Your Surgery
Your Surgery planning at Breast and Wellness Centre
At Breast and Wellness, we aim to make scheduling your surgery a seamless and stress-free process. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring clarity, comfort, and personalised care. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to book your surgery, what to avoid during the preparation phase, and essential post-operative care tips.
How to Schedule Your Surgery
1. Confirm Your Surgery Details
Your surgeon will discuss the recommended procedure, hospital options, and the expected timeline during your consultation.
2. Choose Your Preferred Hospital
We work with both private and public hospitals, allowing you to select the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
3. Schedule Your Surgery Date
Once you’ve selected the hospital, our team will coordinate with the hospital to finalise your surgery date.
4. Complete Preoperative Requirements
Any necessary pre-surgery tests or paperwork will be organised, and you’ll receive clear instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
5. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions
Your surgeon will provide detailed preoperative instructions, including specific dietary or medication adjustments.
6. Confirmation and Follow-Up
You’ll receive a cold the day before surgery advising you about the time to arrive in the hospital and when to start your fasting
What to Avoid Before Surgery
To ensure a safe and successful surgery, follow these precautions:
1. Medications
Avoid blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for at least five days before surgery (or as directed by your surgeon).
Inform your surgeon about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking to determine if adjustments are necessary.
2. Supplements and Foods
Avoid supplements or foods that can thin the blood, such as fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and turmeric, for at least five days before surgery. These can increase the risk of bleeding.
Stop taking herbal supplements or vitamins that have not been specifically approved by your surgeon.
3. Alcohol and Smoking
Refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery.
Avoid smoking or using nicotine products, as they can interfere with wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
4. Eating or drinking
Follow the fasting instructions carefully. For morning surgeries, fasting typically begins at midnight. If your surgery is scheduled in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast early in the morning, as instructed. The hospital will contact you the evening before to confirm your specific fasting times and provide further guidance. Please note that the call may come later in the day, so there is no need to worry if you do not receive it in the morning.
Recovery Guidelines After Your Surgery
Showering and Wound Care
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Showering: You may shower as your dressings are waterproof. Avoid direct water pressure on the incision sites and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
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Bathing: Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools until cleared by your surgeon to prevent infection.
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Dressing Integrity: If your waterproof dressing becomes loose or damaged, contact our office for advice on replacement.
Activity and Movement
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Gentle Movement: Engage in light walking and maintain gentle shoulder movements to preserve range of motion. Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level or performing repetitive motions.
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Lifting Restrictions: Do not lift anything heavier than 5 kg for at least two weeks.
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Avoid Overexertion: Resume light household duties, but avoid overexerting yourself. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
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Driving: Refrain from driving until you no longer take prescription pain medications and feel comfortable making sudden movements.
Signs of Infection
Contact us immediately if you notice:
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Redness, swelling, or unusual discharge at the surgical site.
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Fever above 38°C or chills.
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Pain that worsens or does not improve with prescribed medication.
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Unusual changes in breast appearance, such as asymmetry or significant swelling.
Additional Recommendations
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Supportive Garments: Wear your post-surgical bra as instructed. Avoid underwire bras during early recovery to prevent irritation.
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Scar Care: After incisions heal, you may use scar balm or silicone sheets or creams as recommended by your surgeon to minimise scar visibility. Protect scars from sun exposure by using sunscreen or covering the area.
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Pain Management: Take prescribed medications as directed. Over-the-counter options may be used if approved by your surgeon. Avoid aspirin or NSAIDs unless specifically instructed.
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Sleeping Position: For the first few days its better to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated using pillows. This can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support tissue repair.
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Smoking: Avoid smoking during recovery, as it delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Follow-Up Care
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Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.
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Dressing Changes: Your surgeon will advise when and how to change your dressings, if necessary.
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Long-Term Monitoring: Notify your surgeon of any persistent or unusual symptoms during the recovery period.
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Can I Book an Online Consultation?Yes, we offer online consultations for your convenience. To book, please fill out our online appointment request form, call us at 85296699, or email us at reception@breastandwellnesscentre.com.au. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide details on how to connect with our specialist for your virtual consultation.
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What information do I need to provide when booking an appointment?When booking, please provide your full name, contact information, preferred date and time, and the reason for your visit. For first-time visits, having a referral from your doctor to claim the fee from medicare is helpful.
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What are the consultation fees, and is there a Medicare rebate available?The fee for an initial consultation ranges from $320 to $350. Fees for subsequent visits range from $175 to $250. If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, the subsidy will be processed at the time of your appointment.
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What should I bring to my appointment?You should bring your referral letter, Medicare card, health fund card (if applicable), any relevant X-rays or imaging, and a list of your current medications. This will ensure your consultation proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Appointment?The waiting time varies depending on the urgency of your case. We prioritise urgent patients and aim to see them within 1–2 working days. For non-urgent cases, the waiting time may be longer.
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How soon can I schedule my surgery?The timeline for scheduling depends on the urgency of your condition, your choice of hospital, and availability. Urgent cases are prioritised, and private hospitals often offer more flexibility with dates.
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What is the difference between public and private hospitals?Public hospitals provide care funded by the government, typically at little or no cost to the patient, but wait times can be longer. Private hospitals offer faster access to surgery, greater choice of surgeons, and more personalised care but may involve out-of-pocket costs unless covered by private health insurance.
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What should I bring on the day of surgery?You’ll receive a checklist that includes items such as your Medicare or private health insurance card, any medications you’re taking, and hard copies of images you have. You also might have been asked to bring a surgical bra or garment to the theatre.
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What is the cost of the first appointment?The cost ranges between $250 and $450, depending on the type of consultation. Medicare rebates or private health insurance may apply to eligible patients.
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How soon can I start treatment?The timeline for starting treatment depends on your specific condition. Urgent cases are prioritised, and we aim to begin your care as soon as possible.
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Can I bring someone with me?Absolutely. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to support you during your appointment.
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Do I need a referral to book an appointment?A referral is not always necessary, but it may be required for certain treatments or to claim Medicare rebates. Contact us to confirm.
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Will any tests or procedures be done during my first visit?In most cases, your first visit will involve a consultation and physical examination. If additional tests are required, such as imaging or biopsies, these will be scheduled separately or discussed during your appointment.
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How long will my first appointment take?Your first appointment typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case.