What qualifications do you have?
Dr Ross is a qualified and AHPRA-registered Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, holding a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). In addition, Dr Ross holds a post-FRACS Fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery and complex skin cancer. He was awarded a PhD in surgical anatomy from the University of Melbourne. Dr Ross has also trained extensively under leading surgeons in rhinoplasty, facial aesthetic surgery and aesthetic breast surgery, both in Australia and internationally.
How much does the initial consultation cost?
As a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Ross follows strict recommendations regarding fees, rebates and governance.
Consultation fees:
Initial consultation fees range between $150-300 depending on the nature of the consultation. Where you have been referred by your GP or other medical specialist (except for purely cosmetic reasons), some of this may be claimed back through Medicare where rebates apply. Please note that for consultations that are purely cosmetic in nature and not included in the Medicare schedule, do not attract a rebate.
What is my follow-up?
Most patients are see around one week after surgery, firstly by our experienced nurses or hand therapy colleagues. We will routinely examine your surgical sites, change any dressings and discuss with you the progress of your recovery. We view this as an opportunity to work together to provide a smooth recovery. You may need to see our team at further appointments depending on the nature of your procedure. You will have a follow-up appointment with your Plastic Surgeon at six weeks post-surgery, but often prior to this as we like to ensure you’re doing well along the way.
Will there be scars after my surgery?
Yes, unfortunately every operation will leave a scar somewhere, no matter how inconspicuous. The best scars are those created along natural creases or shadows, under minimal or no tension, using meticulous technique. This is a key component of Plastic Surgery- realising there is no such thing as truly ‘scarless’ surgery, but rather, well healed, well camouflaged, inconspicuous scars are the goal.
How can I contact Dr Ross?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 000.
If you have some post-operative discomfort, bleeding or other issue, please contact the number given in your post-operative information pack, and Dr Ross or one of our experienced nursing staff will contact you as soon as possible. Please note that strong pain killers are strictly controlled Schedule 8 substances (with their own risks and indications), and as such will only be prescribed as Dr Ross deems absolutely necessary.
If you are having an issue with post-operative dressings or have questions regarding a recent dressing change, please contact the nursing staff via the practice where you consulted with Dr Ross.
If you would like to discuss a test result, please call the practice reception to arrange a time with Dr Ross. This may be via phone or in person, depending on the nature of the discussion and availability of appointments.
If you would like to reschedule your appointment, please contact the practice reception depending on your preferred location.
For other non-urgent matters, please phone or email the practice to discuss with the reception staff whom can relay any questions to Dr Ross. Please note that in the interests of fairness to all patients, Dr Ross may delegate some non-urgent communications to an experienced member of the nursing or reception staff .
When can I start exercising after my procedure?
Whilst we encourage a return to a healthy lifestyle and the activities you enjoy as soon as is safe after your procedure, this depends entirely on the nature of the procedure you have had and how quickly each patient heals, so please consult your surgeon.
Day 1 post-op: as a general rule, we encourage getting up and quietly walking the day after surgery (limits may apply for lower limb procedures), but nothing that will raise your heart rate.
Week 2-4: most patients can drive, but only where comfortable and safe.
Week 4: most patients can start light gym, brisk walking or stationary bike.
Week 6: heavier exercise can be tried, just start easier and build up.
The safest way to approach exercise is to consider:
- if you can do the activity safely,
- if your surgical sites are healed or need further dressings, and
- if exercise would slow the remainder of your recovery.