FAQs

There are a number of factors that impact the overall feel of your implants, one of which is the type of implant that is used. Silicone implants tend to feel fleshy, while saline implants are softer. We’ll discuss your preference and goals with you before deciding which implant to use. The placement of your implant will also affect how they feel post-surgery — if they are placed under your chest muscles, they tend to feel more natural because you will have natural tissue above your implant. It’s also important to note that if you have more of your own breast tissue, your new breasts will feel more natural than if you begin the process with very small breasts.

There are a number of benefits to choosing a breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure, particularly for women who would like to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. If you have noticed a loss of volume in your breasts as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, a breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure might be a good option for you.

Unfortunately, breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. The longevity of implants does, however, vary from case to case, although they generally last for between 10 and 20 years. In rare cases, breast implants need to be replaced as a result of a rupture or deflation, but most revision breast augmentation mammoplasty procedures are done by choice, usually when women decide that they would like to change the size of their implants. If you experience capsular contracture, which is a tightening of the tissue that forms around the implant, you will need to have your implant removed and replaced.

Unfortunately, one of the most common side effects of considerable weight loss is loose skin. While it’s possible to minimise loose skin by losing weight gradually, rather than too quickly; and to gain muscle tone through exercise, some loose skin is inevitable for most people. Fortunately, there are a number of cosmetic procedures that work to effectively remove excess skin. These procedures can be useful in helping patients towards their goal body shape.

A surgical way of getting rid of loose skin is to undergo a belt lipectomy procedure. During the procedure, excess skin is removed to alter the shape and contours of the body. Excess skin can be removed from a number of areas of the body, including the stomach, bottom and thighs, as well as the arms. If you’re not sure whether or not you are suited to this type of procedure, we recommend that you see Dr Cheng for a consultation. He will be able to advise you on the best treatment plan, based on your body type, surgical goals, and particular needs.

A belt lipectomy involves the removal of excess skin and fat from an extended abdominal area of the body, as well as the reshaping and toning of the underlying tissue. A belt lipectomy may include various areas of the body, including the inner and outer thighs, the abdominal area, and the buttocks. In some cases, a belt lipectomy can be combined with liposuction. This may be particularly helpful for individuals who have poor skin elasticity.

As with all cosmetic procedures, it is important that you choose a surgeon that is properly qualified and experienced to perform your belt lipectomy surgery. Fortunately, Dr Cheng has an advanced level of training, skills and experience, so you can rest assured that your procedure will be carried out with your safety in mind. Before you undergo a belt lipectomy procedure, you will have a personal consultation with Dr Cheng, at which time he will ask you about your medical history and any concerns you might have. This will ensure that he is properly prepared for your surgery.

A thigh lipectomy refers to a procedure that helps to reshape the thighs. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat and is often combined with other cosmetic body procedures. The procedure may be suited to individuals who have deposits of fat in the inner and/or outer thighs, but who are at stable body weight and are generally healthy. Before committing to a thigh lift (lipectomy), we recommend that you come in for a consultation so that you can discuss your surgical goals and expectations.

Many people become concerned about areas of fat and the inner and outer thighs are some of the most common areas of concern. Often immune to diet and exercise, these areas of fatty tissue are often a cause for dissatisfaction when it comes to overall body image. One of the surgical ways to get rid of excess thigh fat is to undergo thigh lipectomy surgery. During the procedure, excess fat, as well as loose skin, are surgically removed.

It is quite normal to experience some bruising and swelling following your thigh lipectomy procedure. Dr Cheng may place surgical drains at the site of treatment to drain any excess fluid and blood and reduce some of the swellings. After surgery, you can further minimise swelling by wearing a compression garment for a few weeks. A compression garment can also help to protect your surgical wounds and provide some support as your body heals. We also recommend that you rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity for between four and six weeks after surgery.

The first step is to contact our patient coordinators to discuss the procedure/s, your goals and desires. We like to discuss your history and concerns in order to provide more specific advice in relation to your suitability for the procedure of interest. We can then assist you with a suitable appointment for a consultation with Dr Cheng. Following a consultation, we can provide you with an estimate of fees and available consultation dates.

Our office contact details are below:

In-office consultations with Dr Cheng are $300. Some consultations may be partially rebateable if you have a referral from your GP, however, please check with our team prior to your consultation.

Preparation for your appointment is required and may involve:

• a referral from your GP if possible, especially if you are exploring whether your procedure attracts medicare or insurance rebates.
• completion of our patient detail form including your health history.
• If you are close to or 40 years and over and considering breast surgery, please ensure you have a current mammogram and/or USS in time for your consultation with Dr Cheng.
• If you already have breast implants and have concerns it may be wise to ask your GP for a breast ultrasound referral to check the integrity of your breast implants prior to your appointment. This will allow Dr Cheng to have the results available to discuss at your consultation, especially if you are considering removal and replacement surgery of previous breast implants.
• details and previous operation notes for any previous breast surgery including before and after photos from your previous surgeon. This will assist Dr Cheng when advising on breast implant replacement.
• uploading of photos both of your desired result and images of your current breast or body concerns so that we can customise your consultation and advise prior to your consultation.
• a discussion with one of our patient coordinators about your concerns and goals be sure to bring along your diary to look at potential theatre dates.

