Corrective Secondary Surgery

By Elena Prousskaia MD, FRCS (Plast), FEBOPRAS

Corrective surgery is a treatment a patient may be considering if they are unhappy or dissatisfied with their previous surgery performed by a different surgeon.

Sometimes, due to the passage of time or because of the unique way a patient can react to surgery, there may be a need to revisit and correct cosmetic procedures – this is also called corrective, or secondary surgery.

What is Corrective Secondary Surgery?

Corrective or secondary surgery is any procedure that becomes necessary at some stage in the future following an initial treatment. This form of surgery is different from a planned follow-up. Corrective surgery can be something wholly unplanned: the result of the unpredictable nature of treatment or surgeon error.

This process of correcting and improving upon previous cosmetic surgery is an area of expertise for one of the UK’s leading surgeons, Elena Prousskaia. On this page, we look at:

• how secondary, corrective surgery can become necessary
• areas of the face and body suitable for corrective surgical procedures
• what corrective surgery can entail

In all cases it can be challenging for the patient. It is, after all, surgery they never imagined being necessary. The skill of the corrective surgeon lies in being able to carry out all procedures but also to act with empathy and understanding towards anyone seeking secondary surgical procedures.

The Unpredictable Nature of Surgery

This is not intended as a get out for surgeons. World leading surgeons such as Elena are judged by their results and, as Elena’s reviews show, these are universally positive. But human tissue is unpredictable. Different people can react in different ways. Some patients might show signs of ageing more quickly than would typically be expected, others might suffer from poor scar formation.

Perhaps, ultimately, the reason why secondary surgery is required is not of prime importance, it can be enough for a patient to know that it is possible and that a surgeon can remedy the impact of time, poor surgery or unpredictable initial recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Corrective / Secondary Cosmetic Surgery Applicable?

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.

Can I Prevent the Impact of Ageing?

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.

What if Initial Surgery Was Performed Poorly?

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.

What if There is a Complication with the First Surgery?

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.

What can be Treated with Corrective / Secondary Surgery?

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.

Why Should I consider Elena for Corrective Surgery?

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

Can I smoke or vape before my surgery?

Elena does not operate on patients that regularly smoke or vape. To be considered for this procedure you must refrain from smoking or vaping for 3 months before and after your surgery.

Treatment Cost

The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.

The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.

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Treatment At A Glance

Surgical Time Dependent on treatment
Hospital Stay Dependent on treatment
Initial Recovery Time Dependent on treatment
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Final Result Dependent on treatment
Follow Up Dependent on treatment
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WHAT DO ELENA'S PATIENTS SAY...

Elena was recommended to me and as soon as I met her I felt entirely comfortable. Her explanations made sense in terms of expectations. Having made the big decision I did feel nervous but had absolute trust and confidence in Elena. I knew I was in the best hands. Elena's team is so supportive, my questions were answered with patience and understanding. My care at the McIndoe Centre was excellent. I am five weeks post op for abdominoplasty and liposuction and last week. Quite amazing to see the before and after pictures! I am so pleased that I was fortunate enough to meet Elena and have no hesitation in recommending her.

SM – Abdominoplasty & Liposuction

I have been both physically and mentally uncomfortable in my body since I was 12. I was born with ‘breast mutation’ and I first had surgery to correct this through the NHS at 16 years old. The surgery I have had with Elena, 17 years later, has removed the NHS implants, one of which had ruptured, and completely altered the shape of my chest. By doing this she has made me look and feel like a woman for the first time in my life. She is at all times quietly kind and fiercely adept. A true artist. She has surrounded herself with the most wonderful team and I cannot thank them all enough for the new lease of life that I have been given.

EG – Removal & Replacement of Implants

I have been self conscious for the whole of my adult life and I cannot express how much this surgery  has changed things for me. Both mentally and physically. I highly recommend Elena. She supported me throughout my journey from start to finish. Elena is very particular which for me is really important. Elena really took care of me from initial consultation right through to surgery and aftercare.My scaring is minimal and I am absolutely over the moon with my results. Thank you Elena!

JB – Breast Reduction

Elena is an OUTSTANDING surgeon. I had PIP implants and was looking to have them changed. I knew Elena was the surgeon to help, she put me at ease and explained my options. The lovely ladies in her office were helpful, I wanted to get sorted asap, when an alternative date was available contacted me straight away. I received outstanding care from start to finish from Elena, her team and the hospital. The aftercare is amazing, nothing is too much trouble, can call any time. I was so relaxed, I knew I was in great hands. The final results are fantastic. Elena has worked magic and I couldn’t be happier. I’m so glad I found her. I can’t thank her and her team enough.

LMS – implant Removal & Replacement

Had surgery with Elena in September, I was extremely anxious about the whole thing, but Elena and her whole team, from admin to the hospital staff were amazing with me and reassured me throughout my journey. I can not recommend Elena enough, and she has changed my life for the better! Already saving for my next operation with her!

SM – Abdominoplasty & Arm Lift

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