We Cater for Regional, Interstate and International Patients
Patients often wish to travel to the Gold Coast, Queensland or Northern Rivers Region, NSW for a number of reasons. Some patients have family or friends that they wish to stay with during their recuperation. Some patients wish to have their surgery away from their hometown and the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Region offer beautiful beaches and weather. Other patients may wish to have their surgery performed by Dr Craig Layt due to his reputation or they have had a friend or family member operated on by him previously. Whatever the reason we aim to make the pre and post surgical process as smooth as possible.
Initially, it is important to arrange a video consultation prior to travelling to see Dr Layt. New guidelines from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) requires a face to face consultation with the surgeon prior to all surgery consents and financial consents should be completed. An 8 day cooling off period must also apply.
Another face to face consultation will also be required at least 1-2 days prior to your surgery.
Please feel free to call us on 07 5597 4100 or email and speak with one of surgical co-ordinators to arrange your consultation and possible surgery dates.
In order to get the most from your phone or video consultation it is best to have someone take some photos and send them to the clinic prior to your consultation. It is best to have someone to take the photos for you as attempting to take selfies may distort the shape or angle of the body region of concern. Aim to take a minimum of 5 photographic angles, including front on, both sides and a 3/4 view from each side.
It is also required to obtain a referral and have your GP provide medical information relevant to your procedure of interest and your overall health including medications, previous surgical history, previous health problems, weight history (including how much weight loss for weight loss patients) to name a few. We also require you to complete the patient information forms and send these back to us. Cosmetic patients are also required to complete a screening for Body Dysmorphic Disorder prior to consultation with the surgeon.
It is important to understand the length of time to stay in the region for post operative appointments, treatments and reviews. In rare cases, some post operative situations may require longer stays for healing in order for the doctor to be completely happy for the well being of the patient to travel home again.
There are a number of hotels or apartments near by that would be suitable for accommodation during your surgery and the initial recovery period. It is ideal, and sometimes necessary, to have someone accompany you for support and transport. If you are unable to have a support friend or family member, there are options for nursing assistance or a support person during your stay. These services are separate from our clinic, however we can supply contact details in order for you to obtain quotes and availability for your procedure. All patients undergoing Sedation or General Anaesthetic must have an accompanying person travel from the hospital with them and be with them for the next 24 hours.
After the surgery, you will be required to attend a number of post operative appointments during the initial recovery period. Some ongoing post operative appointments may be scheduled as phone or video consultation. We prefer to schedule another face to face post operative appointment when it is convenient for the patient to travel.
The following are just a guideline for the length of time to remain in travelling distance to the Gold Coast Clinic after the surgery.
For Breast surgery, Dr Layt prefers patients to arrive 1-2 days prior to surgery and stay between 7 and 10 days post operatively.
For facial surgery, Dr Layt prefers patients to arrive 1-2 days prior to surgery and stay 10-14 days post operatively.
For Abdominoplasty, Post Pregnancy Procedures, Bilateral Thigh Lift or Bilateral Arm Lift, Dr Layt prefers patients to arrive 2-3 days prior to surgery. Hospital stay is approximately 3-5 days and then stay within a traveling distance from the Gold Coast clinic for a minimum of 14 days.