The following questions and answers aim to give you a background of information that relates mostly to surgical procedures. They are general points and their relevance to you as an individual will be discussed at your consultation with your Nurse Counsellor and Surgeon. Please click the topics below to read the specific information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Chaperoning
If you would like to be chaperoned at any examination, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff who will arrange this for you
Anaesthetic
There are different types of anaesthetic that may be used in order that your Surgeon can carry out the treatment or surgery you are having with minimum discomfort. The different types are as follows:
General Anaesthetic
This is a full anaesthetic, carried out in hospital under the care of a fully qualified anaesthetist. It enables the Surgeon to carry out your operation without any discomfort to you, or knowledge that the operation is taking place. Operations carried out under general anaesthetic may be done as a day case or as an overnight stay in hospital
Sedation with Local Anaesthetic
A sedating drug is given to you in order that you sleep throughout the operation. This is administered by a qualified anaesthetist who cares for you whilst the Surgeon carries out the operation. The Surgeon will also use a local anaesthetic at the operation site to ensure the area is numb and that you are not disturbed from your ?sleep'. Most operations carried out under sedation enable you to return home the same day of treatment
Local Anaesthetic
The Surgeon injects a numbing solution to the area that is being treated to minimise any discomfort you may feel during the operation. You will be fully awake during the treatment and able to be immediately discharged on completion of your treatment
Scarring
Patients having Cosmetic Surgery want to improve the way they look. It is important therefore that scarring is kept to a minimum. We have this in the forefront of our minds when carrying out treatments and always aim to keep scars as small as possible and positioned as discreetly as possible.
We strongly recommend that scars are kept out of the sun or protected with a sun block cream, as sun damage can slow or prevent the healing and fading of scars. With correct care and protein after surgery, most scars fade to become barley noticeable
Stitches, Sutures & Skin Clips
Depending on the type of treatment, usually after Cosmetic Surgery some form of skin stitch needs to be removed. Depending on the operation, these may be removed between 3 and 14 days afterwards. An appointment for this will be made for you, at your local Harley Medical Group Clinic
Bruising, Swelling & Discomfort
By the nature of it, Cosmetic Surgery is quite superficial and does not generally cause much swelling or bruising. Within 24 hours of Surgery, discomfort is usually abated with mild oral analgesia. Depending on the type of surgery you have and your own healing process, your Surgeon will explain what sort of recovery you should expect
Complications
Cosmetic Surgery moulds and reshapes the living tissue of the body and the results are usually but not always predictable. Occasionally, it may be desirable to revise the operation to gain optimum results. The risks will be minimised by ensuring that you are in good health prior to treatment and that the Surgeon, Anaesthetists and Nursing staff looking after you are highly qualified and competent in this speciality. Although unlikely, the most common complications are those of infection, excessive bleeding and haematoma (blood clot at the site of surgery). These risks are minimised by experienced surgical technique and specialist care.
If you have any concerns about possible complications, then please ask your Surgeon or Nurse Counsellor for more information
Hospital Stays
Depending on the type of treatment, patients may be required to stay all day, or require a one or two night stay. Your Surgeon will discuss this with you to ensure you achieve a certain level of recovery before going home
Pre-Operative Medical
Prior to surgery, our Medical and Nursing staff will carry out a medical assessment to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to proceed with surgery. Any further concerns and queries that you have thought of, can be discussed and we will confirm and explain all the arrangements we have made for you
Recovery Advice
Pre and post-operatively, patients are generally advised to avoid smoking, alcohol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Brufen). All these can have an adverse effect on your recovery, slowing down the healing process or causing other complications
It is generally advisable to refrain from work and general activity whilst stitches and dressings are still in place. You may also need to refrain from driving and exercise for a while to ensure a good and rapid recovery. Your Surgeon will inform you how long to refrain from such activities, which will depend on the surgery that you have opted for
Results of Surgery
The redefining of features gives results that are generally permanent and need no future review. Procedures that diminish the effects of ageing can produce short, medium or long-term results, but are not permanent. 'We can turn back the clock, but we cannot stop is ticking' is a phrase well used in Cosmetic Surgery
Aftercare
Where necessary, appointments will be made for you to attend The Harley Medical Group for any post-treatment care. You will be reassured to know that after discharge from the hospital or clinic, we provide a 24 hour on-call service. This enables you to contact us at any time, night or day, should you have queries or be concerned in any way. Our Nursing and medical staff are always available to advise and care for you to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. Most patients attend the clinic after surgery at one week for removal of stitches, six weeks for a check up with your Surgeon and six months for final discharge. We are of course pleased to help you after this time should the need occur
