RealSelf Verified doctors complete our multistep verification process to ensure they are in good medical standing, display their experience and most performed procedures, have high patient satisfaction ratings, and respond to consultation requests quickly. Just look for the RealSelf Verified badge.
FIND A VERIFIED DOCTORClaim your profile now— it costs nothing! Build trust by highlighting education, board certifications, and hospital privileges. List treatments, and include all procedures you perform. Get involved by uploading before & after procedure photos and answering questions from prospective patients.
CLAIM YOUR PROFILEHard to tell from a photo without an exam, but appears it might be cellulitic (infected) & the umbilicus (belly button) may be partly necrotic (dead). You need to contact your Plastic Surgeon immediately, who MUST either be available to you or have another appropriately qualified (usually another genuine FRACS Plastic Surgeon) covering for him or her. Going to your local GP, alone, is not appropriate for this and your Surgeon should be able to assist you. A Surgeon's responsibility is to provide post-operative care commensurate with the Surgery. In this case, in my opinion, you need to be properly assessed, may need investigations, and remember, opinions such as this (online) NEVER constitute or replace direct medical advice by someone who has seen you in person. That noted, it looks like you need prompt appropriate antibiotics & may require drainage or further surgery. Best wishes. (PS: Sometimes this type of result is found in people who smoke cigarettes, which is also why smoking is such a NO NO for surgery patients).
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
It is difficult to comment on a limited photo selection. It would potentially be helpful to see both sides (as well as your pre-operative photographs). Based on a limited post-surgical photograph only of one side, there does appear to be some puffiness of the nipple; this might be due to the circular stitches around the nipple being a little tight during healing. As these stitches dissolve, this usually settles uneventfully for patients. There's a small opening at the 6 pm position which is also not uncommon in big breast reduction surgeries, and usually settles uneventfully. This may occasionally require a minor scar revision down the track. On this limited information, it appears likely to settle with time, but as with any concerns after plastic surgery or Breast Reduction Surgery, it is highly recommended to go back to your original Surgeon for advice and post-op care. If you would like a more definitive response, it would require additional photos (bilateral views) and pre-operative photos. (PS: was this a Lollypop or Anchor surgical technique for Breast Reduction, and were drains used or was it a no-drain procedure?) Dr Craig Rubinstein
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
In this case, if there was rapid swelling post-surgery, it could certainly be due to deep fluid build up. One of the best investigation methods is a simple ultrasound procedure, at which time your Surgeon may also drain fluid. Older techniques attempted to prevent a seroma using drains (external tubes), but they are often uncomfortable or painful, and they limit mobility & don't work that well. Instead of drains during a Tummy Tuck, many Surgeons prefer numerous deep advancement dissolving quilting stitches. Technically more difficult, it takes a little longer but is often more comfortable for the patient, with less than 1-2% seromas. Suggest you revisit your original Surgeon urgently to investigate whether your post-Tummy Tuck bulge (or unusual swelling) relates to a potential fluid build up/sermoma (treat according to findings). Hope this helps.
Dr Craig Rubinstein
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Craig and the whole team at Coco Ruby are absolutely fantastic. I felt so comfortable and taken care of since my first consultation. Craig was realistic when discussing possible results and I was very pleased that he was able to remove just over 4kg via reduction and lipo. Craig was very calming on the day of surgery, and very precise in his marking up (he definitely wants the best possible result for his clients). The after care from Craig and the team has been excellent. Honestly I could ramble on all day about how happy I am with the surgery and the team!
I am so impressed with my experience with Dr. Craig Rubinstein and his entire team. From the very beginning, the level of care, support, and professionalism the whole team at Coco Ruby provided was truly outstanding. Dr. Rubinstein took the time to explain every detail of the breast reduction and lift procedure, answering all my questions and addressing any concerns with patience and understanding. He gave me time to think about all options between my two pre-operative consultations, to ensure that I had time to reflect and discuss the options with my family. Dr Rubinstein spent a long time ensuring that all my pre-operative measurements were precise, giving me the confidence heading into the operating theatre that I was going to get the best possible outcome. In the pre-operative phone call with the anesthetist, I explained that I had previous complications with some anesthetics in previous procedures. The anesthetist went above and beyond to obtain my file from a previous, non-related surgery that was complication free, and model my anesthetic accordingly. Nurse Trish, Nurse Olivia, and the entire team at Coco Ruby were equally amazing — they provided continuous support and guidance throughout the entire process. I felt completely informed, safe and at ease every step of the way. The post-op care was just as great as the pre-op process. I was given a special gift bag with items that would help make my recovery more pleasant, including a voucher for complimentary scar reduction treatment sessions at Coco Ruby. The team checked in regularly to answer questions, making sure I was healing properly and that I felt comfortable throughout my recovery. Whilst still in the early stages, my results are outstanding. I can already see that my breasts are even, firm and lifted. Not only do I feel so much more comfortable, but I also feel more confident. The outcome is exactly what I had hoped for, and I can’t thank Dr. Rubinstein enough for his honesty, kindness, skill, and expertise. For anyone considering a breast surgery, I couldn’t recommend Dr. Rubinstein and his team more highly.
