Corrective Secondary Surgery

At a detailed consultation it would be possible for Elena to assess the suitability of secondary surgery and talk you through any procedure and its likely results.

Unfortunately, we all age and, importantly, ageing continues after cosmetic surgery. The initial surgery might have been performed to the highest of standards, but the passing of time, and the unpredictable nature of ageing can lead to the results changing over time. Areas that were lifted in a facelift might sag once more or the shape of breasts might change in the years following implants or a reduction. The initial surgeon should have made these possibilities clear to the patient, outlining that over the following decades it might become desirable to have secondary surgery. If the initial surgery was motivated by a desire to lessen the impact of ageing, it is not uncommon for further ageing to require further treatment.

It can be very upsetting for a patient to have to seek a remedy for a flawed initial procedure. It is easy to say that this should not happen, that any qualified cosmetic surgeon should always deliver excellent results, but sadly this is not the case. Elena, like many other leading surgeons, is often contacted by distressed patients who have been let down by their initial surgeon. In these cases, the manner of the secondary surgeon is of vital performance as they look to both correct the procedure and do so in a compassionate manner that help rebuild self-esteem and lessen the impact of what must be a harrowing experience. The job of this surgeon in this case is two-fold. To help the patient receive the results they wanted in the first place, but also to wipe away the impact of that initial bad experience. This through empathy, calmness and kindness and the highest standards of pre and after care.

This is separate to the surgery being performed badly in that the complication could not have been predicted (an outcome that should have been predicted by a competent surgeon would of course be surgeon error). An example here would be an infection that affects the end result. It might be this infection is unrelated to the surgery and completely unpredictable. Regardless of what the complication is, the impact can be detrimental for the surgical procedure so a secondary operation is required.

The most common procedures are face and neck lifts and also breast surgeries. Other procedures are entirely possible and Elena will happily discuss them in an obligation-free consultation. Face and neck lifts can help address the further sagging and loosening of skin from the passage of time and also tackle sub-optimal initial surgery. Elena often finds that the initial surgery has not been as detailed as it should have been, too much skin removed for the underlying tissue. For the surgeon tasked with performing a secondary procedure it can be more challenging than working with a patient who has never had surgery. The initial removal of skin may mean there is less to work with. The skill, experience and proven track record of the surgeon is essential, so too their ability to relay information to the patient. Gallery: Examples of Face and Neck Lifts performed by Elena Breast surgery is the other common area for secondary procedures, this often involving re-positioning of the implants or downsizing from implants that were too large (and perhaps should not have been used by the initial surgeon). Elena’s experience, including the fact she held one of the UK’s leading Fellowships in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Breast Oncoplastic Surgery at Guys and St Thomas’ highlights her eminent suitability for these corrective procedures. Changes might have been brought about by ageing, or pregnancy or even implant rupturing can be rectified, with the breasts ultimately re-shaped, lifted and internal scar tissue removed. Only a surgeon capable in all modern techniques and with complete knowledge can be sure to achieve the highest levels of results. It is also worth noting that as one of a small group of leading female surgeons in the UK, Elena is perhaps uniquely positioned to understand the psychological impact of procedures too. Breast surgery can also be combined to form a Mummy Makeover, this potentially including a Tummy Tuck and liposuction.

Elena has vast experience in all aspects of cosmetic surgery, having trained for eight years in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery before going on to hold leading positions around the world. She is one the world’s leading female cosmetic surgeons. Elena has held some of the most prestigious Fellowships, these including famous hospitals like London’s Guys and St Thomas’ as well as positions in India, Italy, Spain and the stunning University Hospital in Tokyo, a facility where she learnt about the latest advances in plastic surgery, many of these helping in the field of corrective surgery. Just as important is her manner and ethos, and perhaps this is especially true for when the prospective patient is considering corrective, secondary surgery. Any patient in this situation requires sensitivity and a surgeon who can talk through the options, show understanding and give a realistic assessment of the likely results of any further surgery. As Elena says: “The one thing that matters most to me when I am with a patient is empathy. It is only when you are able to identify and understand your patients problems that you can begin to help resolve them satisfactorily. A good surgical outcome is not the only thing that matters. Everything that you do and say to a patient has to come from your heart.” This ethos and manner with patients is reflected in independent, verified reviews. On both Google and ‘I want great care’, Elena has universally five-star reviews. Please take the time to read the reviews. View our reviews on I Want Great Care  or Google reviews