Had my breast augmentation 12 years ago and was SO happy with everything .. so much so I have just had my breast implants replaced and he did a fantastic job again, best in the business! I travelled all the way from Cairns to Melbourne to have this procedure.
I am starting to believe that many bad review must be actually fake, something doesn’t add up! The level of care, attention to details and best efforts to go beyond the promised results is what characterised Dr Southwick. I was promised a beautiful nose and I’ve got more! during the procedure they actually found out that my nose has been previously fractured and had to fix my irregular tip (which initially wasn’t planned). Loved the initiative demonstrated by Graeme to make changes during the surgery, my nose is OUTSTANDING. The recovery wasn’t difficult at all, I took only 1 week off work and during this week I was out for walks, went to breakfast in public and didn’t scary anyone as I had minor swelling and NO bruising. I also loved the care of the anaesthetist, who knew it was my very first surgery and made sure to give me a positive experience (I woke up beautifully and with no concerns!). I can’t say THANK YOU enough for Dr Graeme and his staff who realised my life dream. I have pondered this surgery for 10 years, and I’m so glad I have listened to my intuition. Ps. My sister in law and many other friends of hers had their boobs done by Graeme (also my hair dresser! What a small world) and they all report the same: incredible experience, no pain, results went beyond what was promised. Thank you Graeme!
Graeme fixed my breasts after I had been botched by another surgeon. It was a difficult surgery and pricey but I am really grateful that he was able to help me. I had suffered depression and was covering my body with dark clothing because my implants were too big and an odd shape. I lived like that for a decade before the revision.
This was initially a nerve racking experience. I had done some.. actually ... lots of cosmetic surgery research before flying into Melbourne for this consultation which I assumed would go nowhere as did the last few local cosmetic specialists consults I had attended. Stunning women like the Paris Hilton variety who were probably all returning for check ups, filled the spaces around me and I felt somewhat intimidated and to be honest really scared. Dr S was so professional, reassuring, thorough and clearly passionate (and of course experienced) about making people feel and look better about themselves. There was no pressure and he didn't need me..!! I signed up on the spot and less than 8 weeks later I was squeezed in and under the knife. 6 months down the track I have so much gratitude for my new life, prettiness for the want of a word and above all confidence thanks to the expertise of this incredible dedicated specialist and philanthropist - no wander he earned an Order of Australia for his contribution to wellbeing.
I had silicone breast implants since 1994 and obviously needed them replaced. I had an breast MRI to check for ruptures and an ultrasound and it didn't show there was any rupture so I proceeded only to discover during surgery it had not only indeed ruptured but it was not the implant I was told many years ago that was being used , it was a old liquid silicone style .Very disappointed that I was lied to about that and a couple of other things from back then... My surgeon Dr Graeme Southwick was very informative and kind during my consultation as was his secretary Simone trying to pin me down to get into my initial appointment as they knew I needed after so many years to get these old ones out! I'm a if it's not broken why fix it kind of girl and didn't seem to be giving me any trouble. I researched my doctor choice heavily for a couple of years and I chose Dr Southwick because of his obvious experience and knowledge but also his great care and interest in Cancer prevention. I also looked into doctors interstate...and it was a toss up between him a another very well known doctor or 2 in Sydney. His work can be hard to come by which is why I'm doing a review - basically he is sooo busy and in high demand he doesn't need to advertise or put his work out there. Implants that were used were Motiva 460cc Anyway operation went well a few months down the track I went in for a revision as one side where there was a massive rupture there was lots of tissue that needed to be removed and wasn't sitting as a well as the other one. Recovery as it was under the muscle as opposed to my previous on top was a tight feeling not really painful more uncomfortable , I slept upright for a month . Sounds hard but I was fine , I don't think you have to sleep upright for that long though . I realised I had one boob naturally higher then the other which needed to be lowered and whilst I was in Dr Southwick gave me a nipple reduction as well which I'm over the moon with as well. The projection not the aerola was reduced only. I'm 6weeks post revision and nipple reduction recovery was fast feeling no pain even in nipples it's like nothing happened. My boobs and nipples are perfect now I'm thrilled . Updated on 7 Dec 2019: Just wanted to how more detailed pictures
As anyone would assume, I opted to reshape my nose because I was extremely insecure about it. When I was a child I broke my nose severely and as I grew my nose continued to disfigure (In my own words). I have always had a lot of trouble breathing through my nose as the septum was deviated, I told Mr. Southwick I was only concerned about the hump because I didn't have a huge budget being a student, his response was "Oh no I won't let you leave the table with any breathing difficulties" and gave me a very flexible price for a full restructure. The day of our consultation he informed me that he would operate on me the following day... If i was eager. I was. On the day of the surgery Graeme made me feel extremely comfortable and was super reassuring. I popped out the other side yesterday feeling extremely groggy and disoriented but not in pain, I would highly highly recommend Graeme even though I haven't seen the results yet... he's really just a great person.