I can't recommend Dr. Craig Rubinstein and his wonderful team enough (especially Sophie and Jennifer!). I had a bilateral breast reduction eight weeks ago, and I am absolutely thrilled with the results. From the very first consultation, I felt completely at ease. Dr. Rubinstein has a calm and reassuring presence that instantly made me feel safe and confident in his expertise. It's so important, especially in the world of plastic surgery, to find a surgeon you can trust—and with Dr. Rubinstein, you know you're in the best hands. His attention to detail, professionalism, and genuinely caring nature made the whole process so much smoother than I ever expected. The outcome is truly better than I could have imagined. Not only do I feel more comfortable in my body, but the aesthetic results are flawless. It’s clear that Dr. Rubinstein takes great pride in his work and genuinely cares about his patients. If you’re considering any type of breast surgery, I highly encourage you to seek out Dr. Rubinstein as you can rest easy knowing you're in expert hands.
Craig and his amazing team treated me with dignity, respect and kindness. From the first consultation I knew I was in great hands. I'm now 10 weeks post op (abdominoplasty and diastasis recti repair) and I cannot believe how amazing I feel! Not only did the surgery go extremely well, but the after care that Craig provides is second to none. Cannot recommend Craig highly enough!
I had breast implants put in elsewhere about 6 years ago. I had decided for a while I wanted them out due to outgrowing them (some regret) and the left side bottoming out and feeling uncomfortable. Decided to consult with Dr Rubinstein and it was the best decision I made. Everything was explained clearly and the process was seamless and as comfortable as it could be. Would highly recommend Dr Rubinstein if considering an explant.
Craig, Trish and the entire time are absolutely lovely, professional, exceptional in their field and put you at ease. I had complete trust in the team from the beginning. I had a mastoplexy & bilateral breast augmentation due to a developmental breast abnormality. I never thought I could be so happy with the result. This is life changing. Thank you.
DR. CRAIG RUBINSTEIN CHANGED MY LIFE! I had a Tummy Tuck after losing 80kgs and couldn't be happier with the results and process. He and Trish and his staff are all amazing! They were always there for me and never ever neglected me and my needs. I will forever be greatful for the new life craig made possible. Truly and angel. Oh and I had no pain!
Thank you so much Dr Rubinstein. I had a breast lift and reduction. It has honestly changed my life. Dr Rubinstein is honest, highly experienced and has a great bedside manner. I felt really well cared for all the way through. All the team at Coco Ruby were lovely too. Thank you!
Craig and his team have been amazing since my first appointment. It’s been 12 months since my surgery and I’m soo glad I took the time to research and find the best surgeon and care team. Included in his price is the laser following your surgery which has been amazing in reducing my scar. Thank you Craig… I’ll be forever grateful
Craig is absolutely exceptional. He was always transparent pre-surgery and made sure I was comfortable and understood everything moving forward with surgery. The post-op care has been outstanding, with the ability to go in for check ups whenever needed. Credit to his incredible skills and experience in breast reduction surgery, he was able to take me from an E cup to a B-C cup safely and with minimal pain using the more contemporary Lejour (lollipop) technique, leaving much less scaring than the anchor technique and with better long-term results. I now feel so much more comfortable in my body and my boobs look better than I could have ever imagined. Going to Craig and having breast reduction surgery is truly the best decision I have ever made and I can't recommend Craig and his team more. He puts your safety first always, and truly cares about his patients.
What’s trending? Who’s turning heads? Which TikTok myths need busting? We’ve got you. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just real talk. Get our free, unfiltered newsletter.