OUR PROCESS 

You will generally see Dr Somia 3 times before your surgery.   If you prefer one of these consultations can be held via telehealth.    Two consultations are required by law before a date for surgery is scheduled.   This is to allow you plenty of time to ask questions and feel comfortable about the procedure.   Your third consultation will assist us to prepare you for your surgery (ie paperwork, pre-operative testing). 

PROCEDURE DETAILS 

The surgery takes approximately  4 hours and requires an overnight stay in hospital.   Our fees include specialist plastic surgeon, specialist anaesthetist, fully accredited hospital theatre, hospital accommodation and 6 months aftercare.    A formal estimate will be provided after you have discussed your goals and what is possible to achieve them with Dr Somia.  

RECOVERY 

Each patient recovers at a different rate and anothers recovery should not be compared with yours.

Generally, initial recovery from swelling and bruising is approximately 4 weeks.   A return to normal activities can usually be expected after 6-12 weeks.   This procedures require a compression garment to be worn for 12 weeks (this is to assist with swelling and to ensure the skin and tissue re-adhere to the skin layers disturbed during the procedure). 

You can return to work when you feel well and if your employer has lighter duties for you and will allow you to take time to rest and move around.    Most patients take at least 4 weeks off work if they work in an office context.   Patients working outdoors or in a physical capacity may need to take up to 8 weeks off work whilst they recover.   Talk to us about your specific occupation and surgery.   

You can drive when the anaesthetic has worn off, your vision is clear, and you are pain free getting in and out of the car and whilst performing an emergency stop.   You should check your vehicle insurance policy for their requirements in this situation.  

RISKS 

All surgery carries risks. When travelling overseas on a plane whilst the expectation is a safe journey and arrival, it is understood things could go wrong. The choice of the airline based on safety record and flight path are important elements in determining risk. Similarly, for your surgery, the experience and expertise of your Surgeon, the skill of your anaesthetist and the standard of the hospital will determine the risk. Risks, both general and specific, will be discussed during your consultations and written information will be provided for you to take home.    

General risks include pneumonia, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, allergies, awareness, death, bleeding, infection, sensation change, haematoma and seroma, skin contour irregularities, damage to deeper structures, firmness, delayed healing and tissue death, exposed sutures, dog ears or additional skin golds, dressing issues, asymmetry, scars, lymphoedema and unsatisfactory results. 

Risks specific to Lipoedema surgery public distortion, ultrasound assisted liposuction, liposuction wetting solutions.    

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Our practice privacy policy prevents sharing patient before and afters online.    Indicative before and after photos can be viewed during your consultation.     Please note the main objective of lipoedema surgery is management of the disease to improve mobility, aesthetics are secondary as the skin is involved and may affect the end result.