With spring finally underway and the long lazy days of summer tantalizingly close we all look forward to packing away our winter coats and soaking up some well deserved sunshine. But this year, please take a few moments to apply the advice given below by Leading Skin Cancer Surgeon Paul Banwell before you step outside.  

Summer isn’t just about shedding the layers of clothes and basking in the longed for heat - it’s also about protection. Everyone should be aware of the simple ways in which to protect themselves and their family from the damage sunrays can cause if we expose ourselves with no protection. Skin cancer is on the increase and is no respecter of age or culture.

Tips from  Paul Banwell:

·   Sun awareness is vital and really does have an effect.

·   Avoid the midday sun (between 11am and 3pm).

·   Apply liberal amounts of sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30+.

·   Wear a hat, loose clothes (tightly woven) and sunglasses.

·   The face and neck are the areas most commonly affected by sun damage, so be sure to apply sunscreen to lips, ears, around eyes, neck and scalp if your hair is thinning.

What should we look out for?

Look out for new or existing moles that are darkly pigmented, change in colour and/or size, have an irregular outline and itch, bleed or crust. If you are unsure or concerned that you may have one or more of these symptoms, visit your GP. He or she will examine your skin and would be able to refer you to a Plastic Surgeon with a specialist interest in skin cancer.

Two of McIndoe Surgical Centre’s surgeons are putting down the scalpel and picking up the mic in order to give interviews to radio stations to help support No Smoking Day on Wednesday 10^th March.

Peter Arnstein will be interviewed on Mercury Radio 97.5-102.7 FM and Marc Pacifico will be interviewed for Meridian Radio 107 FM. If you’re interested in a cosmetic or reconstructive view of the damage smoking can do to your body then please tune in and listen to the helpful advice on Wednesday 10^th March - No Smoking Day.

 Dan Tickle, Chief Executive of the charity No Smoking Day, which organises the annual campaign, said, “Good luck to all the smokers in Sussex who are breaking free on March 10 – remember you’re not alone. Take advantage of the support available; you’ll get friendly and expert advice to help you to stop smoking for good.”

Here are some top tips to help you:

·         Call your local free stop smoking service on [insert local helpline number] and check out what it offers – you are 4 times more likely to stop smoking

·         Get some Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as patches or gum.  It can double your chance of stopping – talk to your GP or pharmacist

·         Write down all the reasons you want to stop and stick it on the fridge to help you stay motivated

·         Talk to your friends, family and workmates – support from them is essential – why not quit together and keep each other motivated?

For further advice on any smoking related issues you feel may be benefitted by surgery please contact our helpline on 0800 917 4922 or email us at info@mcindoesurgical.co.uk

Judi Coe 60, a medical secretary from West Sussex, had facelift and eyelid reduction surgery with Mr Nicholas Parkhouse at the McIndoe Surgical Centre in East Grinstead.

‘Nine years ago my husband of 15 years kissed me goodbye one morning, went to work and never came back. He disappeared, and I was left in shock. I finally tracked him down two years later living in China, but we never spoke again. It’s taken me years, but now I have a good job and a lovely house, and our daughter is happy. It’s time I did something for me. Aisha, my daughter of 24, said ‘Go for it, Mum’. Says Judi.

‘I had fillers 10 years ago, which sufficed then, but he last decade has taken it out of me. The contours of my face have changed dramatically and I have a scraggy neck.

This will be it; I won’t have another facelift. I’ll accept I’m a little old lady eventually. But I’m not ready to vegetate at home just yet.’

Judi decided to go for it and have the procedure done, and after much research into the consultant and hospital, she chose McIndoe Surgical Centre, renowned for its excellence in cosmetic and plastic surgery.

After the operation Judi was in the hospital for three days – I didn’t want to go home! It was like a spa.

Now the scars have healed I think I look at least 10 years younger. My skin feels tighter, yet I haven’t got that windswept look. You’d never know I’d been operated on, as the only scars are in the crease of the ear.

I bumped into a friend who I hadn’t seen for years; the first thing they said was “Wow, what have you been doing? You look terrific!”

It was revealed recently that some 25,000 patients die unnecessarily each year within NHS hospitals, because of clots formed in the deep veins of the legs, breaking off and entering the blood stream of the lungs as pulmonary emboli.

Tom Treasure, chair of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death, Chair of a NICE Guideline Development Group and, chair  of EACTS Thoracic Committee reporting to the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, strongly suggested that most of these patients could be saved from this fate if all patients entering hospital were appropriately screened according to a set protocol and provided with prophylactic anti clotting treatment as protection.

Here at the McIndoe Surgical Centre we are proud to say such a protocol has been utilised universally for some 10 years during which time no patient within the hospital has suffered from a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus.

Your safety is and will always be our primary concern.

