After your enquiry phone call or email, we’ll book a face-to-face consultation for assessment. A Zoom/Facetime is also possible. From here, we will discuss and discover the best surgical option for your needs and provide full support through to your recovery and new look.

A simple phone call or email is all it takes to start your plastic surgery journey via these contact points:

• 03-95910255 (Brighton) or 03-99882888 (Donvale)
• info@drtanplasticsurgery.com.au or info@prsmelbourne.com.au (for PRSM at Donvale)

In some cases, Dr Tan will require the following before your initial consultation:

• A GP/Specialist’s referral letter (faxed or emailed)
• Relevant investigation/test results (e.g. reports or CD of X-ray or scans)
• Patient registration form and Pre-consultation questionnaire (our team will email this to you)

The prices for new patient’s first consultation for Face & Neck/Breast Reconstruction & Reduction/Body Contouring/Lipoedema are:

• 1 hour $350
• 1/2 hour $250

Subsequent consult: 

•  1/2 hour $200

Medicare Rebate (with referral):

• First consult.   $81.30
• Subsequent consult.  $40.85

Along with a detailed discussion about your issues and goals, the following information will be required:

• Registration (if not already done by email)
• A detailed history (please bring along relevant photos, test results or medical history)
• Examination (+/- pre-surgery photos)
• Recommendation and explanation of procedures (including risks)
• The viewing of Before and After photos (if relevant and available)

If we find the right solution for you, the following will take place after your initial consultation

• A quote will be provided within the first week (subject to timing of the hospital quote)
• Patient to read all documents provided
• Patient to write down further questions (to be asked at second consultation)
• Patient to attend relevant investigation such as blood test or scans (if required)

If you decide to move forward with the recommended procedure, we will arrange a second consult, primarily for you to ask any questions that you may have. This consult may also include:

• Further and repeated explanation of procedure (if required)
• Pre-surgery photos (if not already done)
• Measurements (if a post-surgical garment is required)
• A meeting with Dr Tan’s team to explain more about the process of hospital registration, payment, etc.
• If you have a set date or date range, you can book for surgery with a deposit payment. The deposit is non-refundable if the procedure is cancelled within two weeks before surgery.

As of 1/7/2023, the answer is YES, if you are seeking cosmetic surgery (i.e. no Medicare rebate for surgery). Even for other complex or non-cosmetic surgery, it is recommended that you see Dr Tan again. There is often an information overload from the first consult and you may not remember some key details. You can also email your questions, but please limit these to 2-3 questions. If you have more questions, a second consult with Dr Tan in person is recommended.

This depends on the type of surgery you choose, its complexity and its duration. Surgery costs are divided into the following:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Anaesthetist’s fee
• Surgical Assistant’s fee
• Hospital fees (Theatre and Bed fee)
• Prosthesis/implant(s) fee

For an exact cost relevant to your procedure, a consultation is required, after which you will be provided with a no-obligation quote.

This will depend on the type and complexity of your surgery, and occasionally on your social situation (after general anaesthesia, you are not able to drive for 24 hours and it is not recommended that you stay home alone the first night).

Before you head home post-surgery, you will be provided with the following:

• A post-op advice sheet
• A recovery pack (after major surgery)
• The booking of a follow-up Appointment (you may need to call for confirmation)

It is very important to Dr Tan and her team that all patients are fully supported during their recovery. This will include:

• A review by Dr Tan or her nurse within the first 7-10 days after surgery

• Dressings changed, and scar management advice is given

• If you see the nurse first, you will see Dr Tan in the following 1-2 weeks

• Generally, the follow-up thereafter is 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year

Understanding the Risks of Surgical Procedures: Every surgical procedure involves inherent risks, and it’s crucial for patients to be well-informed about these before deciding to proceed. Here, we outline not only the general risks associated with surgeries but also emphasize that specific procedures have their own unique risks.

General Surgical Risks: All surgical procedures can potentially lead to complications such as:

• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection
• Healing issues, including delayed healing or separation of the incision
• Excessive or abnormal scarring, such as keloid formation
• Seroma (accumulation of fluid)
• Deep suture extrusion
• Fat necrosis (death of fat tissue)
• Allergic reactions to drugs or local anesthesia
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in deep veins)

Procedure-Specific Risks: Each type of surgery carries additional risks that are specific to the procedure itself. During your consultation, Dr. Tan will provide a detailed explanation of these risks tailored to the specific surgery being considered. This information will also be included in the informed consent forms, which are discussed and thoroughly reviewed during your consultation. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have during this time to ensure you fully understand all aspects of the procedure and its risks.

Informed Consent: Before any surgical operation, it is mandatory for patients to read and sign informed consent forms. These documents are essential as they ensure that you have been provided with comprehensive information about the risks associated with your procedure. Dr. Tan and her team are committed to ensuring that you feel informed and confident in your healthcare decisions.

As of 1st July 2023, it is mandatory that any patient who seeks cosmetic surgery in Australia needs psychological screening. Dr Tan will provide you with a form with questions to screen for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).