Amazing result with Graeme Southwick I had open septoplasty and he honestly couldn't have done a better job. So glad I found such a amazing surgeon. I count myself very lucky and would recommend him extremely high for anyone considering this. I felt completely comfortable and relaxed with everything I knew I was in good hands and that's exactly what you want.
HI Realselfer, like many of you out there I hated my nose and it did make me feel really self conscious over the years, I decided 4 months ago to take care of it to at last feel good in my skin. During 23 years I felt self conscious about my nose it wasn't ugly or anything and I never got bullied at school about it but I knew it wasn't right for my face I always been considered as a pretty girl but I PERSONALLY hated my nose, no one else but me had a problem with it that's the reason why I think that it was such a personal choice, this is your body your face if that's what makes you happy then what the hell! So I worked really hard I had two jobs for about four months and one goal in my head getting a nose that would suit my face, having more confidence and at last LOVE MYSELF. A bit about my surgeon, I live in Melbourne, AU I didn't really know where to start and as Australia wasn't my country of origin this was a challenge for me! So I simply started looking on internet:'' Best rhinoplasty Surgeon Melbourne'' I wanted to go on the forums as well as angry people always go on this kind of site to complain and warn others so that was a good way for me pick the surgeon who was never on those, and I wanted the best surgeon I could get even if I had to pay a lot for it, plastic surgery is a serious thing it's not like getting clothes on sales and take them back if they don't suit you, you get what you pay for. At last I found out about that place not to far away from my house, which seemed respectable I called and book an appointment with the Nurse. There was a long waiting list , about 6 months to see my surgeon he was a busy man which was a really really good sign for me. I Got lucky maybe 3 days later his PS called me telling me that he could see me the same day as someone else cancelled, I literally dropped work and went to the appointment we talked a good 45 minutes , when I came out I knew he was the surgeon I wanted, I had that ''Gut feeling'' I booked my surgery with the PS. 4 extremely long months later they're I am at 3 day pre-op so freaking excited, My boyfriend whom was really against my choice at the beginning of my journey , helped me and supported me all the way which I am really grateful about. Surgery was on the 12th November at 2.15pm and I had to be fast which was a torture for me as I am a caffeine addict, went there talked to my surgeon and the Anaesthetist and 5 minutes later I was in the operating room really really excited and a bit nervous but I trusted my surgeon 100% and I knew I was in good hands. ADVICE PRIOR-SURGERY I Started to take Bromelain pills, two weeks before hands and Arnica pills as well I also went on a low sodium diet two weeks prior surgery and eat as healthy as you can. Also no Alcohol for a while as well, I made a mistake to drink a bit the day before surgery which was really stupid. WHEN I WOKE UP: 3 hours later I was in the recovery room with a huge cast on my face felling high. I did not feel sick at any point or in pain maybe 3/10 which was fine the Nurse was so gentle and nice to me she gave me ice and water, I read so many reviews on realself about people feeling sick and with a sore throat I did not experience any of those I guess I got lucky because I imagined it way way worse than that, I felt just really groggy and tired. THE FIRST NIGHT: It wasn't fun. I usually sleep on my side and completely flat so this was not comfortable in any ways for me, to sleep head elevated and straight I hated it. I woke up about 3 to 5 time this night I did not have a dry mouth or sore throat, or chapped lips like I though it would have I just fell like I couldn't breath properly and the pain got pretty intense that night maybe 6/10 I was happy I had codeine to put me back to sleep. FIRST DAY: It was alright I did not sleep during the day I wanted to be really tired at night so I could sleep better I stayed home and my boyfriend looked after me, I was really grateful I had him I couldn't have wanted anyone better to look after me. Pretty cruisy ate healthy no sodium and took it easy. SECOND DAY: Things started to get a bit more serious I started to get swollen and bruised a little my nose felt so stuffed it was pretty annoying but I could kind of breath threw it. This day was pretty relaxed as well but I just could not stop thinking about my nose. Second night wasn't too bad I woke up 2 times and almost felt no pain. THIRD DAY: PHYSICAL CONDITION: Was the worst day so far , I was pretty swollen and I could not really open my eyes, my under eyes were puffed and quiet bruised. MENTAL CONDITION : This day was also the worst because I felt disgusting and ashamed that I worked so hard to be at this point, I seriously looked like Quasimodo(No offence) and knowing that my boyfriend was seeing in this state really made me depressed and anxious. Fortunately he was really understanding and re-comforted me reminding me that this wouldn't