COURSE OF YOUR TREATMENT
- step by step -
Are you considering or have you decided to undergo a specific treatment or surgery with us?
Then you will find all the useful information about the course of your treatment hereafter.
Step 1:
Making an appointment
Start your journey with a non-binding consultation and discover your options with complete confidence.
The waiting time for a first consultation is approximately 2 weeks.
- Easily book your appointment by calling us, sending an email, or using our contact or callback form.
- For consultations and anti-wrinkle injections, you can also book an appointment online and immediately see available time slots.
If you can’t find a suitable moment or don’t want to wait that long, feel free to give us a call so we can look together for a better option.
Step 2:
Your consultation
On the day of your appointment, you will meet plastic surgeon Dr. Nelissen, our dedicated team, and our private clinic.
We understand that plastic surgery is a significant decision in which you make yourself vulnerable, both literally and figuratively.
That is why it is important that you feel comfortable and have the opportunity to ask all your questions.
During the comprehensive consultation, we listen to your wishes and answer your questions. We discuss the various treatment options in plain language as much as possible. If possible, we show examples using carefully selected before-and-after photos that match your situation. For breast augmentations, we also offer the option of a Crisalix 3D simulation (can be booked in advance).
Detailled information:
You will receive detailed information from us about:
- the procedure of the treatment/surgery
- the expected results
- pros and cons
- preparation for the treatment/surgery
- type of anesthesia (local anesthesia, sedation, general anesthesia)
- the required postoperative care and possible risks and complications.
Price quote:
After the consultation, you will receive a clear and detailed price quote for your treatment, ensuring that there are no unexpected additional costs later on.
After the consultation:
The consultation is completely non-binding, giving you all the time you need to make a decision at your own pace, without any obligation. We understand that after receiving all this information, you may need time to consider everything. If you have any further questions, we are here for you. You can also book a second consultation (no extra cost within 6 months).
Sometimes, we propose multiple treatment options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to know that a second choice may not achieve the same results as our first choice. For example, breast augmentation with a larger implant will lead to sagging more quickly than a traditional breast lift with a smaller implant.
If our proposal does not fully meet your expectations or if multiple options are available, we recommend coming back for a second consultation at a later time or seeking a second opinion elsewhere.
If expectations are not realistic, we may refuse the treatment or suggest a different, more suitable procedure, possibly referring you to a colleague. As plastic surgeon, it is important for us to fully support the chosen treatment before performing it.
Practical:
- We encourage you to bring a trusted person to the consultation so you can discuss the information later.
- Beforehand, a medical questionnaire will be completed (medication use, medical history, and personal details).
- The first consultation costs €50. If necessary, you may return for a second consultation at no extra cost (for the same question and within six months).
- The consultation will take place with plastic surgeon Dr. Nelissen, who will also perform the treatment and be responsible for post-operative care.
Step 3:
Schedule treatment or surgery
As soon as you decide to undergo a treatment or surgery with us, we can schedule it and set a surgery date.
This can be done immediately after the consultation at the reception desk or later by calling or emailing us.
Waiting period
According to Belgian law, there must be a mandatory waiting period of at least 15 days between the consultation and the surgery.
Since we manage our own surgical facilities, most common treatments can be performed within six weeks following the consultation.
Step 4:
Preparation for surgery
After scheduling your treatment or surgery, we will provide you with the necessary guidelines to prepare for your treatment or surgery.
It is very important to read and follow these instructions carefully.
Immediately after scheduling:
- Start following our instructions regarding medication use and smoking cessation (4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the surgery).
- Arrange your leave from work.
Two weeks before the surgery date:
- Arrange for a companion/driver for the day of the procedure and for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- If you are traveling from afar, booking a hotel nearby is recommended. We are happy to assist you with this.
- Remove artificial nails: both middle fingers (left and right) must be free for monitoring.
- Check if the required payment for the treatment has been completed.
One week before the surgery date:
- This week, we will contact you by phone or email to confirm the exact time of your procedure. Please note that this timing is only indicative, as delays may occur on the day of surgery.
- If necessary, arrange childcare (or pet care) or household help.
- Take the time to relax and start counting down to your big day!
