Frequently Asked Questions

Nobody can really answer this question for you! It is important that if you are considering plastic surgery, you approach it with the right frame of mind and realistic expectations. Plastic surgery is not a magic fix to make your life suddenly perfect. It is, however, a tool which you can use to enhance or correct your appearance. Australian medical guidelines very correctly ban medical practitioners from making claims that any procedure will make your life better. However, it should be noted that for some people, having plastic surgery has proved highly beneficial to helping them live life to the fullest. Just be sure that anything you are considering is for the right reasons, and for you; not for anyone else. You only have one body – make sure you choose only the best things for it!

A Breast augmentation fat transfer is a procedure where women can increase the size of their breasts by a surgeon transferring fat from one area of the body including the thigh area to the breasts.

The pros for breast augmentation fat transfers include:

• Natural look – it gives a 100% natural look
• Improves the contours 
• Doesn’t affect breastfeeding – unlike implants that prevents breastfeeding, this procedure allows women to be able to continue to breastfeed even after the procedure.

Some of the cons for breast augmentations fat transfers include:

• Only increases in small volumes – Fat transfers can only increase breast sizes up to ½ cup size.
• Not suitable for every patient – patients who have little to no excess fat are unable to undergo the procedure.

The longevity of the results is variable from person to person. Everyone is different and has a slightly different length of time that they respond to anti-wrinkle injections.

Results can last anywhere between two to six months, though it could last even longer. You may require a few top up appointments after a few months. The longevity of your results can also be dependent on the area that has been treated.

Dermal fillers are not painful per se. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure; however, this is not major. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and mild pain. However, this can be managed with some simple over-the-counter pain medication. It is very rare that discomfort during and after dermal fillers is unbearable or extreme.

This is variable. The amount of blood required for PRP is dependent on the area/s being treated as well as the severity of the ageing signs that are evident in this area. Blood loss should not be a concern for this kind of procedure, however as the amount drawn (in general) is roughly the same amount of blood that is drawn during routine medical procedures. Just be sure to discuss the treatment with your provider in advance and follow any pre-treatment instructions they give you.

Chemical peels are not a basic facial and are thus not suitable for children. Some peels can be helpful with acne and are suitable for teenagers.

Come into Sculpted and let us assess your skin. Chat to us, tell us about your skin and concerns. Everybody is different and only once we have a better idea of what we’re working with, will we be able to determine whether or not chemical peels can be suitable for you.

At Sculpted, we have a range of different chemical peels. Our chemical peel prices range from $120 – $350.

Did you know that in Australia anyone with a medical degree can legally perform cosmetic medical procedures and call themselves a cosmetic surgeon? On the other hand, fully qualified plastic surgeons must complete a 5-6 year fellowship with the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Fully qualified plastic surgeons only operate out of accredited facilities, and are bound by a strict code of ethics which is designed to protect you as a consumer. But a ‘cosmetic surgeon’ is not. While there may be some very good cosmetic surgeons out there, there is also far too many who are ‘dodgy’. If you want the very best results and care, please ensure your surgeon is a fellow of the ASPS.

Dr Raja Sawhney is a Board Certified Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon. He is a fellow of the ASPS, and the Director of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at both the Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital. Dr Raja has rights to admit and perform surgery at all the major private hospitals on the Gold Coast including Gold Coast Private, Pindara, Gold Coast Surgical and John Flynn Hospitals as well as Brisbane Private Hospital in Brisbane.

Requesting your consultation with Dr Raja is simple! Just call our practice, and we’ll organise a time for you to see him as soon as possible.

If you have a referral from a doctor, you should be able to cover a portion of your initial consultation with Dr Raja through Medicare. If you have private health insurance with hospital cover, and the treatment you are undergoing is not purely for cosmetic reasons, it is likely that most, if not all of your operating theatre costs during your hospital stay will be covered. If your surgery was purely for cosmetic purposes and you experience a complication which requires another surgery, it is likely that this admission would be covered by your insurance. However, as each insurance company differs, it is of utmost importance that you check the exact benefits you are entitled to directly with your insurer.

Certain non-cosmetic procedures can in some cases be covered by health insurance. These include abdominoplasty, breast reduction, and breast lift. Again, please check with your insurer.

When you attend your consultation with Dr Raja Sawhney, he will take the time to get to know you and your reasons for considering plastic surgery. After discussing your needs and goals at length, Dr Raja will conduct a physical examination and advise you as to what he feels is the best option to help you achieve your desired outcome. In some cases, the procedure you had originally been interested in may not actually be the best course of action for what you want to achieve! Dr Raja will talk you through the pros and cons of each option. After you have made a decision on your treatment, Dr Raja will work closely with you to plan your surgery. You will be provided with a quote for your procedure after this personalised plan has been created.

This is a very difficult question to answer. As Dr Raja creates customised plans for each individual patient, until we know exactly what is involved in your procedure, it is hard to provide a quote. We will be able to provide you with an accurate quote at your consultation.

Anywhere there has been an incision made in the skin, there will be a scar. However, when you engage a highly skilled plastic surgeon, they can utilise advanced techniques to help minimise visible scarring. In some procedures it is also possible to make incisions in locations where the scarring will be mostly obscured from view. Dr Raja will implement this wherever it is possible.

