FAQs

Septoplasty surgery aims to correct a deviated septum, which is the cartilage in your nose that separates the nostrils. In individuals who have a deviated septum, one side of the nose is wider than the other, which can negatively affect airflow through the nose. Dr Goh will examine your nasal anatomy to determine if you would benefit from a septoplasty.

A rhinoplasty can be performed in conjunction with a septoplasty.

Essentially a spreader graft is a small (and usually long) block of material (usually cartilage) placed in the middle portion of the nose. It is placed between the septum (the midline structure of the nose) and the side of the nose, and usually as a pair, although occasionally only one may be used. The cartilage used in spreader grafts can be taken from the non-essential portion of the septum, the ear, or the rib. Spreader grafts are not necessary in all rhinoplasties.

In secondary rhinoplasties (re-operations), grafts are almost inevitably required, because of distortion and/or lack of existing tissue as a result of previous surgery. The best source of graft material in rhinoplasty remains autologous (own tissue), including the septum, ear, and rib as a source of cartilage.

In general, Dr Goh likes to wait 12 months after rhinoplasty before considering revision surgery. This is the time required for internal scar tissue to fully mature. To operate earlier may risk exacerbating adverse healing and scar formation.

A rhinoplasty in general is an operation to fix/alter the structures of the nose that gives it its appearance/form. A septoplasty is an operation performed on the nasal septum, which is the midline cartilaginous support structure of the nose. A septoplasty is usually performed for nasal obstruction due to septal deviation. A septorhinoplasty therefore is a procedure where we perform surgery on the septum (usually for functional reasons), as well as make changes to the external appearance of the nose (rhinoplasty)

Dr Goh performs several types of breast surgery, each one designed for a specific set of circumstances. Breast augmentation surgery is performed to increase breast size, mastopexy (breast lift) to address ptosis (droopiness) and breast reduction to reduce breast size. Sometimes these procedures may be performed in conjunction with another.

Dr Goh can discuss your individual circumstances with you to determine what procedure(s) you are most suited for.

This depends on the type of breast surgery and the location of the incision, the peri-areolar incision site is more likely to affect this ability. Many women with breast implants have successfully breast fed their babies.

In terms of safety, current studies indicate that women with breast implants do not have any higher levels of silicone in their milk than women without breast implants.

During your consultation, Dr Goh will outline the benefits as well as the risks, side effects, and potential complications of the procedure you are interested in.

Despite major advancements in breast implant technology, all implants have a limited lifetime, and may need to be removed or replaced sometime in your life. The time period of breast implants can vary from woman to woman. Some women need replacement surgery in only a few years while others may go 10-20 years or longer. There are several reasons why a woman might need replacement surgery. Sometimes it is a matter of choice, such as a size change or an implant style change, and sometimes removal and replacement is necessary because of a complication, such as deflation, or shifting of the implant.

In essence, there are two pocket planes that a breast implant can be put into: OVER the muscle (sub-glandular, sub-fascial) and UNDER the muscle (sub-pectoral, sub-muscular). A further refinement of the under-the-muscle pocket plane is the DUAL-PLANE technique.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each pocket plane, and indications for each are dependent on your body type and clinical findings. In general, most patients seeking breast augmentation are best suited to having their implants placed under the muscle in a dual-plane fashion.

In the dual-plane technique, having breast and skin over the lower part of the implant allows the implant to more effectively expand out the lower pole of the breast. A customised dual-plane technique allows the surgeon to tailor the areas of the implant we want to be covered by muscle, and also define the areas where we want the breast and skin to be expanded by the implant.

However, there is no one-size-fits all technique. Dr Goh employs a customised approach, taking into consideration your existing anatomy to select the most appropriate size, shape, type of implant and technique for you.

Dr Goh will assess the extent of your excess skin and tissue to determine whether an abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy will be required to adequately address your area of concern.

There are often functional concerns that accompany the cosmetic concerns associated with excess skin and tissue in the abdominal region. These include rashes and issues with skin integrity, particularly during the summer months.

A standard abdominoplasty should always include repair of the underlying musculature, in order to manage low back pain and stress incontinence that can occur as a result.

Your weight should be stable for at least 6 months, as weight fluctuation after body contouring surgery can lead to shape change as well as recurrence of loose skin.

In terms of other lifestyle factors, Dr Goh requires patients to cease smoking in the preoperative period (6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery), as smoking can significantly affect would healing. A healthy lifestyle in general, including good protein intake, will help with wound healing and recovery.

For your surgery, the entire procedure or parts of it will fall into either of these categories

Medicare rebates will generally contribute to the cost of to any procedure that is deemed medical. Specific requirements usually have to be met, which can only be evaluated after you have had a consultation with Dr Goh. 

A referral is required for all consultations with Dr Goh. 

• Are certified by The Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).
• Have completed specialist surgeon training in plastic surgery. Operate only in accredited medical facilities.
• Adhere to a strict code of ethics.
• Fulfil continuing professional development requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
• Are your partners in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Dr Goh will require you to refrain from smoking for a period before and after your surgery. Smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood supply and oxygen carried by the blood to the surgical area. When blood supply is reduced, the tissues heal more slowly.

In terms of your diet, garlic, ginger, and herbal teas (including green tea), as well as many over-the-counter supplements including vitamins, primrose oil, cod liver oil, garlic tablets, fish oil, krill oil, and omega 3 can have an aspirin-like effect. They increase the clotting time of the blood that may lead to more bleeding in the area of surgery, which may in turn increase postoperative swelling. Dr Goh suggests that the above-mentioned dietary factors and supplements be ceased 2 weeks prior to surgery. In addition, plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a high-water intake will ensure that your body is well hydrated, in optimal condition to undergo surgery, and primed for a rapid recovery.

Having a positive mindset and realistic expectations leading up to your surgery will help you to recover optimally.

If you decide to proceed with surgery, specific instructions, requirements and suggestions will be discussed with you during your consultations with Dr Goh and the Valley Plastic Surgery clinic nurses.

Every cut on the skin will result in some kind of a scar. The aim with every surgical procedure, of course, is to produce a scar that over time becomes faint and, if possible, hidden in a naturally occurring skin crease.

Every effort is put in place when closing a wound to avoid an adverse scar. These include gentle tissue handling, precise wound approximation, and placing multiple layers of sutures to hold tension off the wound. Post-surgery measures such as taping, moisturising, sun protection, and silicone therapy also play important roles in scar management. Scars are always going to be slightly red and “lumpy” in the first few weeks after surgery. Massaging the scar after this initial healing period can help to reduce swelling and to soften the scar line.

There are rare occasions when an unfavourable scar occurs. There are no firm explanations as to why these types of abnormal scarring occur in some people and not in others. It is often unpredictable and can occur weeks to months after the surgery. When adverse scarring occurs, it must be actively treated in order to halt the abnormal scarring process and to prevent it from getting worse.

The vast majority of wounds will, over time, heal up without any concerns whatsoever. It is the rare and often unpredictable occasion when an adverse scar occurs which necessitates the mention of scarring as a possible risk factor for all surgeries that involve knife to skin.

Before you have plastic surgery, you meet Dr Goh for a consultation. During the consultation, you will be able to discuss your desired changes, goals, and expectation. Dr Goh may undertake a thorough examination and, if surgery is appropriate, advise the best procedure to achieve your desired results. Your medical history and current health will be reviewed, and an assessment on whether the procedure in question is right for you. This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure so that you are fully prepared, mentally and emotionally, for surgery. We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging. When a final decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent stating that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your pending operation, including the potential complications and secondary effects.

There is no right age for any facial procedure. Age on its own is never an indication.