Frequently asked questions

While you will receive detailed information as you leave APSG, our nurses are available to discuss your post-operative care and recovery with you. If complications or questions arise, please contact us on phone number or email.

​

• After a general anaesthetic or any intravenous sedation, NZ law does not permit driving for 24 hours. Please arrange someone to be available to drive you after any form of sedation. We also strongly recommend not making important life or financial decisions during this 24-hour period.

• Every procedure is different, every patient is different, therefore your return to work, travel and normal every day activities will vary. We will give you our best advice pre- and post-surgery on this, and this will be dependent on what your job is, or what activities you wish to commence.

• In general, the return to aerobic activities is firmly discouraged for two weeks, to decrease the risk of bruising, swelling and bleeding.

• Return to driving is dependent upon the patient and the surgery. For some larger surgeries, such as major breast and abdominal surgery, we request patients not to drive for 2 weeks afterwards.

• Some procedures require the wearing of compression garments for optimal outcomes – we will advise you of this during your initial consultation. As some of these can be restrictive or warm to wear, you may choose to schedule your surgery during the cooler months.

Choosing a Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon to perform your procedures means you have chosen a specialist who is trained to minimise and camouflage scars. However, while every technical effort is made in pursuit of the most natural and aesthetic result, there is no such thing as “scarless” surgery. Furthermore, some factors lie outside of a surgeon’s control. These include:

​

• Age

• Family history of poor scars

• Ethnic skin type

• Wound healing issues (for example, tight closures, infection, or stitch failure)

Poor scars from surgery, or scars which cause functional issues, may be addressed under ACC funding. Your surgeon can discuss potential options and apply if appropriate.

A number of patients travel to us for surgery, or have been local and wish to return to New Zealand for treatment. To facilitate the smooth process of your consultation, surgery and recovery, and to avoid the risk of swelling and clotting, please ensure the following:

​

• That you are available to see your surgeon at least one week prior to your surgery date.

• You refrain from long-haul flights for two weeks post-surgery.

• That if you must travel, you speak directly with us so we can advise on hydration, compression garments and any medication.

• Scar revisions

• Conditions due to ACC-registered hand trauma

• Fractured nose under ACC claim, and subsequent nasal septorhinoplasty.

The payment for aesthetic surgeries (based on the estimate issued) need to be paid in full at least two weeks prior to surgery. Payments for the hospital (facility) and anaesthetist are generally paid together in accordance with the respective hospital policies. This will be advised by the administrative staff prior to surgery.

If you have medical insurance which covers specialist consults and surgical procedures, please let us know. APSG is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider for a range of procedures, and an insurance Approved Provider.

Our clinic provides a discreet place for you to come to discuss medical procedures with the comfort of knowing we will keep all your records, files, before and after photos in complete confidentiality, except under circumstances required by law. All of our staff are professionally bound by strict confidentiality requirements.

Despite seeming a superficial problem, our Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons are trained to approach each patient with a highly technical and nuanced approach. Each has treated thousands of skin lesions. The goal is not just the best aesthetic outcome, but complete care of the cancer aiming for cure and long-term health. We recognise that any delay in cancer diagnosis or treatment creates great anxiety, and we will make every effort to schedule an appointment for you.

The New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons is a non-profit organisation that upholds ethical and professional standards in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. It represents the profession to the Ministry of Health and oversees the specialist training program in New Zealand. Members are expected to adhere to a Code of Practice and follow the guidelines of the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.