Cosmetic Surgey FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about your treatment

For answers to questions about anaesthesia, please see the Anaesthesia FAQ.

We hope the following section will answer many of your questions about your surgery and recovery. If you have additional questions, doubts, or concerns, particularly after your surgery, please contact us or the hospital where you had your operation promptly. A problem managed early is easier to put right.

First Visit

Preparing for Surgery

After Surgery

Recovery

Other questions

What is Aesthetic Plastic Surgery?

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is the practice of consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon Mr. Lucian Ion. Mr. Ion has admitting privileges at some of Central London's best-known private hospitals, including Cromwell Hospital, The Willington Hospital, St. Luke's and The Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth.

We offer a practice team dedicated to providing all the support and information you need, and modern, private consulting facilities, with the option of computer simulation to help you better visualize and understand the likely outcome of your surgery.

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Who will I see when I visit the practice?

From your first visit, you will be seen by Mr. Ion himself. After filling in a registration form, the details of which will be securely filed, you'll spend approximately 45 minutes with Mr. Ion discussing the concerns you have about your appearance and the results you would like to achieve. He will explain the various options available to you, describe the outcomes he expects and discuss any possible complications or side effects.

During your consultation, Mr. Ion will take a full medical history and conduct a physical examination. He may also take photographs. A chaperone will be present during your physical examination if you choose.

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Is there anything I should bring to my consultation?

Many people find it useful to bring a list of written questions. That way you'll be sure you've asked everything you wish to. It may also be helpful to bring photographs of yourself at the time you were most satisfied with your appearance.

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What if I still have questions after my consultation?

After your consultation with Mr. Ion, we invite you to spend time with one of our team members to discuss your consultation and any questions you may have. You will also receive a letter from Mr. Ion summarizing what the two of you discussed during your consultation.

If you find you still have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us to book another appointment.

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When will I learn what my surgery will cost?

At the time of your initial consultation one of our team members will give an estimate of the cost of your chosen procedure. This estimate is subject to change depending on the hospital where you choose to have your surgery. The cost of your procedure will be a combination of your surgical fees, anaesthetist fee, hospital fee and the cost of any implants. For more information on the cost of surgery, please click on the Prices section of this web site.

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How should payment be arranged?

Payment of the surgical and anaesthetist fees and the cost of any implants is due ten days before you procedure date. Payment may be made by cheque made out to Mr. Lucian Ion or cash. You will receive an invoice from your hospital requesting payment approximately five days before your operation.

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What if I have to cancel my surgery?

If you need to cancel your procedure it is essential that you do so in writing. The practice incurs costs from the time of your original booking and the closer to your procedure you cancel the more difficult it is to offer this reserved space to another patients. Failure to inform us will incur an administration fee of £100.

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What should I do to prepare for my surgery?

There are several things you should do, including:

  • Avoid using aspirin for at least a week before your procedure. This is because aspirin thins the blood and can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising. It is also advisable to try to avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Nurofen® and Voltarol® in the week before your surgery.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol, particularly in excessive amounts during this period as well, as it can have the same blood thinning effect as aspirin.
  • Unless told otherwise by your anaesthesia team, do not eat or drink for eight hours before your surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to accompany you home after your surgery - even if your procedure is being performed as a day case. In addition, most anaesthesia requires that someone stay with you the night after you are released.
  • Be sure to write down any allergies you may have to medication or dressings and bring your list to the hospital with you on the day of your surgery. It is also helpful to make a list of any questions you would like to have answered before your surgery. There are lots of preparations going on before surgery and it's easy to forget questions if they aren't written down.
  • If you are having a procedure like liposuction, tummy tuck or thigh lift that requires you to use a surgical garment after your operation you'll need to measure the treatment area and bring those measurements with you to assure an accurate fit. Please be careful not to use undue tension when you measure.
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Should I continue to take my prescribed medications in the days before my surgery?

In most cases it is important to continue taking your medications up to and including the day of your surgery. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, so it's important to tell your team about all the types of drugs you are taking now or have used recently.

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What should I do if I develop a skin infection before my surgery?

If you notice a significant infection, particularly in the area that is due to be operated on, please notify us at once. A course of antibiotics may be able to control the situation. If not, it may be in your best interest to delay your surgery.

Herpes infections can be particularly problematic. It is important that you avoid coming in for surgery if you have an active herpes infection near the operation site.

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What should I do if I wear contact lenses?

For your safety, contact lenses must be removed prior to any procedure. Please tell the ward staff and your medical team if you wear contact lenses.

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Can I bring a partner, friend or parent to be with me?

Please ask the staff. It may be possible for someone close to you to accompany you to the start of the procedure. In the case of a general anaesthetic he or she may be allowed to stay until you are asleep.

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How soon after my operation will I be allowed to get up?

