THE COURSE OF YOUR TREATMENT

Are you considering or have you decided to have a certain treatment done? Then you will find all useful information for future patients below.

Also click through to our most frequently asked questions (FAQ) where you will find to the point information about your operation.

SUMMARY

You will receive all information about:

• the operation procedure,
• what results to expect,
• advantages and drawbacks,
• the preparation for the operation,
• type of anaesthesia, and
• the possible risks/complications and necessary postoperative care.

Sometimes different treatment options can be proposed, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Beware that a ‘second’ option might not always give the expected results of the first option. For example an augmentation of an empty breast with a larger implant might give earlier sagging than a classic breast lift with a smaller implant.

Bringing someone with you to the consultation for example your partner or a friend is a good way to remember as much information as possible, and you can discuss it with them later.

This consultation always takes place with Dr. Nelissen, the plastic surgeon who will perform the treatment and who will be responsible for the postoperative care.

Prior to the consultation with the plastic surgeon, one of our consultants will go through all of the important information regarding:

• your personal data,
• medical history,
• medication use and
• your wishes.

For reasons of efficacy, we may ask you to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire prior to the consultation (at home or in the waiting room). The correct and complete information about your medical background and your medication use is very important for the plastic surgeon and the anaesthesiologist, and for your own safety.

A clear price quote will be communicated to you immediately after your personal consultation or sent by email afterwards, thus avoiding any later surprises on additional costs.

The first consultation with Dr. Nelissen costs € 50. If necessary you may come several times for a consultation prior to your surgery, without extra cost. We find it very important that you are completely informed in advance.

Consultations take place at our clinic in Zolder or (at request) in Knokke.  

2. WAITING TIMES

The waiting time for a first consultation is generally around 2 weeks.

Most treatments can be performed in 2-6 weeks following the consultation. 

 As a special service, we offer long distance patients the convenient option for surgical treatment the day after the consultation (Next Day Surgery). Please click here for further information on Next Day Surgery. 

3. PREPARATION FOR YOUR SURGERY

• Please follow strictly any instructions of the plastic surgeon regarding medication, quitting with smoking, …
• Arrange for an adult person to pick you up and accompany you during 24 hours after surgery.
• Long distance patients can contact us to book a hotel in the vicinity.
• In the week prior to your treatment we will contact you by phone or mail to confirm the exact hour of your treatment and to answer any additional questions you might still have.
• Read here also interesting information about the difference of surgery under local anesthesia (with sedation) or under general anesthesia

4. day of SURGERY

On the day of the surgery, you arrive at the agreed time:

• sober (= not eaten or drunk at least 6 hours in advance).
• Before the procedure, you need to  take off jewelry (piercings, earrings, watch, rings,...). It's best to just leave them at home.
• No makeup, acrylic or artificial nails (this is required for pre and post monitoring of vital signs and parameters).  

5. IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY

• After the surgery, you will remain as long as necessary in the recovery unit under monitoring of your vital functions until you are ready for discharge.
• After discharge by the plastic surgeon and anaesthesiologist, you may return home or to a nearby hotel (long distance patients) but only under the supervision of a responsible adult. It is important that you are accompanied at least 24 hours after surgery and that you certainly don’t drive yourself.
• Emergency phone number If necessary, for example in cases of misunderstood pain, uneasiness, redness or fever, you can directly call the plastic surgeon or a staff member DAY or NIGHT (24/7). You will receive his/her phone number.

6. POSTOPERATIVE CARE

It is important to remember that each surgery requires diligent post-operative care. Please follow the instructions strictly.

7. CONTROL APPOINTMENTS 

After surgery, you will get an appointment for your first check-up appointment or for removal of sutures. The postoperative controls are extremely important because problems can be detected at an early stage so that further surgical intervention can be avoided. No consultation fees will be charged for these check-ups.

8. SIDE-EFFECTS / POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS

Despite all possible security measures, there is always a chance that something goes wrong or that the obtained results are different than expected. Every surgical procedure involves risks, despite the high level of skills.

The main risks and complications in plastic surgery are:

• Infection: smoking increases the risk of an infection. Therefore, we recommend that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery until 4 weeks after surgery
• Haemorrhage / haematoma (bruising)
• Numbness / disturbed sensation
• Delayed wound healing (especially with smokers)
• Allergic reaction
• Nerve damage
• Asymmetry
• Deep Venous Thrombosis
• Hypertrophic scarring
• Capsular contracture