Resource Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Mark Lee Plastic Surgeon

Once you have found your doctor, settled on the right procedure for you, booked your surgery, all that you need to do is wait for the big day, right? Not quite.

Now is the time to focus on what you can do to enable a smooth recovery, a stress-free experience and get the best result out of your surgeon’s hard work. No matter the procedure, here are a few ways to prepare for your cosmetic or plastic surgery.

Be informed

Your surgeon will discuss with you your procedure down to the small detail, the pre and post-surgery process and recovery information, but if you still have questions, be sure to ask. Sometimes you will find that even the simplest of questions can reduce any stress or anxiety in the lead up to surgery. Patients who are happiest with their results are most often those who have gone into surgery with realistic expectations and a full understanding of the possible results and recovery time.

Lock in your caregiver

Your procedure may require you to picked up and chaperoned home, so have your logistics arranged in advance to save stress in the days leading up to your surgery. You may need support at home as you recover, including care for any children or dependents, so planning around this will leave you space to focus on your recovery.

Plan your recovery time

After any surgical procedure you will need some time to let your body repair itself, something only rested time can deliver. This period can be integral to achieving your desired result, so making it as easy as possible should be a priority in the lead up to your surgery day. Lock in any leave you may need to take from work, leaving some time for the inevitable days where you may not quite be up to working from home if that is an option. Planning to have healthy meals easily accessible will also be something you thank yourself for. Fueling your recovery with a healthy diet and good sleep are the foundations for letting your body heal. You may like to freeze some meals or have your caregiver on hand to assist. Don’t forget to gather essentials like your pharmacy’s phone number, ice packs and any post-surgical compression garments recommended by your doctor. Also think about preparing activities to keep you occupied during recovery, grab a good book and set up your “saved list” on Netflix, so you have something to look forward to during this down time.

Sort out your medications

Your doctor will likely advise you what is and isn’t suitable to take in the lead up to surgery, but it helps to go through your list of medications or supplements individually, to double check with your doctor if they will have an impact on your procedure or recovery. You may also need to consider ceasing smoking and drinking alcohol as these can impact your response to surgery. Your surgeon may also recommend you take a daily vitamin in the lead up and will likely recommend pre and post-surgery medications. Having these scripts filled in advance can take pressure off your recovery period.

Check in on yourself

Amongst all the logistics, don’t forget to give yourself the space to mentally prepare for your surgery. Confirming your certainty and setting realistic expectations for recovery will help you to feel prepared and hopefully, excited for the change!

Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. If you’re ready to book a consultation and discuss your cosmetic and plastic surgery options, get in touch today.

Have you been considering a procedure to try and give you a more youthful appearance? You may like to consider rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a facelift.

A facelift works by pulling back the sagging skin on each side of the face and remoulding the tissue underneath to improve elasticity, restore volume, remove jowls and create a more youthful appearance.

What is the best age for a face lift?

As a rough guide, the best time to consider a face lift is in your 40’s. Having the procedure in your 40’s ensures your results are long-lasting. Factors such as diet, lifestyle choices, genetic traits and sun exposure all affect how quickly the skin shows signs of ageing, meaning the optimal age for every individual will be different.

What results can I expect from the procedure?

The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon to get advice tailored to you and your circumstances. The facelift can be made up of several small procedures including eyelid surgery, forehead/brow-lift, cheek/mid facelift and lower facelift. You may choose to focus on just one of these, rather than a full facelift. During your consultation, Dr Mark Lee will discuss with you your desired outcomes, and recommend the best set of procedures based on your individual needs and areas on concern.

Some of the procedures include

Forehead lift – may alleviate creases and frown lines by adjusting the tissue and muscle beneath the skin
Eyelid surgery – may brighten the eye area by removing or repositioning fatty deposits and removing excess skin and muscle tissue on the upper and / lower eyelid
Cheek/mid face lift – lifts cheeks may elevate the underlying muscles and fat that may have sagged over time
Lower face lift – can reduce the appearance of deep facial wrinkles, sagging jowls and sagging in the neck by repositioning underlying tissue and muscle, tightening skin and removing fat deposits and excess skin

How long is the recovery?

When considering plastic surgery, it’s important to understand both how the procedure works and how long it will take for you to feel like yourself again.

For a face lift procedure, we generally follow the recovery schedule

Day One to Seven – after a surgery, there will be some swelling, bruising and discomfort that may require pain medication for about a week. Surgical dressings will be used to keep the area clean and hygienic, and you will have several check ins with your surgeon to ensure you are healing well.
Day Seven to Fourteen – by day seven your swelling should start to reduce, however you may still experience some numbness, tingling and tightness. This is very common and nothing to worry about, however if you are concerned contact your surgeon. By day fourteen you may feel ready to return to work and add light activities such as walking into your daily routine.
Day Fifteen to Thirty – two weeks post-surgery your stitches will be removed, and you will likely start feeling like yourself again. After 30 days, vigorous exercise can be reintroduced and you will likely be back to doing your normal activities, while enjoying your more youthful appearance.

