Frequently
Do I need a referral?
A referral from your GP or Specialist is now a government requirement and will be required for all appointments.
How much is my initial consultation?
Your initial consultation charge is $285 and with a valid referral there is a rebate from Medicare of $80.85.
Where can I see Dr. Sophie?
Appointments are available;
- Richmond
- Shepparton
What will happen at my consultation?
You will receive a reminder a few days before your appointment via SMS on your mobile. My assistant may already have forwarded you a registration form to complete and email back but if you haven’t, you’ll be asked to fill this out when you arrive with details including your
- GP
- Health Fund
- Medicare Number
- Medical Conditions
- Medication
Don’t forget to bring your referral or arrange for it to be emailed to us.
During your consultation I will listen to your concerns and ask you what you wish to change. I will then examine you and we will discuss the following;
- The procedure that you are most likely to benefit from and what’s involved
- Expected results after the surgery. This may include 3D photography of you with the Vectra™ and some computer simulations to help you understand and visualise what is realistically possible
- Risks and complications of the surgery
- Length of surgery, length of hospital stay and recovery time
You will then be introduced to my assistant who will give you an estimate of fees and possible scheduling.
If you want to proceed you can book any time after this first consultation.
Will my health fund cover any of the costs?
Health funds do not generally cover the costs of cosmetic surgery. There are exceptions where I can apply Medicare item numbers for some procedures, and you’ll be informed of this and it will be built into your estimate. It is wise to then check with your Health Fund to make sure there are no exclusions or excesses payable.
Which hospitals does Dr. Sophie operate at?
I operate at Epworth Hawthorn, The Avenue, Epworth Freemasons and Masada Private.
When do I have to pay for my surgery?
A deposit is usually taken around the time of booking your surgery and full payment is required at least a week prior to your surgery. You will also need to pay your anaesthetic fee and hospital fee prior to your surgery.
What are the wait times for my surgery?
Average wait times are anywhere from two to six weeks after your consultation.
What qualifications does Dr. Sophie have?
I am a specialist qualified Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon.
I am a member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
I hold the highest specialist qualification in Plastic Surgery. This qualification includes six years of Medical School, four years of Basic Surgical training and four years of Specialist Plastic Surgery training. In addition to this, I undertook further overseas training after fully qualifying as a Plastic Surgeon here in Australia.
When looking at a plastic surgeon’s qualifications, make sure they have “FRACS” after their name signifying that they are properly surgically trained.