Making the decision to undergo plastic surgery is a significant step, and selecting the appropriate plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving your desired outcomes and ensuring a safe and fulfilling journey. Given the multitude of professionals available, it is vital to thoroughly assess potential surgeons.

Here are my top ten factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon:

1. Plastic surgery qualifications
2. GMC specialist register for plastic surgery 
3. Expertise and specialisation
4. Patient reviews and testimonials
5. Clear communication
6. Patient rapport
7. Results – photographs of previous work
8. Aftercare support
9. Accredited facilities
10. Trust

During your consultation, I will:

• Review your medical history
• Discuss your aims and expectations
• Conduct an examination and measurement of your breasts
• Assess whether a breast implant exchange is a suitable operation for you
• Explain different breast implant replacement techniques  and recommend the best type of breast procedure for you
• Answer your questions, including those about aftercare and recovery
• Show you before and after photos of my work
• Explain the benefits of my pioneering wound closure technique
• Provide a clinic letter detailing our discussion and the surgical plan.

Please read ‘Your consultation page’ for more information.

I have developed a wound closure technique that allows you to shower immediately after your breast reduction.

I have a team of senior anaesthetists who manage your pain, allowing you to mobilise quickly.

Recovery after a breast implant replacement largely depends on type of breast implant exchange you are having and can be as little as a few days.

I give you personalised advice regarding your aftercare and recovery, but as a general guide you can expect:

• In most cases I recommend at least one week off work and two weeks avoiding heavy exercise or tasks.
• For standard implant exchanges I do not use drains, so you will be able to mobilise much quicker.
• You will need to wear a post-op recovery bra for six weeks after your breast implant replacement.
• Dressings are removed after two weeks.
• Regular clinic visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress, and you will remain under close observation for the first twelve months following surgery, after which you are expected to be discharged.

In almost all cases, the original scar can be reused in order to access and remove the old implant.

For patients undergoing exchange of implant only, the recovery is usually quick. Most patients return to work at one week and can resume full activity at six weeks. For those requiring a capsulectomy, the recovery is usually around two weeks and return to strenuous activity can be started at six week post operatively.

In most patients, this is a straightforward operation with little complications. Seroma (fluid build-up) is the most common issue seen with an implant exchange. These are usually self-limiting, and the fluid gets absorbed around the implant with a compression bra. There is a small risk of infection of the implant although this is extremely rare in my experience. For patients requiring a capsulectomy, there is a small risk of a post-operative bleed but this is a very rare complication in my practice.

This depends on whether a capsulectomy is necessary. An implant exchange starts from £7,500 but will cost more if a capsulectomy is also required. You will be sent a full quote following your initial consultation and this will be valid for 12 months from the point of issue.