Every patient is different, and you may recover more quickly or slowly than the schedule. It is important to stay in touch with your surgeon if you have any concerns or queries during your recovery period.

To learn more, view our 3D simulation on facelifts or book in for a consultation with Dr Mark Lee to discuss your individual needs. Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

One of the most popular procedures that can help you to reshape, firm and contour your body is liposuction. In this article we’ll cover what liposuction is, the areas of the body that can be treated, what you can expect before, during and after the procedure and the results.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction can be a way to sculpt and contour your body using ultrasound energy to break up the fat and then remove it with fine tubes placed through very small incisions. It can be effective at reducing resistant pockets of fat that can’t be shifted with diet and exercise.

Areas that can be treated

The most commonly treated areas are the thighs and hips for women and the abdomen and ‘love handles’ for men, as these areas are often the most resistant to weight loss. Loose skin from the upper arms can be removed, using brachioplasty, which is a procedure that reshapes the underneath of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow. Male breasts can also be reduced using a form of liposuction called gynaecomastia. Other treatment areas include buttocks, lower legs, back, chest, neck, jawline and cheeks.

What to expect before, during and after

Before your procedure, your surgeon will discuss your goals and ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

The procedure involves injecting a fluid into the treatment area to numb the area, minimise bleeding and make it easier to remove the fat cells. We then use ultrasound energy to break up the fat then remove it with fine tubes placed through very small incisions.

Over the following weeks the fat collapses, resulting in new contours in the treated area. After the procedure there will be some pain, swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within several weeks. Compression garments are normally recommended after liposuction procedures to provide support, minimise swelling and help the skin conform to the new body contours.

The results

You’ll likely see an improvement in the days following your procedure and your contours should continue to improve for three to six months. During liposuction fat cells are permanently removed during the procedure, however it does not prevent growth of the remaining fatty tissue. For long term results, you should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

To learn more, view our 3D simulation on liposuction or book in for a consultation with Dr Mark Lee to discuss your individual needs. Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

Tips for protecting yourself against skin cancer

It is every Australian’s favourite time of year, the sun is shining, and everyone is lining up to go to the beach or relax by the pool. It is also the time of year when the risk of skin cancer is most prevalent and looking after your skin health is more important then ever.

Australia has one of the highest cases of skin related cancers in the world, with 11% of all diagnosed incidents being classified as Melanoma.

Dr Mark Lee has been a member of the Western Australian Kirkbride Melanoma Advisory Service for over a decade. He is passionate about prevention as this is always the ideal outcome when trying to protect yourself against skin cancer.

When it comes to preventive techniques, we all know the slogan “slip, slop, slap”, but did you know that it has now expanded? Cancer Council’s SunSmart now recommends Australians

Slip on a t-shirt
Slop on your sunscreen
Slap on a hat
Seek shade
And Slide on your sunglasses

Some of the most common mistakes Australians make around sun protection involve sunscreen. Here’s some tips:

Ensure you apply enough sunscreen – more is better when it comes to applying sunscreen and its effectiveness to protect against harmful UV rays
Always reapply sunscreen every 2 hours in-order to maintain effectiveness
Check your sunscreen’s expiry date – generally the expiry date for sunscreen is three years, after that it loses its original effectiveness

What should I do if I think I have skin cancer?

In the case that you develop melanoma synonyms, early detection and treatment can significantly improve recovery.

It is incredibly important that you speak with your GP or specialist if you notice new or changing sunspots, moles or freckles.

In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought it would be valuable to raise awareness around post-mastectomy reconstruction options. While one in eight Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85, of those that have a mastectomy (40%), the rate of Breast Reconstruction is between 9% and 12%.

Despite a low uptake of breast reconstruction in Australia, current clinical guidelines worldwide recommend that Breast Reconstruction should be offered to all suitable women requiring or choosing mastectomy.

A big part of a surgeon’s role is to provide appropriate options and all the information needed around these procedures to make your decision-making process as easy, informative, and certain as possible. Dr Lee has significant breast reconstructive surgery experience and has previously developed innovative, minimally invasive techniques for the procedure, such as the scarless latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction procedure.

The breast reconstruction procedure can be done at the time of your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or it can be done later (delayed reconstruction). Breast reconstruction often requires multiple operations, even if you choose immediate reconstruction. Along with the timing of the procedure, there are three different Breast Reconstruction options

Implant based reconstruction
Tissue based reconstruction
A combination of implants and tissue

Implant based reconstruction

There are 2 types of breast reconstruction options using implants, Tissue Expander/ Implant Reconstruction, and Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction.

