Melbourne Plastic Surgery Blog

Fresh off the plane yesterday, Mr Mutimer recently took part in a whirlwind trip to Nepal in his capacity as President of Interplast Australia & New Zealand.

Whilst in Nepal Keith met with Nepalese Government and Australian Embassy officials along with hospital administrators in Kathmandu to continue strengthening relationships in Nepal so that Interplast may continue their capacity to deliver programs in the area. There was an Interplast team working with the hospital staff during this time and they gave the hospital a sewing machine so that they would be able to make their own garments for their burns patients, a great addition to a hospital that already has remarkable sustainability systems in place.

Coinciding with his visit, Keith was also there to meet and thank members of an Interplast fundraising team, led by the always inspirational Turia Pitt, who departed Kathmandu for the hair raising plane ride into the world’s most dangerous airport (Lukla), and subsequent trek Everest Base Camp.

Keith was also fortunate to meet with Rotary volunteers & visitors whilst in Nepal to thank them for all of their fundraising efforts. A lot to fit into 4 days but an extremely successful and memorable trip. 

Above: Mr Mutimer (right) with senior medical staff.

Above: Local and visiting team members . The sewing machine was a gift to the hospital so that they can make their own compression garments for burns patients.

Above: Sewing machine/compression garments instruction session.

Above: Nepal Cleft & Burn Centre

So you’ve done your research, found your preferred plastic surgeon and decided to undergo rhinoplasty nose surgery.

While we have many specific pre and post care instructions and techniques that all contribute to your nose surgery being a success, and while recommendations are provided to each patient on an individualised basis, we’ve outlined some general recommendations and tips that you can follow to best prepare for your rhinoplasty surgery – in the weeks leading in, and on the day of surgery.

1. If you are a smoker – now is the time to stop (at least 4 weeks before your procedure) Nicotine impedes the healing process. If you feel that you cannot quit we urge you to discuss your smoking with your surgeon well in advance of having your rhinoplasty surgery so that you can understand the impact this may have on your recovery and results.

2. There are certain medications and supplements that you should cease at least 2 weeks prior to surgery, and for several weeks after. These include things like aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E and some herbal supplements. If you are on any type of meal replacement program, you may need to cease or make adjustments to this also. We strongly suggest that you discuss with your surgeon, any meal replacement plans you may be on along with all of the medications you are taking (herbal, non-herbal and prescription) so that they may advise you on which are safe to continue taking and which ones you will need to cease taking (and for how long).

3.  Stock up on any regular prescriptions and medications ahead of your surgery date if possible. Discuss these with your surgeon ahead of time and try to be as organised as possible with what you may need ahead of your surgery date. It is important that you rest at home after surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding so will need others to shop for you, so it will be easier to be prepared beforehand.

4.  Buy a good lip conditioner/balm and ensure you have plenty of your favourite beverages on hand.  Your nose will be out of action (from a breathing perspective) for a while and as a result your mouth can often get dry from continually breathing through it. So keep your lips (and body) well hydrated.

5.  Make sure you are 100% comfortable with your rhinoplasty procedure and what you are hoping to achieve. The weeks leading in to your nose surgery is the time you want to feel satisfied that you and your plastic surgeon are on the same page. There is absolutely no reason to not discuss any worries or concerns you have about your upcoming procedure.  If you are feeling anxious, schedule another appointment with your surgeon to alleviate any fears you may have or to ask additional questions.

6. Arrange transportation for after your surgery. As with any surgery, you will not be permitted to drive after the surgery has taken place, and possibly for days or several weeks post surgery.

7. Ensure you have a carer to help you for the first few days post surgery. In some cases you may need help on hand for slightly longer. Organise a friend or relative to come and stay with you for a few days so that you have someone to support you, pick the kids up from school, walk the dog, help prepare your meals and drinks and someone who can help you keep track of your medications, and any post-surgical instructions that your surgeon may want you to adhere to.

8. Take care of any stressful work or strenuous activity BEFORE going in for surgery. You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting and sports for some time post op so get everything done to give yourself adequate time to rest and recuperate.