This depends on your procedure and the complexity of the surgery. Some procedures are quite simple and may be performed in the procedural rooms of our clinic using local anaesthetic. Many aesthetic/cosmetic procedures require a general anaesthetic for your comfort and safety and will be performed in one of several accredited private hospitals such as The Wesley Hospital, Westside Private Hospital Taringa and Canossa Private Hospital Oxley. Sometimes you may go home the same day as surgery, while for larger procedures a brief hospital stay may be required.

Our office contact details are below:

Private health insurance generally does not contribute to the fees for cosmetic/aesthetic plastic surgery. In some cases of reconstructive plastic surgery health funds may contribute. If in any doubt please seek advice from one of our patient coordinators. If you are unsure if your procedure is cosmetic or medical it is always best to obtain a referral from your GP prior to your appointment just in case.

For most surgical procedures, we recommend taking at least two weeks off work or your regular duties. Some procedures such as breast reconstruction mammoplasty, abdominoplasty and combined procedures ie breast mastopexy with augmentation mammoplasty or removal and replacement with capsulectomy involve a longer recovery time. Dr Cheng will advise you during your consultation based on your occupation and role requirements.

These are guidelines only and will vary depending on your individual circumstances and occupation:

• Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty: 7-10 days
• Abdominoplasty: 3 weeks
• Breast Reduction Mammoplasty: 7-10 days
• Breast Lift Mastopexy: 7-10 days
• Gynaecomastia: 7-10 days
• Breast Reconstruction: 4-6 weeks
• Facelift (Rhytidectomy): 3 weeks
• Thigh Lipectomy: 2-3 weeks
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): 2-3 weeks
• Liposuction: 7-10 days

Dr Cheng looks after many interstate and international patients so we understand that travel can be expensive. Dr Cheng does offer an initial video consultation for particular procedures and patients who live further than 4 hours outside of Brisbane. It is important to keep in mind that video consultations cannot replace a physical consultation. Dr Cheng will still need to physically examine you to confirm your treatment plan at least 7 days prior to your surgery date. Video consultations require pre-approval from Dr Cheng and are $200 which is paid at the time of booking your video consultation. In order to confirm your video consultation please liaise with our patient coordinators as they will assist with your preparation requirements.

The following information is an example of the information that will be required:

• Desired results or outcomes that you like
• If you have had previous surgery, your before and after photos and records relating to your previous surgery
• Copies of reports relating to recent imaging
• Your patient detail form
• The above material should be emailed to office@arplasticsurgery.com.au. If you are an out-of-town patient please follow the link for more detailed instructions on the consultation/surgery process: Travelling Patients.

Dr Cheng consults on Wednesdays and Fridays. Please contact our rooms to determine availabilities in line with your preferred dates. Please allow approximately 2 months lead time for a consultation.

This depends on your procedure and the complexity of the surgery. Some minor procedures are quite simple and may be performed using local anaesthetic +/- sedation. By far the majority of surgical procedures, however, require a general anaesthetic.

In most instances, you will be able to go home the same day as surgery. For larger procedures, a hospital stay may be required.

Upon booking a consultation, we will send a welcome email confirming the date, time, location as well as information about our clinic. We will also attach our Patient Detail Form, which you should complete prior to your appointment. Please ask our team if you require a referral letter from a GP prior to your consultation.

How long before and after surgery should I quit smoking?

If you are a smoker and you are considering plastic surgery Dr Cheng will ask you to quit a minimum of 6-8 weeks before any surgery. Stay away from nicotine products another 6-8 weeks (or for good) after plastic surgery in order to reduce your chance of complications and give yourself opportunity for the best recovery and aesthetic result possible. Ideally, get yourself into tip top shape 6 months before surgery, that includes ceasing smoking.

But what if I only have e-cigarettes and occasional Cannabis?

Quit all forms of nicotine. Even 1 sneaky puff will shrink your blood vessels and reduce oxygen supply to your tissues. Smoking cannabis is a no no as carbon monoxide interferes with oxygen delivery to your tissues too.

Here’s YOUR QUIT LIST:

• Cigarettes
• Nicotine gum
• Nicotine patches
• E-cigarettes
• Smoking Cannabis

If your surgery is close and you’ve had a moment of weakness be honest with your plastic surgeon, it’s always better to be safe and delay surgery than to be sorry.

Dr Cheng consults on Wednesdays and Fridays. You will be required to complete a patient detail form which includes your demographic information and medical history. You will then have an initial discussion with one of our knowledgeable patient coordinators to review your history as well as discuss your goals and ideal result. If you are considering breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, your patient coordinator will perform a 3D crisalix scan at this time. Dr Cheng will join you for a thorough clinical review including a discussion of your specific concerns and anatomy. For breast surgery, he will perform clinical measurements, trial breast implant sizers and model 3D projections of your ideal outcome.