Tissue Expander/ Implant Reconstruction (Two Stage)

This is the more commonly performed technique in Australia. Step one of this procedure involves a tissue expander being inserted into the pocket created under your skin and chest muscle. The expander is partially inflated with saline during the operation after insertion and over a period of weeks to months more saline is inserted to gradually fill the expander. This process helps to gradually stretch the muscle and skin to the breast size desired. Once the skin over the breast has been stretched to the desired size, the expander is exchanged for a permanent implant.

Direct-to-Implant (DTI) (One Stage) Reconstruction

In some cases, there is enough skin to insert an implant under the chest muscle to replace the removed breast tissue. In these cases, there in an option to insert an implant directly without the need for tissue expanders.

Tissue flap reconstruction

There are two main types of tissue flap reconstruction – attached flaps and free flaps.

Attached Flaps

This method uses skin, fat and muscle from your back or abdomen, where a portion of tissue and muscle is tunneled under the skin from your back or abdomen to your chest. The new breast is then formed using this tissue.

Free Flaps

This method uses skin, fat and muscle removed from your abdomen or buttock, cutting the arteries and veins, then re-attaching to the blood supply of the chest wall. The breast is then formed from this tissue.

A combination of implants and tissue

In some cases, it may be necessary to use an implant and tissue to achieve the desired results. Your surgeon will be able to discuss your desired goals and the right procedure to work towards your goals.

Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Breast reconstruction is a highly individual procedure and may not be suitable for everyone, however Dr Lee and his team are always more than happy to talk about your options.

Resources

Increasing breast reconstruction rates by offering more women a choice, Article in ANZ Journal of Surgery, January 2014

Did you know eyelid surgery (known in the medical world as Blepharoplasty) is in the top 5 most commonly performed procedures worldwide?

While it remains most popular in Eastern Asian countries due to its aesthetic and vision aiding benefits for Asian facial structures, the procedure continues to be popular through the West, potentially delivering great results for those with excess skin on their upper or lower lids.

What types of procedures are there?

Upper Eyelid Surgery is mainly used to improve vision loss and the appearance of the eye due to aging or genetics. This type of surgery can restore the function of the eye or provide a more rounded, open appearance. As the name implies, this procedure focuses on the upper eyelid only.
Lower Eyelid Surgery aims on removing wrinkles in the skin, lifting skin under the eyes or modifying the overall appearance of the lower eyelid. As the name implies, this procedure focuses on the lower eyelid only.
Double Eyelid Surgery creates a crease in the upper eyelid, aiming to result in a wider, larger-looking eye. This is the procedure that’s most popular in East Asia, and the one most often referenced in relation to blepharoplasty as a whole.

The eyelid procedure you’re best suited for may vary depending on the shape of your eyes and other health conditions, so it’s best to consult with your surgeon prior to making any decisions.

Who is a candidate for blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty may be an option if you have

Excess skin of the upper eyelids that interferes with your peripheral vision
Excess skin on the lower eyelids or under the eyes

Are blepharoplasty procedures covered under Medicare?

Medicare does not typically cover cosmetic surgery, however if your eyelids are impacting your vision you may be eligible to claim some of the procedure on Medicare. Speak with your surgeon about your options, and what’s the most appropriate path for you.

Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Dr Lee and his team are always more than happy to talk about your options.

At home IPL devices have become increasingly popular, with countless Instagram influencers now spruiking them, but do they really work and do you know the possible risks?

Firstly, we use the Cutera ProWave hair removal system which uses an infrared light to target the base of the hair follicle. The intense pulsed light is absorbed by the pigment in each hair follicle and converted into heat, thus damaging the root of the follicle and affecting its ability to grow.

According to manufacturers, the at home IPL devices are less powerful than those used by professionals, while this means associated pain could be reduced it also means sessions will take longer and you may have to treat an area several more time than if the procedure were done at a clinic.

The at home devices are readily available at department stores, specialty stores and online, and are often seen as a cost-effective, convenient option.

The downside of these devices is that consumers aren’t trained in how to use them and are solely responsible to read and understand the directions and safety instructions. If the safety instructions aren’t followed, these devices can pose unnecessary risk, including scars, burns and pigmentary changes, which may require medical or dermatological treatment.

The devices are also not as strong as the devices we are able to use in clinic, so you may need to complete several sessions to get the same results as you would in-clinic.

In-clinic treatments are planned and customised depending on your skin, hair and area you are treating. Our trained cosmetic nurse will talk you through the process and set your expectations from the beginning. We will also provide you with clear aftercare instructions to ensure you are as comfortable as possible post treatment.