last. I would recommend to you all realselfers to get someone that you trust and whom you are really close to as Rhinoplasty can be quiet a roller-coaster with your emotions and you can feel really low. Get a friend or someone who is gonna stick around even if you burst in tears or breakdown like I did because you will feel weak physically but even more mentally. FORTH DAY: Went pretty well, I even went out or a bit...I was really worried on how others would look at me in the street not because I had a Rhinoplasty but because I felt Hideous and my confidence was at zero, but my boyfriend pushed me a little and I felt good knowing that I had someone who was by my side and was not judging me. FIFTH DAY: Went fine , ate healthy and took it easy the swelling started to get better as the bruising. SIXTH DAY : Went really good, I was really excited for the cast removal on Day 7th and kept eating healthy foods CAST REMOVAL DAY: I was really excited and nervous, probably more than the day I got the operation, I decided not to have a look when the nurse took the cast off, as I didn't want to breakdown or cry in front of people , she seemed to like it a lot and got rid of few stitches which wasn't as bad as I though again it was only a pinch, Easy. When I came home I looked in the mirror and I really liked it, even with the swelling it was such a great improvement and I felt like it was worth it for the first time in 7 days. I still have a lot of swelling as I am only 9 days post-op but I know it is going improve even more with time, I am happy today and excited for the rest of my self confidence journey. Updated on 22 Nov 2013: Hi all, My surgeon told me to keep a tape on my nose for a other week or so, although today I couldn't resist and I had a look and cleaned this hot mess, Mixed feelings cane out of this I am gonna need time to get used to it , my tip feels lifted and weird which I hope is gonna go down and between my eyes is swollen and bizarre looking, it wasn't love at first sight but I know I am really early in my recovery 11 days is probably to soon to tell but I hope it will get better with time Updated on 22 Nov 2013: Updated on 26 Nov 2013: Hi everyone, first thing in the morning I took my tape off and I am pretty swollen bridge and tip it´s still really sensitive and a bit puffy, but I am pretty happy with my results so far I really hope that the swelling will go down soon and my nose will be slimmer will keep you updated in a month or so! Updated on 29 Nov 2013: Hi there, I am 17 days post-op here some photos before/after for you guys to see the progression, I still take bromelaine pills and on a low sodium diet Updated on 29 Nov 2013: Wrong size on the above photos! Updated on 2 Dec 2013: Difference 17 days post op to 20 days post op, everything is going well, although some days the swelling is worst than other, a bit depressing, I suppose I just need to be patient ! Updated on 17 Dec 2013: I think I am around 1 month and few days post op my nose is starting to take shape the tip still very swollen tho and quiet bulbous which worries me a lot but I think that the swelling in the top if my nose is pretty much gone but the 2/3 and 3/3 the swelling still there, hope everyone is well ! Updated on 8 Feb 2014: Hey everyone my nose is healing pretty smoothly I believe I am a bit worried tho because I feel like it is longer than a month ago ( Am I going back?) hope it will keep be smaller and will stop doing crazy things I am definitely happy tho keep you posted ! Xoxo Updated on 8 Feb 2014: Front update for you guys , feelling like my nose is bigger at 3 months than 2 ? Gotta admit that I am slighlty worried ! Hope it will get better ! Feel free to let me know what you think! Xoxo Updated on 16 Dec 2014: there it is 1 year has flow by soio fast! Happy with mu nose bit nose 100% the tip is still a little long and there is obvious crookedness should I get a secondary rhino? Overall much better than what it was
I had a rhinoplasty/septoplasty with Dr Southwick about 2.5 years ago. I was looking for a more refined, feminine result but unfortunately I've ended up with a crooked, Miss Piggy-esque look, visible scar and I now have trouble breathing, which I never had before. I'm not really one to write reviews but I decided to after all this time because I've started looking into revision surgery lately and I made my choice of doctor based on all the excellent reviews I found online for Dr Southwick so I know how important it is for us to all be honest and share our experiences, especially when things don't go as we would have liked. I really, really liked Dr Southwick and I think that's why I booked my surgery after meeting with him but I really wish I consulted with another surgeon or two before making my decision because if I had I might not be looking at revision now. I've been back to Dr Southwick to discuss my concerns but he didn't see a problem and suggested I not focus on my nose. This is a simplification of our conversation - he is a very nice man with a good bedside manner - but the overarching message was that my concerns weren't cause for alarm. I've waited over two years before even thinking about revision to see how my nose settled but I now know it won't drop any further and the result I have now is what I'm stuck with and it's not acceptable for me. I strongly recommend that anyone getting any surgery meet with several doctors, even those that charge consult fees, or even better, try to get a recommendation from a friend or go to someone who's work you've seen. It's quite heartbreaking when things go wrong, not to mention costly. As a side note, I also found one particularly staff member very rude - that is the staff member I have given one star for below. Updated on 22 Apr 2016: Updated on 22 Apr 2016:
