Dr Gavin Sandercoe FAQs

How much is the initial consultation?

All consultation are $400 as of 1st July 2024. This full prepayment is required on booking and is non refundable. The first consultation for surgical procedures will take approximately 60 minutes. It is often a good idea to bring a friend or spouse along with you. Dr Gavin Sandercoe is available for consultations on Tuesday and Friday at his Bella Vista Practice.

Do I need a referral?

It is our preference that you attend your initial consultation with a referral from your GP. Many of our procedures have Medicare item numbers, a referral is essential for your rebates. From 1st July 2023, all cosmetic surgery consultations require a referral from your GP due to Federal Legislation.

What do I need to do before my first consultation?

You will first need to call or email to book your consultation. Following that your will be sent some initial paperwork via email. A link will be sent as a text message to your mobile phone to complete our online patient questionnaire. It is essential this is completed at least one week prior to your first visit with Dr Gavin Sandercoe. Please see your GP to arrange a referral to bring with you on the day. Referrals are not allowed to be back-dated. Please also bring any scans or reports from other clinics that may be relevant for Dr Sandercoe to assess during your consultation.

What happens during my first consultation?

During your first consultation, Dr Gavin Sandercoe will take a medical history and perform a physical examination that is tailored for the procedure that you are considering. Clinical photographs will be taken during your initial consultation to assist in surgical planning. He will answer any questions or concerns you have regarding the relevant procedures, and discuss your options (both surgical and non-surgical) with you. You will also receive information sheets to take away with you and read over. Most of that information is published on this website, so it is a good idea to read the appropriate pages about the procedure you are interested in before you first meet with Dr Gavin Sandercoe.

How many consultations do I need prior to surgery?

Reconstructive surgery generally only requires one consultation. Two consultations are required prior to cosmetic or elective surgery to ensure you have all the relevant information and any additional questions you have are answered. Your second consultation is free of charge.

You may need to be reviewed by the anaesthetist pre-operatively if there are concerns about your general health or suitability for anaesthetic.

Will my health insurance cover some costs?

Most reconstructive, and some elective plastic surgical, procedures are recognised under Medicare. For these you may be able to claim a rebate and your hospital fee may be covered by your private health insurance depending on your level of cover. There are some operations which are only covered by Medicare under certain circumstances.

We will organise a personalised quote for you detailing the surgical, anaesthetic and hospital fee after your initial consultation.

If you are interested in purchasing private health insurance, require further information, or just wish to compare Health Funds and their features, please visit http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/. The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons website also has information on private health insurance coverage exclusions and restrictions.

Do you ‘bulk bill’ or ‘no gap’?

No, we are unable to bill Medicare or your Private Health fund directly. This is because Medicare, and therefore Health Funds, have failed to keep up with the increasing cost of providing medical care. We do provide you with a receipt that you can take to Medicare or your Health Fund to be partially reimbursed, if the procedure is covered by a Medicare Item Number.

Do you offer payment plans for surgical procedures?

Provision of access to finance for surgery is prohibited by Federal Law. You are able to pay for your surgery in instalments directly to our practice, but the payment must be complete before the surgery is performed.

Will I need to go to hospital for my procedure?

Minor procedures like removal of lesions & some scar revisions can be performed at the practice under local anaesthetic.

Larger procedures will need to be performed at either a Private Hospital or Day Surgery. We only operate in accredited hospitals to ensure that your safety is paramount. The majority of Dr Gavin Sandercoe‘s operating is performed at Norwest Private Hospital.Depending on the procedure, a short hospital stay may be required.

What should I expect after my procedure?

How much recovery time will be needed, what pain is expected, scarring and any restrictions will be discussed in your initial consultation. Explanations of what to expect after your procedure and post-operative care are included in your information sheets.

When can I shower or get my dressings wet?

The available evidence is that a surgically sutured wound is able to be gently wet after 48 to 72 hours. It is important to only pat the dressings dry and allow them to air dry if they get wet. We advise you not to shower if you have drains in, as we occasionally see wound infections at drain sites that are cause by bacteria that live in tap water.

When should I have my first post-operative visit?

At the time your procedure is booked, you will have a booking made for about a week post-operatively with the practice nurse to review your wounds, remove any sutures, and check any drains. If your sutures are in an area that requires support for longer than a week (such as your back), another appointment will be made to remove the sutures and check your healing again. You will also have an appointment with our nurse at about 3 weeks post-operatively to discuss scar management.

How much do the post operative visits cost?

Post-operative visits within four to six weeks of your procedure are generally included in your operation costs. In some circumstances you will need to pay for post-operative visits. Please check with our staff if this is a concern to you.

What restrictions will I have on physical activity?

This is covered in depth in individual information sheets. The information here is of a general nature.

·         You will be able to drive once you are comfortable and can see clearly after your procedure. You should avoid driving whilst taking painkillers that could sedate you. 

·         Light physical activity like walking can be resumed within a week

·         Gym activities are usually allowable at about four weeks if the wound and tissues are supported

·         Heavy lifting is generally discouraged for about six weeks if you have had a larger procedure

When can I return to work?

After your procedure you will be provided with a medical certificate that takes into account the operation that you have had as well as your type of work. Generally speaking if you are able to return to light physical activities, most patients can return to work.

Will I have scars?

Every time you damage the lower layers of skin you will have a scar. Your genetics and general healing ability will play a primary role in determining how well you scar. We use a range of techniques during your operation and in your post-operative care to assist your body to heal as well as possible. Specialist Plastic Surgeons that display the ASPS logo are fully trained to minimise the visibility of your scar.

How long does it take for my scars to settle?

Scars can take six to twelve months to reach their potential best. During that time you can expect phases of scar maturation where blood vessels grow into the scar tissue, making it pink, before it begins to fade. During this time it is very important to minimise sun exposure to the scar, as this could stimulate the pigment cells in your skin to produce a scar that is dark rather than pale.

How do I make a consultation to see Dr Gavin Sandercoe?

Download the Client Information Form. Please complete this form and return via email to info@drgavinsandercoe.com.au, or fax to (02) 8824 3877. If you have not received a phone call within 24 hours, please call 1300 112 358 to make your appointment.

Dr Sandercoe is available for consultations on Tuesday and Friday at his Bella Vista Practice. Other days and times may be available, but they are random events.