Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to stop medication prior to surgery?

Diabetic – The timing of your diabetic medication will depend on what time your surgery is planned. Please discuss this with Dr Preketes prior to surgery or your general practitioner.

You will need to cease blood thinning (Aspirin base) medication prior to surgery. You will need to discuss this with Dr Preketes, who may also refer you to your treating Cardiologist. In most cases you will be asked to stop taking your medication 7 – 10 days prior to your procedure date.

Anti-inflammatory medications are also blood thinning, you will need to cease taking these 10 days prior to surgery e.g. Fish Oil, Krill Oil, Glucosamine. If you are unsure please ask your pharmacist if any of your over the counter medication are blood thinning.

Can I drive after my surgery?

You are not allowed to drive a car or operate machinery for 24hours from the time you are admitted into recovery following your procedure due to Anaesthetic.

You must have someone drive you home following a surgical procedure under local anaesthetic.

You must have someone with you for 24 hours following General or Sedation Anaesthetic. You are not able to drive post-operatively if your procedure has stopped you utilising normal function of your hands or legs or other medical procedure such as abdominoplasty, breast reduction, body lift, eyelid reduction, arm lift reduction, thigh lift etc., until you have seen Dr Preketes for your post-operative appointment.   Please discuss this will Dr Preketes or our experienced staff members prior to your procedure.

General Post-Operative Care

Keep all dressing dry and in-tact until your post-operative appointment at Dr Preketes rooms.

Will I Need A Referral From My GP?

It is preferable to have a referral, it is good to have your previous medical history. A referral is also required should there be a Medicare rebate. In some instances, you may be able to claim for your consultation fee, so it is preferable to have a referral from a GP prior to your consultation

What Is The Difference Between A “Cosmetic Surgeon” And A “Plastic Surgeon”?

It is important to check the credentials of your surgeon, as not all doctors who are entitled to practice Cosmetic Surgery are qualified as Plastic Surgeons. Many medical practitioners (such as GP’s, Dermatologists, General Surgeons) call themselves a Cosmetic Surgeon, if they happen to practice this type of work. It is important to check training and qualifications of your surgeon. Members of the ASPS are highly trained Specialists, who have spent at least eight (8) to ten (10) years in post graduate surgical training.

Will I Have To Be Hospitalised?

Surgery can be performed in either a private hospital or day procedure centre, or under local anaesthetic in my room.

Will I Need Time Off?

All of these general questions are covered in the procedural brochures provided by the ASPS office. However, your surgeon can answer most questions at the time of consultation. It is important to remember that cosmetic surgery is “real surgery” and with all surgery there is a recovery period.