That depends on the kind of surgery and anaesthetic you've had. Your team and nurses will let you know what to expect. Normally, though, you will be encouraged to be up and about as soon as possible after your operation.

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Will I have to take medication after my surgery?

Painkillers and antibiotics are often prescribed after surgery. Please check to make sure nothing you are allergic to has been prescribed, then take your medications as prescribed. Even if your pain is only moderate, using your pain relief medication will make your overall experience considerably more comfortable.

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What should I do if I have a problem outside of normal office hours?

After your surgery, you will be given the mobile number of the practice nurse to call if you have an out of hours emergency. During business hours you can contact our team and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Will I need to wear compression stockings?

Surgical procedures that take more than an hour carry a risk of blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis). Being up and about after surgery helps avoid this, as does wearing compression stockings. Whilst in hospital you will be given compression stockings and it is useful to continue wearing them for a few days after your surgery. This is particularly true if your journey home will take more than one hour. Please discuss this in detail with our surgeon or the nursing staff.

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Will I need to wear a surgical garment?

After some surgical procedures tight fitting surgical garments are used to help reduce bruising and remove excess water from the tissues. However, if they are excessively tight or create folds over your skin they can cause problems. If you feel your garment is either too tight or too loose, please contact the practice so we can provide you with a better fitting one.

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Will I have to eat a special diet after my surgery?

After certain operations such as facelift with neck lift, chin augmentation or buccal fat reduction, you will be advised to avoid all food that needs chewing for the first week. Your diet will be based on things like soup, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, creamed vegetables and, of course, liquids. You should be able to brush your teeth normally but if there are cuts on the inside of your mouth it is advisable to use a soft toothbrush and rinse with mouthwash two or three times a day.

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When can I get back to my normal activities?

That will depend on what kind of surgery you've had, however everyone needs some time to recover from surgery and anesthesia. Please ask your team about which activities you should avoid and for how long.

As a general rule, you'll be advised to avoid exercise for the first two weeks after surgery. If you've had breast surgery, you'll be advised to avoid most exercise for three weeks and avoid swimming for at least four.

Once this period is over, you should be able to resume your normal activities gradually so that by six weeks following your surgery you should be back to your normal level of exercise. This does not mean, however, that your operation site is fully settled or that the final result is achieved. It simply means that normal exercise is not likely to cause any problems.

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I'd like to recuperate away from home. Is this allowed?

It is important to consider the level of medical care available in the place where you would like to convalesce. Please remember that it is possible to encounter small problems of bleeding or infection not only in the first few days after surgery but also in the first few weeks. So you will want to stay at a location where these rare but possible complications can be dealt with effectively. Our office will always try to guide you by telephone or e-mail regarding any problem, however it will be the local practitioners who will need to provide the actual care. It is important that they have knowledge of such problems and adequate resources to assist you.

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Is it safe to fly after my surgery?

Generally speaking, it takes approximately one month for the body to restore its normal clotting. During this time it is better to avoid flying.

There is not enough information to clearly define whether the same level of risk of deep vein thrombosis applies to shorter operations on the upper body as it would on procedures on the lower limbs. However, for maximum safety it is best to assume that for the first month the risk of clots forming in the deep veins is higher.

Therefore, it is better to avoid longer flights. When you do resume traveling, be careful to use compression stockings, do in-flight exercises and drink plenty of fluids. After the first two weeks following your surgery you may also use aspirin before a flight to thin the blood and reduce the risk of clots.

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May I wash the area where I've had surgery?

Please ask your surgeon or nurse. In most instances it is possible to wash gently, including washing over the operation site. However, some dressings should not be exposed to moisture, in which case you should try to wash around them with a wet sponge or cloth.

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Will I have bruises in the area where my surgery was done?

Bruising is an inevitable consequence of most surgical procedures. A mild product that can help clear the bruises more quickly is Arnica cream. A more effective alternative is Lasonil® ointment. You may use either straight after your surgery.

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What if something goes wrong and I'm not happy with the results of my surgery?

Although they are extremely rare, complications can arise with any surgical procedure, despite the best efforts of both the surgeon and the patient. If the medical outcome of the surgery desired by both the patient and surgeon is not achieved, the surgeon will waive the surgical fee. However, expenses involving the hospital stay and the anaesthetists's fees must still be paid by the patient.

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What if I have a complaint?

Everyone at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery seeks to offer you the very highest level of service. However we recognize that there may be times when you feel you have reason to complain. Should this happen, please address your complaint to the Practice Manager so she can deal with it appropriately.

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Can I be sure my privacy will be protected?

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has an obligation to ensure that your health records are maintained efficiently and your confidentiality is protected. We adhere to the guidelines of the Data Protection Act.

You, of course, have a right to view you medical records. If you wish to do so, please send a written request to out Practice Manager, Margaret Benham.