Rinoplasty – (Nose)

Rhinoplasty is an operation to improve the size and shape of the nose. This can be purely for cosmetic reasons, to correct the results of injury, or to relieve nasal obstruction.

Will Hospitalisation Be Necessary?

Rhinoplasty is often performed as Day Surgery, although a short hospital stay is sometimes necessary. The extent of the procedure and your general health are the major factors that will influence your hospitalisation period.

When Can Normal Activities Be Resumed?

Your surgeon will advise you of this as it is very much an individual matter. Most people are able to return to work within two weeks.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Bruising and swelling around the eyes subside quickly, however swelling and numbness of the nose may last slightly longer. The final result may take 3-4 months to become apparent.

Other side effects of any surgical procedure such as infection, poor healing, or excessive bleeding, can occur but are uncommon. A more detailed list of possible complications will be explained to you during your consultation.

Face and Neck Lifts

Face or neck lifts are surgical procedures performed to reduce the signs of ageing of the face or neck. In particular they correct facial lines and wrinkles, sagging facial skin and the "turkey gobbler" neck. These procedures will refresh your appearance and make you look more youthful.

Will The Procedure Leave Any Scars?

The aim of the surgery is to make the scars as inconspicuous as possible and consequently they are usually hidden in the hairline. Scars usually fade with time however this will be dependent on the individual.

Will Hospitalisation Be Necessary?

This depends on your general health and the extent of the procedure. Facelifts are sometimes performed as day surgery but normally people choose a 2-3 day stay in hospital to recuperate. Neck lifts are usually a day surgery procedure some times requiring an overnight stay.

When Can Normal Activities Be Resumed?

This is very much an individual matter but most people take 2-3 weeks off work. Neck lift procedures require supportive garments for this period. Make-up can generally be applied after 7-10 days.


Otoplasty (Ears)

Otoplasty is surgery performed on the ears to set them in a more natural, less prominent position.

When Is Otoplasty Usually Performed?

The operation can be performed at any age, but is common for children of 5-6 years of age to have this done. This usually coincides with their starting school, where they may be teased by other children.

Will Hospitalisation Be Necessary?

This depends on whether you have a local or a general anesthetic and your general state of health. Otoplasty can usually be performed in the rooms or as a day case. Younger children may stay in hospital overnight.

When Can Normal Activities Be Resumed?

Head bandages need to be worn for 1 week after surgery, and are often worn at night for a further 2 weeks. Usually you can return to work or school after 1 week, however this does vary from person to person. Excessive exercise should be avoided for approximately 3 weeks.

Are There Any Side Effects?

As with any surgery there is the possibility of bruising and bleeding, however no major complications would be expected. Occasionally an ear that has been set back will protrude again and a repeat of the procedure needs to be done. A more detailed list of possible complications will be explained to you during your consultation.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin. Liposuction is often performed in combination with abdominoplasty to achieve the best result possible.

People often have an abdominoplasty if there is excess skin following pregnancy or weight loss, or if there are scars from previous surgery. It should be noted that abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.

Will Hospitalisation Be Necessary?

Abdominoplasty is occasionally performed as day surgery, but usually you will require a few days in hospital. This varies with the individual and is dependent upon your general health and the extent of the procedure.

When Can Normal Activities Be Resumed?

You can usually return to work within 2-4 weeks and return to more strenuous exercise after 6 weeks. It is common to wear a supportive girdle for a few weeks after your surgery to ensure good healing and body shape.

Are There Any Side Effects?

As with any surgery there is a risk of infection, however this is easily treated with a course of antibiotics. You might experience a feeling of tightness in the lower abdomen and a slight numbness that may persist for several months.
A more detailed list of possible complications will be explained to you during your consultation.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a very effective technique for removing excess fat and re-contouring body shape. Popular sites for liposuction are: thighs, hips, abdomen, waist, arms, back, neck and chin. It is also very useful for reducing male breasts, large fatty tumours (lipomas) and as an ancillary procedure during breast reduction and tummy tuck.

Under adequate anesthesia, the procedure is performed by inserting a thin, sterile cannula through the skin via tiny incision; fat is removed by controlled suction. When used appropriately, it is capable of removing large volumes of unwanted fat, but careful case selection and application is essential.

Will Hospitalisation Be Necessary?

Liposuction is often performed as a day procedure or as a short stay depending on your general health and the extent of the procedure.

When Can Normal Activities Be Resumed?

This can vary from a couple of days to a few weeks, and is a decision to be made by the individual and the surgeon. A pressure garment is usually worn for a time after the procedure to reduce bruising and swelling as well as help the skin to contract to the new shape.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Bruising may last for 3 weeks, while swelling may be present for 8 weeks. There may be an associated looseness of the skin but it does tend to contract over time.
A more detailed list of possible complications will be explained to you during your consultation.

Veins

Who Gets Leg Veins And Why?

Abnormal or unsightly leg veins are a common condition, occurring in up to 60% of the population. They are more common in women than men and incidence increases with age.

Genetics and family history contribute strongly to the development of abnormal or unsightly leg veins. Other contributing factors include obesity, standing for long periods of time, pregnancies, use of the oral contraceptive pill and other hormonal or mechanical factors. Trauma may also cause the development of leg veins in a localized area.

Types Of Leg Veins

Telangiectasias (Spider Veins)

These are fine, superficial veins that may appear reddish or bluish, alone or in clusters or sprays. They may be fed by feeding or reticular veins (larger bluish vessels).

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are abnormally dilated veins that may bulge above the surface of the skin. They are caused by dysfunction of the valves within the veins or an underlying problem with the deep venous system. These veins are often associated with aching and other symptoms.

Assessment

Your doctor will ask you several questions about your medical and vein history and examine your legs. In some cases, further investigation with a leg ultrasound will be required.

Treatment - Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that involves injecting a solution with a very fine needle directly in to the blood vessel.

Which Veins Can Be Treated?

'Broken capillaries' or 'spider veins' on legs can be treated with sclerotherapy. Some vessels may be too large to be treated but your doctor will advise. Some small veins on the face can also be treated.

What Can I Expect After a Treatment?

The vessels may appear more prominent for 1-2 weeks after the treatment, and the injection sites can be red and raised. You may experience an ache in the legs for a day or two that is relieved by walking. Bruising is common after sclerotherapy. You may need between 1 and 6 treatments to get optimal results.
Walking for approximately 1/2 an hour a day is encouraged, and prolonged standing should be avoided for 2 weeks. A compression stocking is usually required for a week after each treatment. This will help the treated veins to close and relieve aching and swelling.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Allergies are rare but can occur. Other complications that can occur include; small lumps in the veins, brown pigmentation around the injection sites, the loss of skin around injection sites (ulcer), and migraines. All of these will resolve with time. A more detailed list of possible complications will be explained to you during your consultation.

Will They Reappear?

Usually Yes - veins will re-form over time. Most people return every couple of years for maintenance treatments.

Treatment - Laser

Some small leg veins can be treated with vascular lasers applied to the outside of the skin. This is not suitable for larger veins.
The treatment of leg veins with laser is an evolving area of medical practice and may become more widely used in the future. APSA has two types of lasers dedicated to treating these types of problems. The laser light passes through the skin and coagulates the targeted vein, discomfort is minimal and no external wound is produced.
In some cases, large veins can be treated by endo-venous laser ablation, but his is not performed in our clinic.

Treatment - Other

Some larger veins require treatment other than can be provided at Adelaide Plastic Surgery Associates. Appropriate referral can be made if required after investigation and assessment. These treatments include Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and Surgery