Step 5:
Your surgery day
It is very important to carefully review our guidelines for the operation.
1. Before the operation
On the day of the procedure, we welcome you and your companion at the agreed time:
- fasting (i.e., no eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 6 hours beforehand).
- without jewelry (earrings, watch, rings, etc.), including piercings. It is best to leave these at home.
- without makeup
- without nail polish, acrylic, gel, or artificial nails on both index fingers (required for monitoring).
Where will my surgery take place?
When can I go home?
All operations take place at the Global Care Clinic:
- In one of our modern operating rooms
- Under general anesthesia or sedation
- As a day procedure: you may go home the same day.
Click here for an explanation of the difference between general anesthesia and sedation.
Take a look at our operating rooms here.
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2. After the operation
After the surgery, our team will take you to the recovery area, where you will be closely monitored. The recovery area is a comfortable, spacious room with multiple beds, ensuring your privacy with curtains that can be closed between the beds.
Once you are fully awake and have had something to drink (and urinated), the plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist will check on you.
After that, we will help you get dressed, and you may go home with your companion. It is important that you remain accompanied by an adult for at least 24 hours after the surgery and that you do not drive yourself.
On the evening of your surgery, a member of our team will give you a call to check on you.
Emergency phone number (24/7): If necessary—such as in cases of unexplained pain, concerns, redness, or fever—you can call or WhatsApp the plastic surgeon or a staff member day and night. You will receive their private phone number to take home, and they will remain available for you.
Step 6:
Recovery from your surgery
A good recovery after your surgery starts with carefully following our postoperative instructions, as outlined in the received documentation.
Follow-up appointments
To properly monitor healing, several follow-up appointments will be scheduled. These check-ups are essential to detect any issues in a timely manner. All follow-up appointments are included in the treatment price. Dr. Nelissen remains available to discuss and resolve any concerns his patients may have during their recovery.
Side effects and postoperative complications
Despite all precautions, something can always go wrong or the result may differ from expectations. Every surgical procedure carries risks, regardless of the expertise in its execution.
The main risks and complications in plastic surgery are:
- Infection: The risk of infection significantly increases with smoking. Therefore, we ask that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the procedure.
- Postoperative bleeding or hematoma (bruising)
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Delayed wound healing, especially in smokers, which in the case of breast augmentation can even lead to the removal of the implant
- Allergic reactions
- Nerve damage
- Asymmetry
- Thrombosis
- Formation of hypertrophic scars
- Capsule problems (with breast implants)
The specific risks of your treatment are listed in your postoperative documents and on the treatment page.
General FAQ:
Frequently asked general questions about plastic surgery and your surgery or treatment.
What is the difference between general anesthesia, sedation, and local anesthesia?
General anesthesia (full anesthesia):
- In this case, the entire body is placed under anesthesia by the anesthesiologist, causing temporary full unconsciousness. To further enhance your comfort, additional local anesthesia is administered to the area being operated on. This ensures that no pain is experienced during the procedure.
- Our anesthesia is also specialized on day surgery (day hospitalization): this is a milder form of anesthesia where patients are in a deep, comfortable sleep, breathe spontaneously, and receive optimal pain relief. This significantly reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding, thrombosis, and nausea. The additional pain management and local anesthesia of the treated area ensure that more than 95% of our patients experience no pain after the procedure.
- Which treatments? Breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck, nose surgery, eyelid surgery with eyebrow lift, etc.
Local (regional) anesthesia – Sedation (sleeping relaxation):
- In this case, only a specific body part is numbed while you remain conscious. This is often combined with sedation (a calming medication that makes you relaxed, calm, or even sleepy during the procedure).
- Which treatments? Eyelid surgery, labiaplasty, ear (lobe) correction, liposuction, phenol peel, etc.
- For some treatments, you can also opt for general anesthesia for an additional cost.
An interesting fact is that at Global Care Clinic, all surgeries (both those under local anesthesia and those under general anesthesia) are performed in our advanced operating theater, ensuring you always receive the best care.
Do I need to fast before my surgery? And what does that mean exactly?
For both surgeries under local anesthesia (with sedation) and general anesthesia, you must fast.
