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.

Breast Reduction - What no-one tells you before you book

Your breasts might look bigger at first. That’s right. When you have a breast reduction because the remaining tissue is lifted, the excess skin removed and you are put in a bra which lifts the tissue and holds it in place on the chest wall when you first look down after surgery you might think they look larger! But don’t worry, this effect is temporary and your breasts will definitely be smaller!

A breast reduction is a great operation. In my experience it makes a massive difference to the quality of life of those women who go through with the operation. But there are some important considerations to take into account. For instance, did you know if you are 40 or older you should have a mammogram before having surgery? This is best practice. And if you haven’t had a family and would like to breastfeed you should wait to have surgery until after because any breast surgery could interfere with the ability to breastfeed.

What will my new bra size be?

This is such a common question in breast reduction consultations. And the honest answer is we don’t know. We can’t predict it! That might sound alarming, but you have probably been to lots of shops trying to find comfortable bras that fit properly. And you may have noticed the difference in sizing between them. I often find patients are wearing bras which aren’t their ‘measured size’ because going up one size on the band for example from 32 to 34 inches makes it more comfortable. Or in an underwired plunge bra you take one size but a soft cup t-shirt bra another. That’s normal. To say nothing of the difference in size between your breasts!

Bra size is determined by the measurement under the breasts around the chest (the number e.g. 32), and around the most projecting part of the breast. The difference between the two determines your cup size (the letter e.g. F). But other factors also play a part. For instance, if you have a broad breast base it will influence how your breast fills the cup.

So, can’t I choose my new breast size?

When we do a breast reduction, I usually ask patients what they are hoping for from a bra size perspective. This helps me gauge how realistic your expectations are. For instance, going from a J cup to a B cup would be radical and if you still want some breast shape it’s probably not a good idea. We would have a good discussion about what you want to achieve. But I will never guarantee or promise a bra size.

What can be really useful is to look at photos together. While I don’t post pictures of my patients online, we can look at images in clinic of my patients who have agreed to share their pre- and post-op pictures with other patients considering surgery. And you can bring pictures of the sort of size you would like to be. We can then look at the photos I have taken of you in clinic, and the pictures of those patients to see what is realistic in your particular case.

It can be useful to think about your goals in terms of the day to day changes you want to see, and how you hope to see yourself in the future. For instance, do you want to retain some breast shape? Are you hoping to be so flat-chested as to not need to wear a bra in the future? Do you just want to be in proportion?

What other ways might a breast reduction impact me?

The recovery time is important to consider. You will be a special bra day and night for 6 weeks and cannot exercise over this time. You will need to phase back into exercise, avoiding high impact work like running, riding a horse, or trampolining, for another 6 weeks. Scars can sometimes take longer to heal, and you might have dressings for some weeks so you cannot swim after 6 weeks unless you are healed.

Lots of my patients tell me before surgery they have neck and back pain, painful indentations in the shoulders, and struggle with exercise and finding clothes to fit. While I won’t promise to reverse these, I regularly hear how these pre-surgery complaints have diminished or vanished entirely! Patients tell me their lives have changed and they feel more confident and comfortable than they imagined possible.

Where can I get more information?

You can find more information about these surgeries on the services pages, or on the BAAPS website. But ultimately you will need to seek advice from a professional. Get in touch today to have an open, candid consultation with me about what you're after and how I can help you achieve your desired results.