General Surgery Gold Coast
Specialised General Surgery for Hernia, Appendix, Gallbladder and Skin Lesions
Dr Susan Hawes provides general surgery on the Gold Coast, including hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, appendix surgery and skin lesion removal. Each procedure is carefully planned to suit the patient’s condition, symptoms and overall health.
General surgery addresses a range of common conditions that may require treatment when symptoms begin to affect daily comfort, movement or quality of life.
Dr Hawes offers assessment and treatment for:
Hernias
Gallbladder conditions
Appendicitis
Skin lesions
Lipomas and benign soft tissue lumps
Each patient is carefully assessed to ensure surgery is appropriate and tailored to individual needs, with a strong focus on safety, recovery and long-term outcomes.
Hernia Surgery Gold Coast
A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area of muscle or connective tissue, most commonly in the groin or abdominal wall. Hernias can cause discomfort, pain or a noticeable bulge and typically require surgical treatment when symptoms persist or worsen.
Dr Susan Hawes provides hernia surgery on the Gold Coast, using modern techniques designed to strengthen the affected area and reduce the risk of recurrence, with a focus on safe recovery and long-term results.
Common hernia procedures include laparoscopic and open hernia repair, depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Hernia Surgery Options
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used for inguinal (groin) hernias. Small incisions allow camera and instruments insertion, enabling precise repair of the weakened muscle wall using modern surgical techniques.
This approach is commonly used in hernia surgery on the Gold Coast and supports faster recovery in suitable patients.
Potential benefits may include:
Smaller incisions
Reduced post-operative pain
Faster return to normal activities
Lower risk of wound complications
This approach is not suitable for all patients, and Dr Hawes will discuss whether laparoscopic repair is appropriate for your individual situation.
Umbilical hernia repair
An umbilical hernia develops near the belly button when tissue pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall and can affect both adults and children. Surgery involves returning the tissue to its normal position and reinforcing the abdominal wall, sometimes with mesh support for added strength.
Umbilical hernia repair is typically a straightforward procedure with good long-term outcomes when performed at the right time.
Dr Susan Hawes provides tailored hernia surgery on the Gold Coast, selecting the most appropriate technique based on each patient’s condition and recovery goals.
Gallbladder Surgery
At Gold Coast Breast Surgery, Dr Susan Hawes performs gallbladder surgery on the Gold Coast using keyhole (laparoscopic) techniques where appropriate. Removing the gallbladder can relieve symptoms and help prevent future complications, with most patients returning to normal daily activities and diet as recovery progresses.
At Gold Coast Breast Surgery, Dr Hawes performs gallbladder surgery on the Gold Coast, often using keyhole (laparoscopic) techniques where appropriate. Removing the gallbladder relieves symptoms and prevents future complications, allowing most patients to return to a normal diet after recovery.
Appendix Surgery
Appendicitis is an acute condition that typically requires urgent surgical treatment. Appendix surgery (appendectomy) involves removing the inflamed appendix to prevent rupture and serious infection.
Dr Susan Hawes provides prompt assessment and appendix surgery on the Gold Coast, with most procedures performed laparoscopically where appropriate to support faster recovery and reduced hospital stay.
Skin Lesions & Lipomas
Skin Lesions
Dr Susan Hawes assesses and treats a wide range of skin lesions on the Gold Coast. Surgical removal may be recommended for lesions that are symptomatic, suspicious, or causing ongoing irritation.
Where appropriate, skin lesion removal is performed on the Gold Coast with a focus on accurate diagnosis and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
Skin lesions commonly assessed include:
Moles or pigmented lesions
Lesions that change in size, shape or colour
Bleeding, crusted or ulcerated lesions
Skin lesions causing discomfort or recurrent irritation
Where appropriate, removed lesions are sent for pathology to confirm the diagnosis and ensure peace of mind.
Lipomas (Benign Lumps)
Lipomas are common, benign lumps made up of fatty tissue that develop beneath the skin. While they are non-cancerous and often painless, removal may be considered if they increase in size, cause discomfort or affect movement.
Lipomas may be surgically removed if they:
Increase in size
Cause pain or pressure
Restrict movement
Create cosmetic concerns
Require confirmation of diagnosis
Dr Susan Hawes will advise whether skin lesion or lipoma removal on the Gold Coast is appropriate based on symptoms and individual circumstances.
Recovery following general surgery on the Gold Coast depends on the type of procedure and individual health factors.
Dr Hawes provides clear post-operative instructions, including:
Pain management guidance
Activity restrictions and gradual return to exercise
Wound care advice
Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Most patients undergoing general surgery on the Gold Coast resume light activities within days to weeks, with ongoing improvement over time.
Risks of General Surgery
All general surgery procedures carry some level of risk – these may include:
Infection
Bleeding or bruising
Pain or swelling
Scarring
Anaesthetic-related complications
Procedure-specific risks such as hernia recurrence or fluid collection
Dr Susan Hawes will discuss all potential risks and benefits during your consultation for general surgery on the Gold Coast so you can make a fully informed decision about your treatment.
