What types of plastic surgery do you offer in Bristol?

I offer a variety of plastic surgery services including breast reconstruction, tummy tucks, breast reduction, breast asymmetry correction and skin cancer surgery.

How do I choose the right plastic surgeon in Bristol?

Look for board-certified surgeons with experience in the specific procedure you are considering, and schedule consultations to discuss your options. In the UK that means checking the specialist register at the GMC which you can do easily at www.gmc-uk.org. Qualified plastic surgeons are on the specialist register for Plastic Surgery and many will also have additional qualifications in Cosmetic Surgery such as the Royal College of Surgeons Cosmetic Surgery Certification, both of which I hold.

What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck in Bristol?

Recovery time for a tummy tuck can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks. You should expect driving to be restricted for up to 6 weeks and no exercise for 6 weeks. Most people can return to work after 2-3 weeks for desk based activity whereas physical jobs may require longer time off work.

Are there any risks associated with plastic surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications. It's important to discuss these with your surgeon.

What should I expect during my consultation for plastic surgery?

During your consultation, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and the procedure details with your surgeon. I will discuss what is possible and give a recommendation for treatment.

Is financing available for plastic surgery in Bristol?

Yes, there are various financing options via the hospitals where I work to help make plastic surgery more accessible to our patients.

How can I prepare for my plastic surgery procedure?

Preparation may include medical evaluations, avoiding certain medications, and following pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. You will need some help at home after surgery and may need someone to stay with you if you live alone. You can buy some simple painkillers from your local pharmacy but you will also be provided with some medication when you are discharged from hospital. Read about the surgery you are having and make sure your questions have been adequately answered well before your surgery is due. I am always happy to go over any details we have discussed prior to a procedure.

What are the benefits of breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction can alleviate physical discomfort, improve posture, and enhance self-esteem by achieving a more proportionate body shape. Some patients suffer with infections and sore skin under the breasts which will be better after breast reduction surgery. You should also find it easier to get clothes that fit your frame and exercise will be more straightforward without causing pain.

Where is your plastic surgery clinic located in Bristol?

Our clinic is conveniently located in Bristol, UK, providing easy access for patients seeking plastic surgery services.

Understanding Breast Reconstruction Options After Mastectomy: What You Should Know

Introduction

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is about more than restoring physical form — it’s about helping women reclaim confidence, identity, and a sense of wholeness after breast cancer. The decision is deeply personal and should be informed by medical facts, lifestyle considerations, and emotional readiness.

At Philippa C. Jackson Plastic Surgery, we offer tailored reconstructive options to ensure every woman has access to compassionate care and clear information before making this life-changing choice.

Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction

Immediate reconstruction occurs at the same time as the mastectomy. It can have a powerful psychological benefit, allowing patients to wake from surgery with breast shape already restored. However, it requires coordination with your breast or oncology surgeon, and not all patients are suitable if radiotherapy is planned.

Delayed reconstruction is performed months or even years later, once cancer treatment and healing are complete. It allows more flexibility and ensures radiation or chemotherapy do not affect the reconstructed tissue.

In some cases, a “delayed-immediate” approach — placing a temporary tissue expander during mastectomy and reconstructing later — offers a balance of both.

Main Reconstruction Options

Implant-Based Reconstruction
Silicone or saline implants are used to recreate the breast mound. Implants can be placed under or above the chest muscle (subpectoral vs. pre-pectoral) depending on anatomy and surgeon preference.
- Pros: Shorter surgery, quicker recovery.
- Cons: Will feel less natural, and implants may require future replacement. There is also a small risk of other implant-associated cancers.
Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction
Uses your own tissue — often from the tummy, back, thighs, or buttocks — to form the new breast.
- DIEP Flap: Uses abdominal skin and fat, preserving muscle. Considered the “gold standard” for natural results.
- Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap: Uses muscle and skin from the upper back, sometimes combined with an implant.
- TUG/PAP flap: Uses skin and fat from your inner thigh, possibly with a small piece of muscle. A good alternative if there is not enough tissue on your tummy.
- Pros: Natural look and feel; lasts for life.
- Cons: Longer operation, recovery, and donor site scar.
Hybrid Reconstruction
Combines small implants with your own fat or tissue to enhance softness and contour.

Factors to Consider

Overall health and BMI.
Cancer treatment plan and timing.
Availability of donor tissue.
Personal goals for symmetry and natural appearance.
Flap reconstruction requires 2-3 nights in hopsital

Recovery and Long-Term Outcomes

Recovery varies by technique. Implant reconstruction usually allows discharge within a few days; flap reconstruction may require a week in hospital. Most women return to light activity within 4–6 weeks.

With modern microsurgical techniques, satisfaction rates are high, with most patients reporting improved self-esteem and quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Breast reconstruction is not about vanity — it’s about healing. Philippa C. Jackson provides a comprehensive, patient-centred pathway, guiding women from consultation to long-term aftercare with clarity and compassion.