Any operation carries some risk and it is the role of your surgeon and all of the team looking after you to do everything possible to minimize those risks for you. It is vital that you are completely honest with your doctors and nurses about your medical health and about any medicines, drugs or supplements you are taking.
How soon can I have surgery?
After your initial consultation we recommend you think over the information we have provided for two weeks before going ahead with surgery. It is important that you are certain that going ahead is the correct choice for you and that all of your questions or concerns have been fully explored.
How much time will I need off work?
Generally you can be back to light office work a week later but getting back to more active or physical work will take longer. Of course this will vary depending on the type of work you do and what operation you need.
When can I get back to the gym?
Certain activities including gym workouts and driving a vehicle may be restricted for several weeks. We will be discuss this with you in more detail at your consultation.
Why not have the surgery overseas where it is cheaper?
Having surgery is an important decision and you will live with the results for a long time. We do not believe that a travel agent is the best person to advise you on your plastic surgery and how it can be done most safely. Meeting a surgeon for the first time only a day before surgery is risky (and is a practice prohibited by the NZ Medical Council). You do not have the opportunity to think things through. How do you know whether this doctor is properly trained or qualified? Many countries do not follow the same rigid medical standards enforced in New Zealand. What about the quality and safety of the medical facility and the implants that are used? Will an anesthetist be present and have the other staff been properly trained in emergency preparedness?
Surgery is not a holiday and after care is very important. What will happen to you if something goes wrong when you return home a week or two later? Please think through all of these issues before making your decision based on cost alone. Your health and your safety are on the line.
Is it painful afterwards?
During your surgery long acting local anaesthetic will be injected into the area so that when you wake up you should be reasonably comfortable. You will feel an ache or tightness initially and pain medications are prescribed to help with your recovery. It is important to take your pain relief regularly and follow our advice so as to manage this discomfort over the first few days.
Can you assure me my privacy will be maintained?
We appreciate that privacy is very important for many people. In many cases the surgery can be carried out in our own day surgical centre and the only people who will know about your surgery are our own staff, who fully understand the requirement for confidentiality.
I am worried about the anesthetic.
It is common for anyone having an operation to worry about the anaesthetic. A medically trained specialist anesthetist and highly skilled nursing staff are present throughout your operation to monitor and care for you while you are asleep.
Do I need to stay in hospital afterwards?
Most patients are able to go home the same day depending on the operation and their general health
Do you use the latest techniques?
Dr Januszkiewicz is dedicated to remain at the forefront of his specialty through research and ongoing personal education. He attends national and international plastic surgery conferences to stay current with the newest advances in surgery. He is sought after as a surgical teacher and lectures both here and overseas, as well as training young NZ plastic surgeons at a post-graduate level.
Can I still have mammograms afterwards?
Yes, but the implant will change the way your breast mammography is done and extra images may be needed. Please tell your radiologist beforehand that you have breast implants. Sometimes other technologies such as ultrasound or MRI are added or substituted when investigating or screening your breasts.