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Far From Home – A Guide for Out of Town Patients

A guide on what out-of-town patients should be mindful of after a plastic surgery procedure

If you’re considering plastic surgery and you’re not from Brisbane, there are a few extra things you’ll need to think about. At Valley Plastic Surgery, we want to make sure you’re well-prepared for your recovery, even if you’re miles away from our clinic. Let’s chat about what you need to keep in mind.

Lining Up Your Support Team:

First things first, you’ll need some help after your surgery. If you’re away from home, you might not have your usual support network around. Here’s what you should consider:

Bring a buddy: It’s a good idea to have someone travel with you. They can help you get back to your hotel, pick up prescriptions, and generally look after you in those first crucial days.

Hotel help: VPS have collaborated with some local accommodation providers who are able to extend a 10% discount for our patients; just ask our team for details when you’re planning for your Brisbane stay. Also, if you’re staying at a hotel, let the hotel staff know you’ve had surgery. They might be able to offer extra assistance or room service.

Local nursing support: VPS – in conjunction with your hospital’s nursing team – coordinate to provide all your post-operative care. IF a greater level of aftercare is required for special cases, the VPS nursing team can certainly provide some recommendations of in-home services.

Virtual family support: Set up video calls with family back home. They can’t be there in person, but seeing a familiar face can be a real comfort.

The Tricky Business of Travel

Travelling after surgery isn’t ideal, but sometimes it’s necessary. However, you should never undertake any travel post-operatively without the express permission of your surgeon and the nursing team. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

  1. Blood clot risk: Long car rides or flights can increase your risk of blood clots. We’ll give you specific instructions on moving around and possibly wearing compression garments.
  2. Swelling: Travel can sometimes make swelling worse. Keeping your surgical area elevated during the journey can help.
  3. Wound care on the go: You’ll need to keep your incisions clean, even while travelling. We’ll show you how to do this safely.
  4. Comfort is key: Whether you’re in a car or on a plane, make sure you’re comfortable. Bring pillows to support your surgical area.

When Your Surgeon is Hours Away

Being far from your surgeon post-op can be nerve-wracking. Here’s how we manage it:

Clear communication: We’ll give you our direct contact details. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our VPS nursing team via phone or at our patient specific email nurse@valleyplasticsurgery.com.au

Know the red flags: We’ll make sure you know exactly what signs to watch for that might indicate a complication.

Local medical support: We often work with local doctors or clinics who can see you if there’s an urgent concern.

Emergency plan: Before you leave Brisbane, we’ll make sure you have a clear plan of what to do and where to go if you have an emergency.

Telehealth vs. In-Person Check-ups

While we’d love to see you in person for every check-up, we know that’s not always possible. Here’s how we balance telehealth and in-person visits:

  1. Initial follow-ups: The first few check-ups after surgery are crucial. We usually recommend staying in Brisbane for these.
  2. Virtual visits: Once you’re home, we may be able to so some check-ups via video call. We’ll guide you on how to show us your progress clearly.
  3. Photos are your friend: We might ask you to send regular photos so we can track your healing.
  4. In-person when necessary: For some procedures, we might ask you to come back to Brisbane for key milestone check-ups. We’ll let you know about these in advance.

Remember, at Valley Plastic Surgery, your care doesn’t end when you leave Brisbane. Our nursing team will provide you with a wealth of information on things to monitor and track, so you’ll have plenty of checklists and guides to support you in recovery.

We’re committed to supporting you throughout your entire recovery journey, no matter where you call home. With careful planning, clear communication, and a bit of extra vigilance, we can ensure you get the same exceptional care as our local patients.

If you’re considering travelling for surgery with us, let’s chat about how we can make it work for you. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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Note: Individual results will vary according to several factors, including genetics, age, diet & exercise. All surgeries carry risk & require an appropriate recovery period & aftercare regime which may include wearing compression garments or modifying your lifestyle post-operatively. You should seek a second opinion from a Specialist Surgeon before proceeding. More information about these risks and aftercare can be easily found on our website here: