As 2025 comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our patients for entrusting us with your care. It has been a privilege to support you this year.

While our team will be taking a short break to rest and recharge over the holiday season, we remain committed to supporting those in recovery. Below you’ll find everything you need to feel prepared and reassured, including our clinic schedule, how to reach us, and what to do if you’re concerned during your post-operative recovery.

If you are worried and it feels urgent, please don’t wait — call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately.

Holiday Clinic Hours

Our rooms will be closed on all public holidays.
On all other weekdays during the break, we will remain open for scheduled post-operative appointments and urgent clinical support at the following times:We kindly ask you to call earlier in the day so we can assist you before closing time. Normal business hours resume on Monday 5 January 2026.

In Case of a Medical Emergency

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 or proceed directly to your nearest Emergency Department.

Recognising Red Flags in Recovery

Everyone’s recovery is different. However, if any of the following symptoms appear — particularly if they worsen — please seek urgent medical advice:

• Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing – seek emergency care
  

• Sudden or asymmetrical leg swelling e.g. calf swelling – seek emergency care

• Excessive or persistent bleeding

• Pain that is severe or unrelieved by prescribed medication
  

• Vomiting or nausea that prevents you from keeping fluids down
  

• Wound discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
  

• Fever, chills, or feeling unwell

• Redness, heat, or swelling increasing around the incision

For Non-Urgent Post-Op Queries

If you have a general question (e.g. dressing care, drain volume, bruising), please first refer to your written post-operative instructions, as many common questions are addressed there.

After-Hours and Public Holiday Support

📞 Urgent after-hours care only

If you need urgent post-operative support outside of clinic hours or on public holidays, you may contact our on-call nurse by calling 07 3870 3960 and following the voicemail prompts.

🛑 Please note:

This after-hours service is strictly for urgent post-operative concerns that cannot safely wait until the next business day.

The on-call nurse cannot assist with:

• Prescription requests or repeats
  

• Routine wound care or dressing enquiries
  

• Appointment rescheduling
  

• Administrative or billing matters

• General enquiries

Attending a Scheduled Post-Operative Appointment

If you have an appointment during the holiday period:

• Our nurse will be available at your scheduled time
  

• Please attend Suite 50, Level 4, Wesley Medical Centre as arranged
  

• If you are feeling unwell (fever, gastro, flu-like symptoms), please do not attend in person — call us first so we can advise on next steps

Surgeon Availability

Your surgeon may be on leave during this time. However, appropriate cover arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of care and urgent clinical support. Please contact us during the listed clinic hours if you have questions.

Booking Appointments or Enquiries

While our team is on break, you are welcome to complete our online enquiry form for appointment requests or general questions. We’ll respond as soon as possible once standard hours resume on Monday 5 January 2026.

Thank you again for choosing AR Plastic Surgery in 2025. We wish you a safe, smooth recovery and a joyful holiday season surrounded by those you love.

Warm wishes,
The AR Plastic Surgery Team

As the weather warms and Spring approaches, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. But with longer days and stronger UV rays comes an important reminder: protecting your skin is essential, and recognising the early signs of skin cancer can save lives.

Queensland is infamously titled the ‘Skin Cancer Capital of the World’. Queensland’s melanoma incidence rates are 40% higher than the national rate, with more than 3,600 Queenslanders diagnosed with melanoma, and over 350,000 non-melanoma skin cancers treated each year. 

At AR Plastic Surgery, we align closely with the SunSense message: prevention, early detection, and timely treatment. Spring is the perfect time to not only check your sunscreen supply and sun-safe habits but also to book a skin cancer consultation if you’ve noticed anything unusual on your skin.

Why Early Detection Matters

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, largely due to our high levels of sun exposure. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, most often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The three most common types are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – slow-growing and often appearing as a pearly lump or red scaly patch.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – can develop more quickly and may appear as a sore, scaly spot, or thickened skin.
• Melanoma – the most serious form, often developing in or near a mole, and can spread rapidly if not caught early.

The earlier these cancers are identified, the simpler and more effective treatment becomes. Delays in diagnosis, particularly for melanoma or invasive SCC, can increase the risk of spread and the need for more complex surgery.

What to Look Out For

Regular self-checks and professional skin checks are crucial. Warning signs include:

• New spots or moles that appear 
• Lesions that change in size, shape, or colour
• Sores that don’t heal after several weeks
• Crusty, scaly, or bleeding patches
• Moles with irregular borders or multiple colours

If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to seek a professional assessment promptly.

Our Approach to Skin Cancer Consultation and Surgery

At AR Plastic Surgery, our philosophy is centred on accurate diagnosis, safe removal, and careful reconstruction. We understand that skin cancer treatment isn’t only about removing the cancer, it’s also about preserving both function and appearance, particularly for lesions on sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and hands.

During your consultation, our surgeons will:

• Carefully assess your lesion and overall skin health
• Use diagnostic tools and clinical expertise to determine the best approach
• Provide clear explanations and involve you in decision-making
• Tailor surgical planning to your individual needs, considering both medical safety and cosmetic outcomes

Take Action This Spring

With Spring just around the corner, now is the ideal time to protect your skin and take charge of your health. A skin check could make all the difference.

• Apply sunscreen daily
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
• Avoid peak UV hours where possible
• Book a professional skin cancer consultation if you notice anything unusual

At AR Plastic Surgery, we’re here to support you with evidence-based assessments, expert surgical care, and personalised treatment planning. Whether you’ve been referred after a biopsy or simply have a lesion of concern, our team is ready to help.

If you have questions or would like to book a consultation, please contact us today or complete our online enquiry form.