Frequently Asked Questions

01. Is cosmetic surgery safe?

All surgical procedures carry a certain degree of risk regardless of whether they are medical or cosmetic procedures. Procedures done under general anaesthetic are considered higher risk than local anaesthetic. The surgeon will determine if you are physically and mentally fit to undergo surgery. It is therefore important to fully disclose all medical conditions and full medical history to the surgeon with your enquiry form. You will also be required to undergo further tests at the hospital such as a blood test, ECG, x-ray and urine test to ensure you are physically fit for anaesthesia and your chosen surgical procedures. These tests are included in your package price. In some instances a mammogram will also be required, this is usually the case for women over 50 having any surgery of the breast. Mammograms are not normally included in package prices. The hospitals and surgeons selected by Aesthetic Escapes are all accredited to international standards. The surgeons are all very experienced, have trained in Scotland, are Board Certified and hold medical negligence and professional indemnity insurance as required by The Malaysian Medical Council.

02. How do I know if cosmetic surgery is right for me?

There are many factors to consider before booking your surgery. You need to consider why you want to have surgery and to assess your expectations. How realistic are you about what cosmetic surgery can do for you. The aim of cosmetic surgery is improvement not perfection. The results are often subtle and are designed to achieve better harmony of facial or bodily features and a more natural appearance. Patients who expect a miraculous transformation are inevitably disappointed. Cosmetic surgery cannot change your life, but by improving your appearance and your self-esteem, it may help change your attitude to life. Cosmetic surgery is somewhere between a science and an art, and should be performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon and only after careful analysis of the patient’s physical needs and psychological profile. A consultation with the surgeon will help determine whether you are a good candidate for surgery. The decision will be based on several factors: age, general state of health, skin texture, bone structure and healing ability, as well as the nature of your specific problem.

03. Can I have several procedures at the same time?

It is common practice for plastic surgeons to perform more than one procedure during one operation. The advantage of having more than one procedure performed together is a significant cost saving to you. You only have to pay for operating room and anaesthetist once and you only have one airfare and one hotel room to cover. Some procedures are better done together than others and we have created packages for your convenience to give you an idea of which procedures are best performed in one operation. However, having too many procedures done at once increase the risk of complications. Ultimately, though, it is the surgeon’s decision whether it is safe to perform your chosen multiple procedures together.

04. I feel uneasy using a company on the internet?

Although many people are happy conducting all sorts of transactions over the Internet, surgical procedures are a different matter. Aesthetic Escapes is a company registered in Australia ACN 127 845 863 and is governed by Australian law. At Aesthetic Escapes we are a team of dedicated people, who are here to answer any question you may have, before, during and after your surgery holiday. We have staff in Western Australia and Malaysia, all expatriates, who are happy to assist you in every possible way. We would also like to inform you that you only pay a Booking Service Fee and your accommodation prior to leaving for your surgical holiday. Only, after you have had your initial consultation with your surgeon and decided to go ahead with your surgery, do you pay the hospital for the surgery.

05. Will there be problems with communication?

 Absolutely not! Our International Patient Service Manager, Dee, is from Great Britain and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and talk to the surgeon and hospital to get answers to any concerns you may have before and after surgery. Besides, the surgeons are educated in Scotland and both they and the hospital staff speak fluent English.

06. What happens during my first consultation?

During your initial consultation the surgeon makes an assessment of your chosen procedure(s) and discusses with you how the procedure(s) are performed and what result to expect. This will include showing you some before and after photos of similar cases. The surgeon will also want to know what you hope to achieve from the surgery. During the consultation you and the surgeon may choose to change the procedures, you can choose to add to or reduce the number of procedures or cancel altogether. If you choose to change your procedures you will be given a new quote after the consultation. Should the surgeon decide, for whatever reason, that you are not fit or suitable for one or more of the procedures you have chosen, he will discuss this with you during this consultation. This is also the time for you to ask questions about any considerations or concerns you may have. When the final decision has been made, you are required to sign a letter of consent. If you decide to cancel your surgery, our International Patient Service Manager will take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of your holiday.