That is a decision you will make with Dr Raja Sawhney. VECTRA 3D can show you the possibilities of the procedure but is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with your surgeon.

Dr Raja Sawhney will discuss the where the scars can be put and what the pros of cons of each will be in you. He can also discuss the length of those scars as different implants need different length of scars for insertion and even the same implant may need different lengths of scars depending on where you want the scar placed.

Actual results will be very similar to the simulations. VECTRA simulations are based on the actual implants that your surgeon will use. The Vectra has some limitations, for example, it can not show the difference between implants placed behind and in front of the muscle.

This is where Dr Raja Sawhney will guide you to how your result may differ from the simulation by virtue of technique he may use and ancillary procedures you have with your primary procedure to enhance your result.

Generally, after any breast procedure, we recommend from 2-3 days, up to 1 week off work depending on your procedure and work. Many feel relief from symptoms and return to office work within 1 week. You should avoid lifting significant weight or manual work for 3-4 weeks while your wounds are healing.

Generally, we recommend from 2-3 days, up to 1 week off work depending on your procedure and work. You should avoid lifting significant weight or manual work for 2-3 weeks while your wounds are healing.

After any breast procedure, we recommend from 2-3 days, up to 1 week off work depending on your procedure and work. With a nipple lift alone you should be able to return to general office based work within a couple of days. You should avoid lifting significant weight or manual work for 2-3 weeks while your wounds are healing. If you are having a combined Breast augmentation with Nipple Lift you need to follow recommendations and exercises for a Breast Augmentation with Nipple lift.

Generally, after abdominoplasty, we recommend at least 2 weeks off work depending on your procedure and work. You should avoid lifting significant weight or manual work for 6-8 weeks while your wounds are healing.

Generally, after an arm lift, we recommend from 2-3 days, up to 1 week off work depending on your procedure and work. You should avoid lifting significant weight or manual work for 3-4 weeks while your wounds are healing.

Generally, after any breast procedure, we recommend from 2-3 days, up to 1 week off work depending on your procedure and work. With either procedure alone you should be able to return to general office based work within a week. If both procedures are done together we recommend at least a week off work. You should avoid lifting significant weight or manual work for 2-3 weeks while your wounds are healing.

Depending on how large the breasts are Breast Reduction surgery usually takes 1.5-3hrs to perform. Depending on your anaesthetic there may be 1-2hrs in recovery before you can go home. You will read about this procedure being done in lunch breaks and you can go back to work that afternoon. The local anaesthetic can last up to 12-16hrs and you should be fairly comfortable when you leave that day. As that local anaesthetic wears off you will need some pain killers and rest.

Depending on how large the breasts are Breast Reduction surgery usually takes 1.5-3hrs to perform. Depending on your anaesthetic there may be 1-2hrs in recovery before you can go home. You will read about this procedure being done in lunch breaks and you can go back to work that afternoon. The local anaesthetic can last up to 12-16hrs and you should be fairly comfortable when you leave that day. As that local anaesthetic wears off you will need some painkillers and rest.

Liposuction alone usually takes approximately 1 hour depending on the extent of breast tissue present. Subcutaneous mastectomy takes approximately 30-45 mins per side.

A nipple lift on its own can take up to an hour to perform. Depending on your anaesthetic there may be 1-2hrs in recovery before you can go home. You will read about this procedure being done in lunch breaks and you can go back to work that afternoon. The local anaesthetic can last up to 12-16hrs and you should be fairly comfortable when you leave that day. As that local anaesthetic wears off you will need some painkillers and rest.

Depending on how much skin and fat needs to be excised, usually, abdominoplasty takes 1.5-2.5hrs to perform. The local anaesthetic can last up to 12-16hrs and you should be fairly comfortable when you leave that day. As that local anaesthetic wears off you will need some painkillers and rest.

Depending on how much work needs to be done an arm lift can take 1-2hrs to perform. Depending on your anaesthetic there may be 1-2hrs in recovery before you can go home. The local anaesthetic can last up to 12-16hrs and you should be fairly comfortable when you leave that day. As that local anaesthetic wears off you will need some pain killers and rest.

If done in one sitting your procedure will take 2-3hrs to perform. If done separately each procedure will usually take 1-2hrs.

That will depend on the type of procedure and implant you choose, where it is performed and other factors. You can get a quote at the end of your initial consultation with Dr Raja Sawhney.

Liposuction with tickle lipo can be performed with no general anaesthesia, although you may choose to have some sedation. All other procedures for gynaecomastia typically require a general anaesthetic. You must have an empty stomach before any sedation or general anaesthetic can be given and this requires not drinking or eating anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure. If you have foodstuff in your stomach and you vomit in reaction to the anaesthetic or procedure you can inhale this vomit into your lungs and get very sick, even end up in ICU on a ventilator. Your anaesthetist will clarify that you have starved appropriately prior to your procedure.

