Your Operation
Before Your Surgery
Following your consultation with A/Prof Mak or Dr Graham, our staff will assist you with the following:
Location and date of surgery
Informed financial consent
If you require a procedure before the surgery (such as lymphoscintigraphy for a sentinel lymph node biopsy or tumour localisation), our staff will assist with the booking and ensure you have all the necessary details
You will be notified (usually the day before surgery) of fasting times and when to arrive at the hospital
In the lead up to surgery, A/Prof Mak and Dr Graham recommend that you take the following steps to help improve your recovery:
Cease smoking
Exercise regularly; and
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet
On the Day of Your Surgery
You will need to present to the admissions counter of the hospital. You will be notified (usually the day before surgery) of when to arrive at the hospital.
Please bring the following items with you to hospital:
All imaging (including x-rays, mammograms and ultrasounds) and any investigation results
All regular medications
If you are having breast surgery, A/Prof Mak and Dr Graham recommend that you wear a soft, supportive, front-opening bra after surgery.
If you are staying overnight, please also bring:
Comfortable, front-opening pajamas
Toiletries
Sleep aids such as CPAP devices if you use them
Your Anaesthetic
You will usually meet your anaesthetist in the anaesthetic bay prior to surgery. Sometimes A/Prof Mak or Dr Graham will refer you to a Preadmission Clinic if they are worried about any health conditions that may affect your anaesthetic. If you are a private patient, you will be contacted by your anaesthetist prior to surgery. They will provide you with information about your anaesthetic. A/Prof Mak and Dr Graham encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have when speaking to them.
After Your Surgery
If you are having a “Day Only” procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight. If you do not have anyone who can do this, A/Prof Mak or Dr Graham will arrange for you to stay in hospital overnight. Your follow-up appointment will be arranged for you before you leave hospital.
If you are being admitted to hospital to stay overnight, you will be seen by A/Prof Mak or Dr Graham the day after surgery and on subsequent days that you stay. Timing of your discharge will be discussed with you. Prior to discharge, you will be given instructions on how to care for yourself and your wounds and your follow-up appointment will be arranged.
Further resources:
Post operative care after breast surgery
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse wound care information
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse fat grafting/lipofilling information