9. Bring practical clothing to wear home from your nose surgery.  If possible avoid anything that you will need to lift over your head. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to something as important as rhinoplasty nose surgery and your resulting appearance.  To find out more or to book a consultation with a Melbourne Plastic Surgeon, submit an enquiry via our website or phone 03 9592 0522.

Well summer is over and what a warm one it was.  For some people (approximately 1% of the population) the typical thing we like to grumble about during the warmer months (sweating a bit too much) is a year round complaint.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a condition that affects both men and women equally. More extreme cases of hyperhidrosis can be quite debilitating – resulting in the need to change outfits multiple times a day, limiting social and work life opportunities and may cause low self-esteem. The condition is not limited to the warmer summer months when the body naturally has to work a little harder to cool itself down.

Hyperhidrosis is most common on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and in the under arm area. Our body sweats as a natural cooling mechanism, hyperhidrosis occurs when one’s body produces more sweat than is necessary.  

There are several excessive sweating treatment options available however before a treatment plan is developed medical causes must always be ruled out.  One of the most popular treatment options for excessive sweating is injections into the area, which reduce excessive sweating dramatically, targeting the specific glands that are the source of the problem.

These injections work by blocking the chemical signals from nerves that stimulate sweat production. When the signal stops, so too does the excessive sweating. This treatment is most common in the under arm area and to treat excessive sweating of the forehead.  Treatment is very effective – usually resulting in significant reduction in sweating that can last up to 6 months from just one treatment.

Treatment for excessive sweating at Brighton Plastic Surgery is performed by Mr Mutimer in his consulting rooms.  To find out more or to book a consultation submit an enquiry via our site or phone 03 9592 0522.

It’s almost Christmas! Where has the year gone? As we inch closer to the end of another year we thought we would take this opportunity to recap on the year that was.  2016 has been a really positive year for Mr Mutimer and the team at Brighton Plastic Surgery.

Mr Mutimer was recently appointed President of Interplast Australia & New Zealand.  Interplast is a charity that Keith has been involved with since 1984 so he was honoured to take the position and continue his work with this remarkable organisation into 2017.

In August Mr Mutimer was made an honorary member of the Sri Lankan College of Surgeons (CSSL). He received this fellowship in recognition of his distinguished services in the field of surgery.  Through his extensive work with Interplast and in conjunction with the Sri Lankan College of Surgeons, he has played an integral part in setting up the CSSL plastic surgery training program.

Dr Ramin Shayan was in the spotlight this year for his pioneering work in treating lipoedema and lymphoedema patients. In June he was featured in a story on Lipoedema on Channel 10’s The Project and he continues to see an ever increasing number of patients seeking treatment for these debilitating conditions.

Our day surgery maintained its full accreditation this year. This means that all the standards that are set by ISO (international Standards Organisation) and the NSQHSS (National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards) were met with no findings or follow up required in any of the 300 plus areas examined, a pretty impressive outcome for a relatively small practice.

Which leads us to finish with our face lift! Not the kind you are automatically thinking of but a new “front” to Brighton Plastic Surgery.  We will be closed from midday 23^rd December and will be re-opening 16^th Jan.  During this time the majority of work to our “new face” will take place so when you next pop in to see us, things may look a little fresher ;)

Finally we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy festive season. We look forward to seeing you in 2017.

In August this year Mr Mutimer travelled to Sri Lanka, where he was extremely honoured and humbled to receive an Honorary Fellowship of The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka (CSSL).  CSSL was formed over four decades ago.  Mr Mutimer received the fellowship in recognition of his distinguished services in the field of surgery.  Through his extensive work with Interplast, and in conjunction with  CSSL Mr Mutimer has played an integral part in setting up the CSSL plastic surgery training program.  When Interplast first commenced their work with Sri Lanka there were 2 plastic surgeons, 1 of whom retired the day they arrived.  Now they have the capacity to train their own plastic surgeons, a legacy Mr Mutimer and all involved are very proud of.

Interplast is the preferred charity of Brighton Plastic Surgery.

We are very excited to announce that our aesthetic clinic, The Skin Institute, has recently moved into a new premises at 124a Martin St, Brighton. 