This means that you should not eat, drink, or smoke for 6 hours prior to the surgery.
We will provide you with very clear instructions regarding this beforehand. So, make sure to thoroughly read the postoperative documents.
Do I need to remove my artificial nails?
Both index fingers (left and right) must be free of nail polish, acrylic, gel, or other artificial nails, as the monitoring device will be placed on your finger.
Additionally, it is important not to wear jewelry, such as earrings, rings, watches, or other accessories, including any piercings. It is recommended to leave them at home.
Who will perform my surgery?
Will my surgery always be performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Nelissen, or could it be that an intern or another plastic surgeon will perform the surgery while I am under anesthesia?
All surgeries for patients consulting with plastic surgeon Dr. Nelissen are performed exclusively by him. Dr. Nelissen is present during all stages of your treatment: both before, during, and after the surgery. After the surgery, he will also personally explain how everything went. The aftercare and follow-up appointments are managed by our team, with Dr. Nelissen always being present or available.
Although Global Care Clinic rents out its operating theater to other plastic surgeons, they bring their own patients for these procedures.
Where will I wake up after the surgery?
When Dr. Nelissen places the final stitches, he notifies the anesthesiologist that the procedure is nearly complete, so the patient can be awakened.
Afterward, you will be taken to the recovery area, where you will be closely monitored. The recovery area is a comfortable, large space with several beds, ensuring your privacy with curtains that can be drawn between the beds.
Once you’re fully awake and have had something to drink (and have urinated), you will be seen by the plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Then, we will assist you in getting dressed, and you may go home with your companion. It is important that you are accompanied by an adult for at least 24 hours after the surgery, and that you do not drive yourself.
What happens if the power goes out during your surgery?
During an operation, vital equipment and systems such as:
- Operating room doors
- Surgical lighting
- Patient elevators
- Monitoring devices
… rely entirely on electricity.
Without an emergency power supply, these systems could fail in the event of a power outage, posing serious risks. We have a high-capacity emergency generator that ensures our operating suite remains fully powered for at least 24 hours in the event of a power outage.
Extra safety measure:
Our emergency power system includes a battery backup, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply while the generator starts up. This means you won’t even notice if a power outage occurs.
Read more about the safety of our advanced facilities, which are unique in Belgium.
Do I need to stay overnight in the clinic after the surgery, or can I go home?
At Global Care Clinic, all surgeries are performed as day procedures (day surgery).
This means you are admitted on the day of the procedure and discharged the same day. You only stay at the clinic for a few hours, without the need for an overnight stay.
After the procedure, you will remain under observation in the recovery room for as long as necessary. Once you are fully awake and both the plastic surgeon and the anesthesiologist give their approval, you may return home with your companion.
Advantage of day surgery:
- The main benefit is that you can recover in your own familiar surroundings, where you feel most at ease.
Day surgery is made possible thanks to:
Our many years of experience with minimally invasive surgery, allowing you to recover quickly. This approach is also known as Flash Recovery or Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and is increasingly used in various medical specialties.
A milder form of general anesthesia, specially tailored for day procedures, which reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding, thrombosis, and nausea. By providing additional pain relief and targeted local anesthesia in the treated area, we minimize pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
Excellent aftercare and availability: both the plastic surgeon and our team are available 24/7 for any questions or concerns following the procedure.
Can I drive myself home after the surgery?
No, after a surgery under sedation or general anesthesia, you must not drive for at least 24 hours. It is also important that you are accompanied by an adult for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
What if I experience complications after the surgery and I'm already at home?
If necessary, such as in the case of unexplained pain, concerns, redness, or fever, you can call or message the plastic surgeon or a staff member directly, day or night. You will receive their private phone number to take home, and they will remain available for you.
On the evening of the surgery, someone from our team will also always call to check on you.
What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and an aesthetic/cosmetic doctor/surgeon?
Click here to read more on our blog, where we explain the difference between a Plastic Surgeon and an Aesthetic/Cosmetic Doctor/Surgeon, and why this distinction is so important.
How do I choose a good plastic surgeon?
Click here to read more on our blog, where we share some insider tips for choosing a plastic surgeon.