His years of experience has made him arrogant. Graeme Southwick was extremely rude and disregarded my concerns post op. My wish end goal was a natural look at a 10c, I went with the recommended sizing to archieve this goal but ended up with a size much bigger 10E. Breasts look too big for my frame, can't easily buy bras in this size and has affected my ability to exercise. When I told Graeme there were bigger than I had asked and wanted them removed his answer was "Quite frankly I put bigger implants in my wife" this response was disgusting. His assistant Simone I found to be equally as rude she also didn't inform me of the cost of a FaceTime follow-up consultation which was charged at the same price as an in person consultation despite having to do a self examination and having concerns. Simone later denied that she failed to inform me whilst admitting that she didn't actually remember the exact conversation but has spoken to 100's of girls whom she did inform. I will need a revision as my scars are thick, implants are bottoming out, implants fall into armpits, I look flat chested when laying down. Have had several ultrasounds on my breasts (unrelated to surgery) were the sonographer have asked if my breasts have always been like this (implants falling into armpits). Will be going to a different surgeon next time.
Thanks for your question and I certainly understand your concern. Fortunately, the protocol of administering antibiotics after surgery is no longer followed much of the time, particularly in a case like yours. In fact, Australia guidelines advise against post-operative antibiotics and recommend instead a single dose given intravenously right before surgery. Many American doctors follow a similar protocol. Make sure to discuss your concerns in detail with your surgeon and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion from another plastic surgeon or your gastroenterologist if you are still uncomfortable with the process your surgeon wants to follow. Good luck to you
Thank you for your inquiry and I understand your concern. Not all surgeons require patients to stop taking birth control pills before a breast augmentation. If that is a protocol your surgeon follows, it is definitely worth asking whether the NUVARING would be a problem during your procedure. You can also check in with your gynaecologist to get a second recommendation. Many surgeons believe that it is more important for a woman to continue their method of birth control rather than risk an unwanted pregnancy during that time frame. Be sure the specialist surgeon you have chosen is a credentialed surgeon with extensive experience in breast enhancement, so you have peace-of-mind in both the safety and success of your procedure. Best wishes on a positive surgery experience!
Interesting question. I understand your concerns about the time change on your procedure, but rest assured an experienced plastic surgeon will provide the same quality of surgical technique throughout the day. Most plastic surgeons are accustomed to full days in the operating room. More important than the time of your surgery is selecting a qualified, credentialed specialist plastic surgeon that has extensive experience in a variety of breast augmentation techniques to ensure an optimal outcome. Good luck to you!
Thank you for your question and I appreciate your concern. Some silicone implants come slightly underfilled, which can lead to rippling. This may be why your surgeon is recommending the additional filling. However, if you are concerned about the size, you can always opt for a smaller implant to ensure your breasts do not become too full after surgery. I advise you to talk to your surgeon in more detail about your concerns and your aesthetic goals to ensure an optimal outcome. I also recommend that the surgeon you work with has both the qualifications and experience necessary to provide you with the safest and most successful procedure possible. Good luck to you!
Thanks for your question and how exciting that you are ready to move forward with breast augmentation. While you have taken many good steps in preparing for your procedure thus far, your selection of a surgeon to perform your augmentation will be by far the most important one. Take your time to research doctors to ensure that they have the qualifications and experience necessary to ensure a safe and successful procedure. You can schedule consultations with a few of those physicians to see if you are comfortable with them in terms of personality and the techniques they recommend to you. Make sure the surgeon you work with takes ample time to help you plan your procedure, as there are numerous choices that go into the augmentation process. Good luck on a successful breast augmentation this fall!
