Integrative Surgical Care
Preparing Well for Surgery and Recovery
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Your general health going into surgery can affect how you heal afterwards.
Dr Rizk is a specialist plastic surgeon (FRACS) and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (FACNEM). Integrative Surgical Care brings that training into your surgical journey. Alongside planning your procedure, Dr Rizk looks at factors such as nutrition, iron and vitamin levels, blood sugar, smoking and current medicines and supplements.
The aim is to identify anything that can be improved before surgery and to support you while you recover. This care is offered to Dr Rizk's surgical patients and works alongside your GP, not in place of them.
Pre-surgery assessment
- •Your medical history, current medicines and any supplements you take
- •Diet, nutrition and recent weight changes
- •Smoking, vaping and alcohol use
- •Energy levels, sleep and general wellbeing
- •Previous surgery and how you healed
At your consultation, Dr Rizk takes a detailed health history in addition to discussing your surgical goals. This includes:
Pathology panel
Where clinically appropriate, Dr Rizk may request blood tests before surgery. Depending on your history, these can include:
- •Full blood count
- •Iron studies
- •Vitamin D
- •Vitamin B12 and folate
- •HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control)
- •Thyroid function
- •Inflammatory markers
Tests are chosen for each patient, rather than ordered as a fixed package. Dr Rizk will go through your results with you, and share them with your GP where relevant.
Personalised plan
- •Correcting low iron, vitamin D or other deficiencies found on testing
- •Nutrition guidance, including protein intake to support healing
- •Support to stop smoking or vaping well before surgery
- •Reviewing medicines and supplements, as some can increase bleeding risk
- •Working with your GP on blood sugar or other medical conditions
- •Timing your surgery so that you are in the best position to proceed
Based on your assessment and results, Dr Rizk will put together a plan to prepare you for surgery. Depending on your needs, this may include:
Double Bay, Sydney
Book a consultation with Dr Rizk
Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan tailored to their goals. Consultations are available in person at Double Bay or virtually. Cosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
Recovery support
- •Monitor your wound healing at each post-operative visit
- •Repeat blood tests where needed, for example if your iron was low
- •Advise on nutrition while you heal
- •Guide scar care and your return to normal activity
Care continues after your operation. As part of your follow-up, Dr Rizk can:
Important information
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Whether any test or treatment is suitable for you will be decided at your consultation.
Request a consultation
Dr Joseph Rizk (MED0001186612) aims to make sure that each patient is heard, respected, and treated well. His approach is to give you the accurate medical information you need to make informed decisions about your course of treatment, including its risks and recovery.
Double Bay
Suite 301, Level 3
451 New South Head Road
Double Bay NSW 2028
Choose your own consultation time online.
Book a Consultation OnlineCosmetic surgery requires a GP referral, at least two consultations with Dr Rizk (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery is booked.
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