The well-appointed new space has been beautifully fitted out and includes 7 treatment rooms.  The move also coincides with the launch of an expanded range of medical skin care.With privacy and comfort paramount, The Skin Institute continues to focus on offering clientele anti-ageing treatments in a safe, serene and luxurious environment.   

We invite you to drop by to view the new space or to find out more or make a booking call the new number 03 9596 8666.

Let’s face it, when was the last time you heard “I want bad skin”.  The skin is the largest organ in the human body, outward facing and the first to show signs of ageing. At Brighton Plastic Surgery we like to say that we treat the “inside”, the underlying facial structures whilst The Skin Institute (our aesthetic clinic) treats the “outside” – the skin. Optimal results are achieved when the two operate in harmony. Good skin can be, in part, genetic but there are many factors that affect the quality of your skin and how you age:

1) Use sunscreen:

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Applying sunscreen should be a part of your morning routine, even on cloudy days.  Want some extra protection? Apply sunscreen followed by a foundation infused with sunscreen or a mineral powder containing titanium or zinc oxide, both natural barriers to UV rays.

2) Don’t smoke:

Most will agree that it is easy to tell a smoker (or a reformed smoker). Beyond its known links to cancer, lung and heart disease, smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This then deprives the skin of oxygen and important nutrients. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin. There are many reasons to quit, your organs (including your skin) will thank you for it!

3) Make H2o your friend:

We have already touched on your skin being an organ and like any other organ, it is made up of cells.  And all cells are made up of water. Not drinking enough water and the associated lack of cell hydration will often result in dry, flaky skin.  Dry skin is less resilient and more prone to wrinkles.

4) Invest in a good skin care routine:

Invest in a good skin care routine, using products that are suitable for your skin type. Whilst starting young is preferred, it is never too late. Seek specialist assistance to have your skin assessed, and ensure you are using products suitable to your skin type and the results you wish to achieve. 

5) Take a chill pill:

We don’t need to tell you that stress impacts all parts of the body negatively. Stress releases many hormones, one in particular called cortisol which can trigger break outs and other skin problems.   

6) Sleep – as if you need any more reasons:

They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. When you sleep the skin’s repair mechanisms swing into action. Make getting 7-8 hours of good quality sleep your priority. Your skin depends on it.

To find out more about skin health or to speak with a skin specialist visit www.theskininstitute.com.au

As a man you are not exempt from wanting to achieve a more youthful face and body.  We have seen a substantial increase in recent years of men requesting plastic surgery.

The requested male plastic surgery procedures are varied and undertaken for a multitude of reasons.  Whether you are a baby boomer who has taken good care of yourself and want the outside to reflect how good you feel on the inside, someone you know has had surgery – loves the results and has encouraged you to explore your options or you are concerned about an aspect of your physical appearance and would like to improve it, Mr Mutimer has considerable experience in plastic surgery for men.

Whether you seek to reduce the signs of ageing, want to sculpt/shape your body, resize your nose or improve skin tone and texture, Mr Mutimer will be able to customise a procedure specific to your particular circumstances and discuss what can be realistically achieved.  Some of the most popular male plastic surgery procedures requested by men visiting Brighton Plastic Surgery include:

Rhinoplasty:

Did you know that male noses tend to have a more prominent straighter bridge and greater width to the middle of the nose?  Male rhinoplasty is a procedure that restructures the nose in order to improve its appearance and function.  The key to performing this procedure on men is to provide and improve shape without feminising the appearance of the nose. Your nose is one of the most defining characteristics of your face and for that reason, even the smallest change can have a positive impact. 

Face Lift:

It is common knowledge that, whether you are a man or woman, the first signs of ageing typically appear on the face. A facelift will tighten skin around your face, jawline and neck, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.  It isn’t a one size fits all procedure and there are different considerations that need to be given to a male face lift candidate over a female.  Mr Mutimer will discuss the best approach for you given your specific requirements and expected outcomes. He is an advocate of natural looking facelift surgery.