07. What is the post-surgery care like?

Our International Patient Service Manager, Dee, will visit you whilst in hospital and at your hotel to make sure you are comfortable and everything is healing as expected. When you arrive in Malaysia you will be given a prepaid Sim Card so you can stay in touch with Dee as well as family and friends. Our International Patient Service Managers are on call 24-hours for emergencies so you at no time will feel alone or unattended. You have unlimited post-surgery consultations with your surgeon and will be accompanied by our service staff to and from the surgeon’s rooms. For further details see International Patient Service Manager.

08. How long does it take to recover from surgery?

 Recovery from surgery varies depending on the procedure. You might experience tiredness and soreness for the first couple of days and it is important to rest for 2-3 days after surgery. Some of the factors that impact on your recovery are your age, your general state of health, your weight and whether you are a smoker. These factors are considered by your surgeon during your initial consultation. Please feel free to ask your surgeon any question you may have in relation to this issue.

09. When can I use make-up to cover the bruising and swelling?

 Wounds resulting from recent surgery must be kept dry for at least 3 days to promote healing. 3 days after facial surgery, you may use a mild, non-soap cleanser to wash your face. You may start using make-up to cover bruising around 5 days after surgery and over the actual incision lines after about 10 days. Please talk to our Patient Manager, Dee, if in doubt.

10. What about sunbathing before and after surgery?

Any form of sunbathing, including tanning machines, should be avoided at least 2 weeks prior to facial surgery. If you are having laser resurfacing, sunbathing should be avoided at least 1 month prior to treatment and is discouraged after resurfacing to prolong the result of the treatment. Sunbathing is also to be avoided for 6 months after abdominal and breast surgery. As a guide line, incision lines should be kept out of the sun for at least 6 months after surgery to prevent discoloration. Bruised areas should also be kept out of the sun. Bring a large hat, sunglasses and a good quality broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30, ideally with zinc oxide as the active ingredient.

11. I take nutritional supplements, can I continue to take them?

Some nutritional supplements may interact with the anaesthetic, cause excessive bleeding, raise your heart rate or interfere with your breathing. As a precaution we recommend that you stop taking all supplements 2 weeks prior to your surgery.

12. What are the medical precautions for surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is not for everybody. The surgeon will carefully assess your health and suitability for the procedures you wish to undergo. Before surgery you will be required to undergo further tests at the hospital such as a blood test, ECG, x-ray and urine test to ensure that you are physically fit for anaesthesia and your chosen surgical procedures. These tests are included in your package price. In some instances a mammogram will also be required, this is usually the case for women over 50 having any surgery of the breast. Mammograms are not normally included in package prices. If you have recently been in hospital, the surgeon will require to see a medical report.

13. What is Deep Vein Thrombosis and should I be concerned?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually the legs or pelvis. There is a significant risk of the blood clot embolising and travelling to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. There may be no symptoms pointing to the location of the DVT, but the symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling and redness of the leg and dilation of the surface veins. In up to 25% of all hospitalised patients, there may be some form of DVT. The most common risk factors are prolonged surgery or hospitalisation. Other risk factors include advanced age, obesity, infection, heart or circulatory problems, smoking, history of varicose veins and immobilisation.

14. What happens if I am not happy with the results?

It is important to have realistic expectations for your surgery outcome. The best candidates for cosmetic surgery are looking for improvements, not perfection, in the way they look. If you are realistic in your expectations you will most likely be very pleased with your new appearance. Aesthetic Escapes deals only with internationally accredited hospitals and surgeons to ensure your entire surgical holiday meets with your expectations. If you encounter any discomfort or problems while in Malaysia, please contact our International Patient Service Manager, Dee who is there to assist you and to liaise with the surgeon and the hospital on your behalf. Should you be unhappy with the result of your surgery after you return home, please contact us to discuss how we can rectify the problem. It is in our interest to have satisfied customers and we are keen to make sure your surgical holiday is a success.

15. Do I have to inform my local GP?

Aesthetic Escapes recommends that you obtain independent medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner in relation to any surgical procedure you have asked us to co-ordinate on your behalf.

16. Will my medical insurance cover the cost?

Cosmetic surgery is never covered by medical insurance unless it is also performed for medical or reconstruction purposes. In this event your insurance company may cover all or part of the cost. It is important to note that insurance policies vary and you must check with your insurance company, however, if your surgery is covered, you will need to provide Aesthetic Escapes with a pre-certification prior to booking your surgery.