Plastic surgery is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and preparation. Whether you’re considering a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, being well-informed will help ensure a smooth experience and the best possible outcome. Here are five essential things to know before undergoing plastic surgery, according to Dr. Julian Liew.

Verify Your Surgeon’s Qualifications

The first step in your plastic surgery journey is choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon. Ensure your surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in the specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery. This certification confirms they have undergone extensive training and adhere to the highest standards of care.

Additionally, ask about the surgeon’s experience with your specific procedure, request to see before-and-after photos, and inquire about their complication rates. A transparent and skilled surgeon will be more than happy to provide this information.

Understand the Procedure You’re Having

It’s important to fully understand the surgical technique, type of anaesthesia, and expected hospital stay before your procedure. Your surgeon should clearly outline:

• The risks and benefits of the surgery
• The techniques that will be used
• Your expected recovery timeline

Do your own research and ask plenty of questions during your consultation. Make sure your expectations align with the surgeon’s assessment and ability before proceeding.

Know What Your Recovery Will Look Like

Your surgeon should provide a detailed recovery plan from your very first consultation. You should know:

• When you can drive after surgery
• When you can return to work
• When you can resume exercise
• If you’ll need special garments, dressings, or drains

Recovery is a critical part of achieving the best outcome. At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, we emphasize an optimized recovery pathway to ensure patients heal well and achieve long-lasting results.

Understand the Costs

Before committing to surgery, you should have a clear understanding of the costs involved. This includes:

• Surgeon’s fees
• Anaesthetist’s fees
• Hospital costs
• Post-operative care expenses

If your procedure is partially covered by private health insurance, ensure you know how much is covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be. At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, we provide accurate, transparent quotes so our patients can proceed with peace of mind.

Prepare for Surgery in Advance

Proper preparation will set you up for a smoother surgery and recovery. Before your operation, your surgeon should provide detailed instructions, including:

• When and where to arrive for surgery
• When to stop eating and drinking before the procedure
• Whether you need to stop certain medications

At The Clinic Plastic Surgery, we handle the details for you—from fitting and ordering post-surgical garments to ensuring everything is ready in the operating theatre. Our goal is to make your recovery as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if:

You’re experiencing physical or emotional discomfort due to breast size

You are in good general health

You are a non-smoker

You have realistic expectations

Final Thoughts

Plastic surgery is a transformative journey that requires careful planning and expert guidance. Dr. Julian Liew and his expert team at The Clinic Plastic Surgery are committed to providing exceptional care, transparency, and support at every stage of your process.

If you’re considering plastic surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Julian Liew to discuss your goals, understand your options, and receive a tailored surgical plan designed for the best possible results.

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Dr Julian Liew, Reconstructive & Plastic Surgeon

Dr Julian Liew is a highly qualified, Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon certified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr Liew is committed to surgical excellence and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical training.  Currently he is the Clinical Lead of Breast Reconstruction  and the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Austin Health.  He is also a Clinical Trainer at The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.


Julian’s subspecialty interest is in Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction Surgery.  In order to further his expertise, Julian completed a fellowship in these specialty areas at the world-renowned Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, United Kingdom.

As a skilled Microsurgeon and Specialist Plastic Surgeon his attention to detail and to the skill and precision of the procedure is only paralleled by his passion for the patient-centric experience and his complete involvement along with his talented team, through the patient’s entire surgical journey.

Dr Liew is committed to surgical excellence and training future plastic surgeons at Austin Health, where he is the Clinical Lead of Breast Reconstruction and the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training.  He is also a Clinical Trainer at The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.