What to expect from Consultation to Recovery

What to expect from Consultation to Recovery

What to expect during breast surgery and recovery

Breast cancer surgery follows a clear, structured process from consultation through to recovery. Understanding each step helps you feel confident, informed and supported throughout your care, including general surgery, breast surgery and breast cancer surgery on the Gold Coast.

From diagnosis and treatment planning through to surgery and ongoing follow-up, Dr Susan Hawes provides personalised guidance at every stage. Learn more about your treatment options and how care is tailored to your needs with an experienced Gold Coast breast cancer surgeon.

Patient consultation with Dr Susan Hawes
Breast examination during consultation

The breast surgery process: consultation to recovery

1. Consultation

Your initial consultation focuses on understanding your symptoms, medical history and concerns. A clinical breast examination and any required imaging will help guide the next steps in your care.

2. Diagnosis

Findings are reviewed and clearly explained, with a personalised treatment plan developed based on your condition. This may include further tests or discussion of appropriate surgical options where needed.

3. Surgery

If surgery is recommended, your procedure is carefully planned with a focus on safety, precision and optimal outcomes. You’ll receive clear guidance on preparation, the procedure itself and immediate post-operative care.

4. Recovery

Ongoing care and follow-up appointments ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. Support is provided at each stage, with monitoring to achieve optimal healing and long-term outcomes.

Personalised breast cancer care on the Gold Coast

Every patient’s situation is different, particularly for those undergoing breast cancer surgery on the Gold Coast. Dr Susan Hawes provides clear, personalised guidance from your first consultation through to recovery, ensuring you feel informed and supported at every stage.

1800 1200 Dr Susan Hawes
ABOUT DR SUSAN HAWES

Susan was born and grew up on the Gold Coast. She qualified as a pharmacist from the University of Queensland in 2003 and then went on to further tertiary study at Griffith University and completed a Bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery in 2009.

Susan completed her internship and her resident years at the Gold Coast Hospital before moving all over Queensland for her training as a general surgeon.

Susan finished her surgical training in 2020 as a Princess Alexandra Hospital registrar. She was accepted onto subspecialty training in breast surgery with BreastSurgANZ and completed her first year of subspecialty training in Canberra in 2021. In 2022 Susan returned to the Gold Coast and worked as a general surgical fellow at Robina Hospital; also celebrating the birth of her second child. In 2023 Susan and her young family moved to Sydney, where she completed her second post-fellowship training year of breast surgery at the Oncology Centre of Excellence Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. She also completed a graduate certificate of breast surgery through the University of Sydney in 2023.

Susan has a passion for caring for patients to achieve the best possible outcomes for their health. She believes that timely communication is important between surgeons, patients and their health providers to ensure continuity of care. Susan has an interest in teaching and research and has presented her work at national conferences.

Susan enjoys the challenge and creativity of breast surgery but is also a dedicated general surgeon with experience in both emergency and elective surgery.

Gold Coast Breast Cancer Surgeon – Dr Susan Hawes
PRICING FEE STRUCTURE

Initial Consultation

Full Fee
$250

Medicare Rebate
$81.30

Post-op appointments

Full Fee
Bulk Billed

Medicare Rebate
Not applicable

Follow up consultations

Full Fee
$100

Medicare Rebate
$40.85