Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

After pregnancy or substantial weight loss, many people find their abdominal muscles are weak and the skin in that area has become looser. Despite exercise and diet, this may be difficult to shift and can cause self-consciousness and anxiety.

During the procedure the muscles can be tightened and excess skin removed, leaving a firmer flatter abdomen. During the procedure, loose excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through an incision which extends across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip (across the bikini area) and the weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

A benefit of this procedure is that the entire abdominal muscle wall can be tightened, usually with permanent sutures, to give you a firmer result and flatter tummy after significant weight changes or multiple pregnancies.

Breast augmentation involves surgery to place an implant behind natural breast tissue. This procedure increases the size of your breasts. They can also be done to restore breast volume, perhaps after weight loss or pregnancy.

Large breasts can cause physical problems such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, poor posture, excessive sweating, rashes and infection under the breasts, marks or grooves on shoulders from bra straps or the inability to take part in exercise or sporting activity.

Breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the breasts to reduce their size. The aim of the operation is to create a natural shape and retain as much function and sensation in the nipples as possible.

Women have breast reduction surgery for a variety of reasons such as the physical and psychological problems which come with particularly large breasts. For these women breast reduction surgery can significantly improve the quality of their life.

Breasts can sag due to weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, involves surgery to lift and shape breasts, but does not change the breast size. During a mastopexy, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is shaped.

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure designed to help lift brows and open the eyes for a youthful appearance. It does not involve the eyelids nor any other part of the face. 

The operation involves the partial removal or the tightening of the muscles responsible for the brow position. The brow is repositioned upwards which results in opening up the eyes and reducing any upper eyelid drooping. This results in a less tired appearance. 

Ageing causes the skin around the eyes to lose elasticity and muscles to slacken. This can cause bagginess. Loose folds can develop on the upper eyelids and deep creases on the lower eyelids. Droopy eyelids can make you look older and can also impair vision. Upper and or lower eyelids may be affected and it is often a family trait. 

A blepharoplasty procedure corrects these problems and also removes puffiness and bags under the eyes that can make you look worn and tired. This helps create a wide-awake, youthful look. The procedure can be carried out on the upper and lower eyelids, and can be done under local or general anaesthetic - usually as a day case.

This procedure cannot alter dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, these problems may be corrected by non-surgical procedures which you can discuss with your surgeon.

A facelift, or neck lift, is a type of surgery used to give a youthful appearance. A facelift involves tightening face and neck skin tissues, moving muscles and repositioning fat. A facelift is a delicate procedure that aims to recreate youthful facial contours.

Facelifts are helpful for eliminating loose skin folds in the neck and laxity of tissues in the cheeks. A facelift is a major operation requiring general anaesthetic and hospitalisation. It requires skin incisions; however, the incisions in front of and behind the ear are usually inconspicuous.

Otoplasty, or ear reshaping, is a surgical procedure that can reduce ear size, make ears more symmetrical, reshape them or position them closer to the head. The procedure can be done from about 5-6 years of age, once ears have reached, or nearly reached, their full size.

Protruding ears typically lie at an angle greater than the “normal” of 15 degrees from the head and can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Prominent ear correction surgery can be carried out to correct the position and/or shape of the ears.

A single incision is made behind each ear in a hidden position. Surgery to correct prominent ears is one of the most common and satisfying forms of aesthetic surgery giving patients a natural appearance and increased confidence

This is a type of cosmetic surgery that is performed to reshape the nose. Although rhinoplasty is most often sought for cosmetic reasons, it can also help correct structural defects that may cause breathing problems

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture or suction-assisted lipectomy, is a procedure that removes fat deposits. This procedure can be carried out on areas such as the hips, neck, arms, legs or tummy.

Skin grafts are used to treat various skin conditions, such as burns, large wounds, or skin loss due to infection or trauma. A thin layer of skin is taken from a healthy part of the body and placed over the damaged area, promoting healing and reducing scarring.

Hand surgery is performed to treat conditions that cause pain or limit hand function, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, or arthritis. These procedures can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.

Scar revision is a procedure that aims to minimise the appearance of scars, making them less visible and improving the skin's overall appearance. This can involve surgical removal, laser treatment, or other non-surgical options.

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be performed using a patient's own tissue or with implants, depending on the individual case.

Microsurgery is a highly specialised technique used to repair damaged blood vessels or nerves, reattach severed limbs, or transplant tissue from one part of the body to another. This procedure requires advanced skills and specialised equipment.

Tissue expansion is a method used to create additional skin for reconstructive purposes, such as after a mastectomy or to repair large scars. A balloon-like device is placed under the skin and gradually filled with saline, causing the skin to stretch and grow.

Facial reconstruction is performed to repair or rebuild facial structures affected by trauma, congenital defects, or cancer surgery. This can involve bone grafts, skin grafts, or other reconstructive techniques to restore a more natural appearance and function.

Remember, these are just a few examples of the many reconstructive procedures offered by our plastic surgery unit. Your healthcare team will discuss your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.

Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer. 

If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.