:: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right surgeon for me?
There are many ways of finding a surgeon who performs your desired procedure. This may be through referrals from a friend, a referral from your family physician, through research on the Internet or through the Canadian or Provincial Plastic Surgery Societies. For a printable list of important credentials to consider when choosing a surgeon, click here.

How should I prepare for surgery?
Once you have decided to proceed with surgery, we will do our best to schedule it as conveniently as possible. Typically, most patients will return for a preoperative appointment 1-2 weeks prior to surgery, where you will have another opportunity to meet with Dr. Brown to review your decisions. This will also give you the chance for to ask any further questions that you may have had since the consultation. Once the preoperative appointment is completed, Dr. Brown will take standardized preoperative photographs and you will be sent for any necessary lab tests. Dr. Brown’s nurse, Tracey Hotta, will provide you with a checklist for preparing for your surgery, including medications to avoid, diet and cessation of smoking.

Where will the surgery be performed?
Dr. Brown performs the majority of his cosmetic surgical procedures at The Cumberland Clinic^TM. Designated as a CAAASF class III facility, The Cumberland Clinic^TM is a private, state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery facility located in the heart of the Yorkville district in mid-town Toronto.For more information about The Cumberland Clinic^TM, please click here.

Dr. Brown also operates at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. If preferred, your surgery can be performed at the hospital.

Who will the anaesthetist be?
Dr. Brown has selected his anaesthetists to provide you with the most safe and gentle care possible. All of the anaesthetists are certified by The Royal College of Physicians of Canada and are experts in their field. You will have an opportunity to meet with the anaesthetist prior to your surgery to answer your questions and address your concerns.

How long is the surgery and what is the type of anaesthetic?
Each procedure is slightly different. Dr. Brown will discuss the duration of your surgery and types of anaesthetic with you at the time of your consultation.

What are the risks and complications of surgery?
While the procedures Dr. Brown performs are generally very safe, there are associated risks as there are with any surgical procedure. Some of the general risks include bleeding, infection and reactions to anaesthesia. Dr. Brown will discuss the specific risks of each procedure with you in detail at the time of your consultation.

Who will be on call following my surgery?
Dr. Brown and/or his nurse manager, Tracey Hotta, will be available 24 hours a day through a pager system should you require assistance following your surgery.

How long will it take for my scars to heal?
Scars will usually turn red in colour during the first few months of healing. After this, they will fade and slowly approximate your normal skin colour. The time that it takes for this to happen varies from person to person. Most scars will take approximately one year to fully mature. It is important to remember that whenever possible the scars will be well positioned so as to be covered when wearing clothing, a bra or a bathing suit.

What can I do to help improve my scars?
After the initial light dressing has been removed from your incision, Dr. Brown will instruct you on massaging Vitamin E oil or polysporin ointment into the scars on a daily basis. There are several other experimental creams, lotions and scar treatments that Dr. Brown would be happy to discuss with you if you wish.

Can I suntan after surgery?
During the first year, it is important to keep the scars well protected from direct sunlight, as this may darken or pigment scars in the early healing period. It is advisable to sun tan only when your scars have matured completely.