If you’re considering IPL, come and talk to us at Mark Lee Plastic Surgeon. We offer complimentary, no obligation IPL and hair removal treatment consultations with our cosmetic nurse. Call 9382 3340 or contact our friendly team today to learn more.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) launched Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day Australia in 2013 to raise awareness about breast reconstruction so all women, no matter where they live, have the same access to information.

In the spirit of BRA Day, this blog is about educating and building awareness around post-mastectomy breast reconstructions. A breast reconstruction is just one of many ways for women to restore confidence after breast cancer.

Did you know only around 10% of Australian women who have had a mastectomy go on to have a reconstruction?

While there is research showing there can be physical and emotional benefits for women who have a reconstruction, we believe not enough women are aware of all their options, or perhaps their options are not fully explained to them.

A mastectomy can be a very traumatic and personal experience for some women, and this can impact decision making when considering further surgery.

What some women don’t know is that in some cases, a breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as mastectomy. Undergoing a breast reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy will give the best aesthetic results as there will be numerous highly skilled specialists working collaboratively on your procedure.

Some of the benefits of an immediate reconstruction are:

The cosmetic results are usually better
More of the skin of your breast may be preserved
The scarring on the breast itself is usually less
You will only need one major anaesthetic and recovery period
It will involve only one stay in hospital, avoiding the stress and anxiety around returning to the hospital for a second major operation
You will not have to spend any time without a breast

However, before you decide on breast reconstruction, there are some important issues you should keep in mind:

Breast reconstruction usually requires more than one operation
In the right circumstances, your breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy
Breast reconstruction may be a good option for you if you do not have additional medical conditions or other illness that may impair healing.
In some instances, cancer treatments may be delayed post reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a highly individual procedure and may not be suitable for everyone, however Dr Lee and his team are always more than happy to talk about your options.

Dr Lee has significant breast reconstructive surgery experience and has previously developed innovative, minimally invasive techniques for the procedure.

BRA Day is not about trying to talk people into having a reconstruction; but simply to ensure all women and their doctors to have a conversation about breast reconstruction so women undergoing a mastectomy are aware of their options.

The most important outcome for Dr Lee and his team is ensuring the safety and quality of procedures for all our patients. This information is for our breast enlargement and breast reconstruction patients who want to know how the most experienced surgeons reduce their risk of infection during surgery.

What is the 14-point plan and why is it important?

First published in 2013, the 14-point plan has now been adopted by Specialist Plastic Surgeon’s worldwide. The plan draws on proven strategies for surgeons to use during breast implant surgery to reduce the likelihood of bacteria attaching to the implants and therefore improve the chances of a stable, long lasting and successful outcome.

What is Biofilm?

Bacteria that come into contact with implants can become adherent and quickly secrete a thick sticky coating that binds them onto the surface irreversibly. The combination of bacteria and their protective coating is termed biofilm and can cause capsular contracture – hardening, pain and deformity following breast implant surgery.

Biofilms are now recognised as the leading cause of implant failure in medicine, affecting not just breast implants but orthopaedic implants, cochlear implants, contact lenses, catheters and heart valves.

By following the steps outlined in the 14-point plan, surgeons can combat the risk of bacterial infection.

Does Dr Mark Lee follow this plan?

Yes.

Dr Lee and his team pride themselves on outstanding patient care, both before and after surgery. His experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery spans over 20 years, remaining committed to the latest advances in technique and technology.

If you would like to learn more about the possibility of breast implant removal surgery, or have any concerns about your current breast implants, Dr Lee and his team are always more than happy to talk about your options. Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

Dr Lee provides you with thorough instructions on post-operative care, which is critical to ensure your overall wellness and optimise the outcomes of your procedure.

Tips for self-monitoring

Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts and self-examine your breasts and surrounding area, including the armpits up to the collarbone, regularly. A good time to self-examine is when you are in the bath or shower. Things to look for:
• Swelling
• Fluid build-up
• Lumps
• Pain
• Changes in breast shape
If you believe there are any changes, or if you have any concerns, see your GP.

We won’t forget you once you’re fully recovered!

Ensuring your ongoing care is very important to Dr Lee and his team, and our care certainly doesn’t stop once you have fully healed. We are here for the long-haul and will always be here to answer any questions you have throughout the lifetime of your implants.

Ongoing check-ups

As breast implants are not lifetime device, they generally need to be replaced or removed after 10 to 15 years, but we understand circumstances change and sometimes complications can arise that may mean you need to act sooner than anticipated. We also know the risk of serious complications, such as breast implant illness and breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), increases with how long a patient has had an implant.

You can book a check-up with our team throughout the duration of your breast implant lifetime. At your check-up we will also let you know any new information on your implants and answer any questions you may have.

Contact our friendly team today to learn more.

Category: Resource