Following this Dr Cheng will outline your possible treatment options, details about the procedure, recovery milestones and associated surgical risks. You will take home with written information about your treatment options along with a tailored estimate of fees.

We encourage you to take time to review this information to help you decide if surgery is the right option for you. Make a note of any questions you have and highlight areas needing further clarification. This is the next step in preparation for your pre-operative appointment with Dr Cheng.

The next step is to contact your patient coordinator to book your preferred surgery date. In order to confirm and secure your date of surgery, you will need to pay your deposit at the time of booking. Please schedule your pre-operative appointment 3-4 weeks prior to your actual surgery date. The surgery deposit is non-refundable should you cancel surgery, however, changing surgery dates is possible.

Dr Cheng believes that cosmetic plastic surgery is an enormous decision and at least 2 pre-operative appointments are essential as there is often more questions and information to clarify. So yes your pre-operative appointment is essential.

Dr Cheng operates on Mondays, Tuesdays and some Thursdays.

On average, the waiting time for a consultation with Dr Cheng is about 2 months. Waiting time for surgery can vary significantly, depending on the length of the procedure that you wish to have. On average, the waiting time for surgery is approximately 6 weeks from your first contact with the clinic.

Please let our team know as soon as possible so that we can assist you, You must see Dr Cheng for a clinical consultation or video consultation prior to booking surgery. Once Dr Cheng has consulted with you and provided informed consent about your procedure, and you have had time to consider the procedure and associated risks you can secure your surgical date with a non-refundable surgical deposit. For your benefit there is a cooling off period of 7 days to allow time for you to think about your decision to have plastic surgery.

It is difficult to give an exact fee until Dr Cheng sees you for a consultation as human anatomy and different treatment options will vary. In most cases, your estimate will comprise of several components:

• Surgeon’s fee, including assistant, prosthetics such as breast implants.
• Anaesthetic Fee – time dependent
• Hospital Fee – varies based on hospital and complexity of procedure
• Miscellaneous: Pain relief medications, blood tests, compression garments if required.
• Typically the majority of cosmetic surgeries will NOT attract medicare or health fund rebates.
• Some procedures such as a breast reduction mammoplasty, gynaecomastia, tuberous breast correction, selected breast lift (mastopexy) cases, weight loss surgery including abdominoplasties, brachioplasties, thigh lipectomies, as well as reconstructive plastic surgery such as breast reconstruction are often attract medicare and private health insurance rebates.
• Once you have attended for your consultation your Patient Coordinator will prepare a detailed estimate which will explain fees associated with your chosen procedure.

Yes. Dr Cheng’s fee is paid in full 2 weeks prior to the date of your surgery. Your anaesthetic fee and hospital fee (where applicable) may also need to be paid in full prior to undergoing surgery.

Some medical procedures attract a medicare and health insurance rebate however, there is generally always a ‘gap’ or out of pocket cost, for most surgical procedures with Dr Cheng.

Dr Cheng operates regularly at the following accredited private hospitals:

• The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower
• Westside Private, Taringa
• Canossa Private, Oxley

Our patients come from all over Australia and Internationally. Please see information for travelling patients. For your convenience if you don’t have a car in Brisbane, our office is situated within walking distance to the Auchenflower Train Station.

The Following is a list of helpful nearby accommodation options for travelling patients:

Accommodation near train stations and close to the Hospital

Essence Suites and Apartments Taringa – Medi-hotel (easy access to train line from Taringa to Auchenflower) – directly above Westside Private Hospital
The Jephson Hotel Toowong

Accommodation Within Walking Distance to The Wesley Hospital:

The Oasis Apartments
Various Lodges near The Wesley Hospital Campus

Accommodation and Recovery Care

Private In-Home Accommodation and Care

There is a range of accommodation and care options depending on whether you are travelling alone or with a friend/carer.

For a home away from hospital style accommodation with the option of airport pickup and dropoff, day surgery pickup, overnight accommodation and care as well as meals. Speak to our Patient Coordinators for more details about this private in home style accommodation option.

Recovery Partner and Concierge Services

Heidi and her team at Pure You Patient Concierges, offer caring and supportive females who are knowledgeable on post-surgical recovery and can assist with the logistics of recovery.

Yes, as it can affect wound healing and scar formation so we would recommend ceasing Roaccutane medication 3-6 months prior to your planned plastic surgery. Always consult with Dr Eddie Cheng at the time of your consultation and he will advise specific to your personal situation.

Dr Cheng advises patients to stop tanning solutions 7-10 days prior to surgery.

Breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery:

Yes, ideally removal is best especially if the piercing is metal. If you have a plastic spacer this may be a suitable temporary solution. Please avoid new nipple piercings until 6 weeks postoperatively. This will prevent any infection risk.

Other breasts surgeries

Breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction mammoplasty and gynaecomastia surgery will require removal of your piercing and you may lose your piercing altogether.

Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck surgery

Yes, please remove any belly button or umbilicus piercings prior to your abdominoplasty as your umbilicus may be repositioned.