/lift: 2-4 weeks
• Facial lift/neck lift surgery: 4-6 weeks
• Rhinoplasty/otoplasty 2-3 weeks

Do I need a referral to see Dr Wilson?

No, you do not need a referral. However, if you bring a referral you may be eligible for some rebates associated with Medicare depending on what surgery you are having. While it is not essential we always recommend patients to get a valid referral.

What is involved in the consultation process?

During your first consultation, you will meet with Dr Wilson, who will spend extensive time discussing your health history and treatment desires. He will also perform an examination of the area to be operated on, and you will be provided with an estimate for your surgery.

Please keep in mind that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

When is payment due?

Payment is required to be completed four weeks before surgery.

Where does Dr Wilson operate?

Dr Wilson currently operates in two locations:

Linacre Private Hospital, Hampton

The Bays Hospital, Mornington

What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?

The difference between cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons is significant. While both cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons deal with improving the body, the philosophies guiding their training, research and goals for the patient are vastly different.

Cosmetic surgeons can originate from any medical speciality or no speciality at all. They may not have completed surgical training beyond the basic training that every medical student receives. This means that a practitioner referring to themselves as a cosmetic surgeon could be a family doctor who has decided to perform cosmetic procedures. The Medical Board of Australia does not recognise ‘cosmetic surgery’ as a speciality practice of surgery. Therefore the title‘ cosmetic surgeon’ does not indicate certain qualifications.

By contrast, plastic surgery includes both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery and originates in the treatment of burns injuries. They are required to complete a minimum of 12 years training, including a fellowship of The Royal Australian College of Surgery. Plastic surgeons have therefore been trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a deep understanding of a range of surgical techniques and solutions for patients with very different physiology.

Dr Wilson is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), the only statutory recognised body for the training of Plastic Surgeons in Australia. You can learn more about Dr Wilson’s medical background and expertise here.

What are the dangers of medical tourism?

Many countries are marketing themselves as medical tourism destinations, with companies offering enticing, all-inclusive vacation packages that include cosmetic surgery to places such as Thailand, Brazil and Mexico. Patients who choose to travel abroad for a cosmetic surgery holiday based on price may be exposing themselves to significant risk.

A survey published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that more than half of all patients who travel overseas for cosmetic surgery end up requiring multiple operations to deal with their complications. These complications are often due to the use of low-grade medical devices, such as cheap breast implants. This would not be the case here in Australia where implants are closely monitored by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

A lack of post-operative care also contributes to the increase of complications. A holiday destination filled with sun, sand and surf is a poor environment for wound healing and preventing infection. Post-operative care is as important as the procedure itself and should be taken seriously. Once you return home you will no longer have the surgeon nearby. If a complication arises, you will need to find a local doctor willing to take on a case with complications (this can be very expensive) or return overseas.

Without a thorough understanding of the medical standards for the chosen overseas facility, the medical providers, their surgical training or the post-operative care that will be provided, your health may be at significant risk. If you have not met the surgeon or seen the surgery facility, how do you know you will be comfortable in proceeding with surgery? Cosmetic surgery overseas is not regulated as carefully as it is in Australia, where we have laws and regulations in place to protect patients from malpractice surgeons.