A nipple lift can be performed under local anaesthetic but this is a very sensitive area so sedation is advised. You may choose to have a short general anaesthetic. You must have an empty stomach before any sedation or general anaesthetic can be given and this requires not drinking or eating anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure. If you have foodstuff in your stomach and you vomit in reaction to the anaesthetic or procedure you can inhale this vomit into your lungs and get very sick, even end up in ICU on a ventilator. Your anaesthetist will clarify that you have starved appropriately prior to your procedure.

You will require a General Anaesthetic for this procedure to be done in a single sitting. If you and Dr Raja Sawhney decide that you are best to have this procedure in 2 stages, you will need a General Anaesthetic for each procedure. You must have an empty stomach before any General anaesthetic can be given and this requires not drinking or eating anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure.

If you have foodstuff in your stomach and you vomit in reaction to the anaesthetic or procedure you can inhale this vomit into your lungs and get very sick, even end up in ICU on a ventilator. Your anaesthetist will clarify that you have starved appropriately prior to your procedure.

Breast Reduction surgery is best performed under a general anaesthetic. You must have an empty stomach before any sedation or general anaesthetic can be given and this requires not drinking or eating anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure. If you have foodstuff in your stomach and you vomit in reaction to the anaesthetic or procedure you can inhale this vomit into your lungs and get very sick, even end up in ICU on a ventilator. Your anaesthetist will clarify that you have starved appropriately prior to your procedure.

Abdominoplasty surgery is best performed under a general anaesthetic. You must have an empty stomach before any sedation or general anaesthetic can be given and this requires not drinking or eating anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure. If you have foodstuff in your stomach and you vomit in reaction to the anaesthetic or procedure you can inhale this vomit into your lungs and get very sick, even end up in ICU on a ventilator. Your anaesthetist will clarify that you have starved appropriately prior to your procedure.

Arm Lift surgery can be performed under sedation with regional or local anaesthesia depending on how much work is needed or a general anaesthetic. If you are having other procures at the same sitting you will most likely have a general anaesthetic. You must have an empty stomach before any sedation or general anaesthesia can be given and this requires not drinking or eating anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure. If you have foodstuff in your stomach and you vomit in reaction to the anaesthetic or procedure you can inhale this vomit into your lungs and get very sick, even end up in ICU on a ventilator. Your anaesthetist will clarify that you have starved appropriately prior to your procedure.

It is important for you and Dr Raja Sawhney to know whether you are a good candidate for this procedure before considering costs. When You have your first consultation you can speak to his practice staff who can give you an accurate quote. There is a Medicare rebate for this procedure if you have significantly large breasts giving you symptoms as described at the top of the page. This also means that if you have private health insurance it will likely cover the hospital and some of the anaesthetist/surgeon’s costs. Please check your cover and any excess payments with your insurer. We can provide the codes for you and give you a quote at your first consultation.

It is important for Dr Raja Sawhney to assess you during a consultation to know what you need before knowing what it will cost. When You have your first consultation you can speak to his practice staff who can give you an accurate quote.

It is important for you and Dr Raja Sawhney to know whether you are a good candidate for this procedure before considering costs. When You have your first consultation you can speak to his practice staff who can give you an accurate quote. Also, this procedure is mostly done in conjunction with breast augmentation where some of the costs may be absorbed by the costs of that procedure.

It is important for you and Dr Raja Sawhney to know whether you are a good candidate for this procedure before considering costs. When You have your first consultation you can speak to his practice staff who can give you an accurate quote.

There is a Medicare rebate for this procedure if you have significant skin laxity and trouble wearing clothes. This also means that if you have private health insurance it will likely cover the hospital and some of the anaesthetist/surgeon’s costs. Please check your cover and any excess payments with your insurer. We can provide the codes for you and give you a quote at your first consultation.

It is important for you and Dr Raja Sawhney to know whether you are a good candidate for this procedure before considering costs. When You have your first consultation you can speak to his practice staff who can give you an accurate quote.

Costs depending partially on what implants are to be used and what type of breast lift is required in you. When You have your first consultation you can speak to his practice staff who can give you an accurate quote. If done together in one sitting overall costs are significantly cheaper than in 2 sittings and Dr Raja Sawhney will discuss the pros and cons of each scenario in you depending on your desired result.

It is time to take it easy for the first few days after the procedure. You can shower the next day and the tape can get wet. You can pad the area with a towel but don’t rub it, the tape will dry quickly and you can get dressed. If you have minor bleeding spots these will settle with light pressure with a pad or gauze for 5 minutes. You can put some gauze or a pad in your bra to protect your bra and clothes from minor bleeding.

It is time to take it easy for the first few days after the procedure. You can shower the next day and the tape can get wet. You can pad the area with a towel but don’t rub it, the tape will dry quickly and you can get dressed. If you have minor bleeding spots these will settle with light pressure with a pad or gauze for 5 minutes. You can put some a pad in your garment to protect your clothes from minor bleeding.

It is time to take it easy for the first few days after the procedure. You can shower the next day and the tape can get wet. You can pad the area with a towel but don’t rub it, the tape will dry quickly and you can get dressed. If you have minor bleeding spots these will settle with light pressure with a pad or gauze for 5 minutes. You can put some gauze or a pad in your bra to protect your bra and clothes from minor bleeding.