Blepharoplasty:

Eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) is a popular surgery undertaken by men.  The procedure refreshes the eyelids, removes excess fat from under the eye and helps reduce the signs of ageing, which often are quite prominent around the eyes.  Eyelid surgery is also performed to correct vision impairment as a result of sagging upper eyelids.  Your surgeon may recommend upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or in some cases, a combination of both.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynaecomastia):

Men can develop enlarged breast tissue – known as gynaecomastia (or in more plain speak ‘man boobs’).   The condition refers to enlargement of glandular tissue, not fat tissue. It can happen to males of any weight or age and can sometimes be an inherited condition.  Obese men can look like they have man boobs due to increased fat tissue all over the body however this is not true gynaecomastia.  Mr Mutimer can discuss a number of treatment options available to improve the appearance of the chest area and the best treatment plan given your individual circumstances.

To find out more about male plastic surgery or to book a consultation phone 03 9592 0522 or submit a confidential enquiry via our website.

You can stretch the truth as much as you can get away with when talking about your age, but the skin doesn’t lie – wrinkles are a natural part of ageing and can prematurely age a person well beyond their years.

We all want to make the most of what we've got.  Whether you've just started noticing a few fine lines or have been fighting a battle with pesky wrinkles for years, there are many things you can do to prevent, remove or decrease wrinkles. Whilst lifestyle factors may help keep wrinkles at bay (you have heard it all before - good nutrition, always wear sunscreen, don't smoke etc) there are also other approaches available in wrinkle reduction by way of plastic and cosmetic procedures.

At both Brighton Plastic Surgery and next door at The Skin Institute (a part of Mr Mutimer’s practice that offers a full range of non-surgical procedures), wrinkle reduction treatments are frequently requested.  Our most highly recommended treatments/procedures include:

Skin Care

You may have heard the saying ‘Invest in your skin, it is going to represent you for a very long time.’ Skin care can play a significant role in how your skin ages.  Damage to our skin is mainly caused by UV exposure – with protection being the first line of defence against ageing skin and wrinkles.  Using reputable skin care products may increase skin/cell regeneration, improve elasticity and smoothness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. But beware! Not all skin care products are created equal.

Wrinkle Reduction Injections/Fillers

Some degree of wrinkles and fine lines in the skin are inevitable as we get older.  Wrinkle reduction injections and facial fillers are a common way to help reduce lines and give a person a more youthful and refreshed appearance.  Whilst there are many businesses and practitioners in Melbourne who can administer these injections and fillers, patients requesting this treatment at Brighton Plastic Surgery generally prefer the peace of mind that comes with having a specialist plastic surgeon both consult on, and administer, their treatment. 

Laser Resurfacing

Wrinkle reduction can also be achieved using a variety of laser resurfacing techniques, with certain characteristics making you a better candidate for one technique over another.  It is recommended to consult with a specialist plastic surgeon so that a full assessment can be made of your skin, and an appropriate course of treatment recommended.

Surgery

Many patients will have tried one (or all) of the above before progressing to plastic surgery to reduce wrinkles.  Often the aforementioned treatments will go hand in hand with any recommended surgical procedure.  If you have tried a number of treatments to help reduce your wrinkles and are still unhappy with your appearance, a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon can explore what other surgical options may be available. 

For more information on any of the above, feel free to visit the Procedures section of our website, call us on 03 9592 0522 or submit a confidential enquiry via our website.

Rugby is well and truly underway for another year with the season kicking off Feb 16^th.  Keith is again volunteering his time as a Plastic Surgeon to the Melbourne Rebels, attending all home games at AAMI Park.  He joins a multi-disciplinary team comprising a Match Day Doctor, Team Doctor, Dentist and Plastic Surgeon.  Keith is also a back up to the Match and Team Doctors when it comes to concussions and dislocations and usually treats 1-3 players a game for facial and scalp lacerations. 

Joining Keith is one of our practice nurses who goes with him to assist, ensuring a fast turnaround so players can get back on the field doing what they do best.  Keith’s passion for the sport ensures treating players in his down time is never an imposition  and he has often said how much he enjoys watching the game and talking to the players, some of whom are required to visit Brighton Plastic Surgery for follow up care.