FAQs

How long will my initial consultation take? +

Mr Yang keeps to his appointment schedule as closely as possible, and unless unforeseen circumstances arise, expect to be seen at your appointed time. An initial consultation for a proposed surgical procedure will take 10-15 minutes (20-25mins for an initial cosmetic consult) and for a skin cancer check, up to 20 minutes. Mr Yang prefers to see all cosmetic consults at least twice before surgery.

How can you assure me of confidentiality? +

Your confidentiality will be protected at all times. As a condition of employment, all staff at our clinic and all medical staff involved in treatments and surgical procedures, are legally bound to protect the privacy of our patients. Our car park provides off street parking and there will be no reference to why you are visiting Mr Yang when you are called to the consultation room.

What happens if I can’t make my scheduled surgery time? +

We understand life can be unpredictable, and we will try our best to accommodate. However because surgical theatres and rooms are in such high demand, we prefer one week’s notice for GA surgeries and 72 hours for minor surgeries.

How will my recovery and post-operative care affect me? +

NZ law states that you are not permitted to drive for 24 hours after a General Anaesthetic, or any procedure where sedatives were used. For more significant surgeries such as abdominoplasty and some breast operations, it is advisable to not drive for two weeks post-surgery. In returning to normal activities we advise a slow walking routine two days after your surgery. We will provide you with take-home information on resuming exercise and contact sport, which should be avoided for 4 – 6 weeks. We understand that you may need to carefully schedule your surgery around your work. As each person recovers differently, and coupled with what your employment involves, Mr Yang will discuss likely recovery times and advise on estimated return to full duties during your initial consultation.

Can I fly after my surgery? +

This will depend on the regulations of your airline and the nature of your surgery. Please check with Mr Yang if you plan to travel soon after surgery. Apart from wound discomfort and a lack of medical support mid-air in case of an unforeseeable wound complication, certain types of surgery may also increase your risk of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while flying.

What type of breast implants do you use? +

Mr Yang uses nano-textured breast implants (Motiva). It uses the latest generation cohesive silicone gel for a natural feel and safety, with up to date capsule technology. Together with smooth surface implants, they are currently considered the lowest risk for Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Alternative smooth surface implants can be considered at request.

What level of discomfort can I expect post-surgery? +

Many plastic surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, with the requirement that you return for dressings and follow up. You will be sent home with appropriate pain relief, information for cleaning and care, and of course a contact phone number for our nurses.
Topical anaesthesia is used for minor and non-invasive surgeries, injected or local anaesthesia and sometimes sedation for minor invasive surgeries. General anaesthetics require you to be in hospital for surgery, and an overnight stay. Because pain thresholds are individual, our medical team will respond to your needs as they arise. Post-operative pain is assessed and monitored closely. Rest assured, your comfort is front of mind for Mr Yang, his anaesthetist and nurses.

My dislike of needles is holding me back from surgery. What do you recommend? +

Many skin cancer procedures and selected cosmetic surgeries can be done safely and comfortably under local anaesthesia without sedation, even for those with a fear of needles. People often overlook the fact that IV lines and blood tests are generally required in preparation for a general anaesthesia, and the size of needles used can be some three times or bigger than the needle Mr Yang would use for local anaesthesia. Dr Yang utilises local anaesthetic techniques pioneered by internationally renowned Dr Donald Lalonde to minimise pain felt during injection. The benefits of local anaesthesia are a quick recovery; day-stay procedure; no side-effect symptoms of sedation/GA such as nausea and vomiting; reduction of overall physiological stress, especially in higher-risk anaesthetic patients; lower cost for surgery.

Will my scars be obvious? +

By choosing to see a Plastic Surgeon, your aesthetic outcome is paramount and scars are kept to a minimum. Scars are the unavoidable results of injury or surgery, and their development can be unpredictable. Poor healing may contribute to scars that are obvious, unsightly or disfiguring therefore post-operative care and infection avoidance are priority. Even a wound that heals well can result in a scar that affects your appearance. Scars may be noticeable due to their size, shape or location; they can also be raised or depressed, and may differ in colour or texture from the surrounding healthy tissue. Every time the skin is cut or lasered, there is potential for scarring but how you heal, observe post-operative recommendations and avoid infection and undue tension on the excision site, will minimise the potential for scarring. Disguising scars by hiding them in the natural lines and creases of your skin also reduces the visibility of scars, which do all fade over time until they are all but invisible. Should you have scars which affect functionality (movement for example), ACC will generally fund revisional surgery.

What risks/complications are involved with surgery? +

With any surgery there is risk, but every precaution is taken to avoid this. Some common complications post-surgery include: infection; bruising; pain, allergic reactions, complications of sedation or anaesthesia.

What procedures might be covered by ACC? +

• Scar revisions
• Secondary hand trauma surgery / reconstruction for hand bones, tendons and nerves
• Fractured nose under ACC and subsequent nasal septorhinoplasty.

How do I make payment? +

The payment for cosmetic 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. Neither Tristram Clinic or Dr Yang provide finance for surgical procedures.

Can I use my medical insurance? +

Yes, as long as the insurance covers specialist consults and surgical procedures (please consult your insurance provider for details). Tristram Clinic is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider for certain procedures, and an insurance Approved Provider.

What are my costs made up of? +

Surgeon’s fee - which includes two follow up visits.

Implants and garments - If your surgery requires the wearing of special compression garments post-surgery, or involves implants, these costs will be explained to you during your consultation.

Follow up - Your follow up visit and post-surgical appointments outlined during your consultation, are included in your surgeon’s fees.

Safety - Mr Yang chooses to operate in private clinics which provide his patients with the comfort and care of highly trained medical professionals. This ensures your safety at all times, whether your surgery requires a day stay, or longer.

Skilled Anaesthesia - Anaethetists are skilled doctors whose job it is to sedate or transition you to sleep, during your surgery. They are highly trained and skilled, and Mr Yang works with two who have many years of experience in their fields.

Other - surgical assistant’s fee; theatre costs; all consumables used in theatre; 15% GST