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

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss  with Dr Tan to make sure you understand all possible consequences.

The general risks that apply to all surgeries include: bleeding/haematoma, infection, healing issues such as delayed healing or incision separation, excessive or abnormal scarring (like keloid), seroma, deep suture extrusion, fat necrosis, allergic reaction to drugs or local anaesthesia, and deep vein thrombosis.

There are also specific risks that relate to the particular surgical procedure. Dr Tan will explain the risks in detail during consultation and these will be included in the informed consent forms that you need to read. You will be given opportunity to ask questions during the second consult. The form is required to be signed by you and Dr Tan before the operation.

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).