Pr Genie is delighted to announce that it has been appointed to handle the press and pr for the McIndoe Surgical Centre in East Grinstead. The award winning hospital is home to over 20 plastic surgeons making it one of the largest specialist, private plastic surgery hospital’s in the world and is well known throughout the UK for its work with Extreme Makeover guests. With an astonishing 100% patient satisfaction levels and an unrivalled aftercare system McIndoe offers the smart and safe choice for patients on their cosmetic surgery journey.

For more information about the centre and its services, for case studies or comments from world class surgeons regarding reconstructive or cosmetic surgery please contact Pr Genie using the contact details above.

About the McIndoe Surgical Centre 

The McIndoe Surgical Centre was set up 10 years ago by a group of leading surgeons who set out to establish a centre of excellence in plastic, reconstruction and aesthetic surgery.

Whether patients wanted a cosmetic procedure or reconstructive surgery following breast cancer, an accident or congenital deformity they could be confident of receiving excellent plastic surgery care delivered by surgeons and not a sales team.

In the past ten years the surgeons and support staff have worked hard to achieve and maintain a world class reputation. They continually aim for the highest standards, investing in technology, comfortable surroundings and offer our patients individual care plans to suit their needs.

All surgeons have to be approved by the Hospitals Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) and hold or have held a similar consultant position in the NHS.  All surgeons have a minimum of FRCS qualifications, surgeons performing plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery will have achieved further qualifications, allowing FRCS (Plast) to be written after their name.  Surgeons in this specialty will either be members of British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and/or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).

McIndoe Surgical Centre is regulated under the Care Standards Act 2000 and inspected against National Minimum Standards by the National Care Standards Commission. The hospital is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Dear followers,

Thought I would let you know how I was getting on, as it is a year since I had my gastric band put in at McIndoe Surgical Centre. I have to say that I feel very close to my band and regard it as one of my closest friends. I am at a really great point now as my band helps me feel full and doesn’t let too much food go by. I am also able to control my temptations and eat properly and healthily.

Everybody knows how hard it is when you try to eat as many different important food groups everyday and to get your oils, fresh veg, fruit and grains so your body can run as a well oiled machine as it should.  To achieve this with a restriction on the quantity of the food you can consume in a day is even harder.  I am finding as more time goes by and I begin to settle into life with a band (and this takes a while) I have now found a pattern.

I think my portions are small compared to most peoples, but as I have learnt we just don’t need to eat as much as we think we do. As long as you are eating the correct foods you will not crave for the unnecessary, unhealthy foods. I really enjoy eating fish as it feels lighter inside and seems to give me energy, also fruit is great in the morning and I do try to drink lots of water throughout the day.

The past year has been a fantastic experience for me and I continue on my quest to find the “skinny me” inside. In the past year I have gone down from a Size 24 to a size 16 and am a hundred times more confident and full of energy!

Bye for now

Debbie xxxxxx

The McIndoe Surgical Centre, East Grinstead has been under-going a makeover of the digital kind with the launch of their brand new, interactive website. The site which will go live on 27^th January 2010 contains a range of innovative and helpful new online tools enabling consumers to obtain tailored information, ensuring they make the right decision about their cosmetic and reconstructive surgery needs.

The internet is saturated with cosmetic surgery centres offering unbelievable, ‘too good to be true’ deals on their websites and with botched surgery on the rise, it is essential that consumers have access to reputable and responsible information, so they can make an informed and educated decision about their procedure.

The new website will engage with consumers offering impartial advice and guidance through a variety of useful online tools. With clear tabs for specific cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, consumers are able to access information quickly in the virtual consultation room, with all you need to know in one place.

As part of the new look, the website includes a procedure body map where both men and women can click on an area of the body they would like to improve and find out the procedures available. The new BMI calculator is another helpful function creating a more comprehensive weight loss section to the website.  

Mr Peter Arnstein, plastic surgeon at McIndoe Surgical Centre comments, “Surgery can produce fantastic results, however, it is not a decision to go into lightly. It is imperative that anyone thinking of having surgery needs to thoroughly research where to go, which surgeon to use and what the procedure will involve, rather than be enticed by cheap deals which can often lead to disappointing results. The new website will give people an opportunity to research a procedure in detail and find out more about what is involved, to help them make a more informed decision.” 

We would love to hear you feedback.  Why not complete the contact form on our website.

From gastric bands to body sculpting, the surgical way to get back to a healthy shape

Whether you are looking to dramatically reduce your body weight or tackle stubborn areas of fat that simply won’t shift, surgery may be an option to help you get back in shape for 2010.

BMI over 25?

A gastric band operation to reduce the size of the stomach, can help people with a high BMI lose significant amounts of weight in cases where conventional diets and medication have not worked and the patient’s health is at risk. 

“It is important that people understand that a gastric band is a not a quick fix, and not performed solely for cosmetic reasons.” Commented bariatric surgeon Mr Ali, “However it has a very high success rate which is why it is such a popular choice.  The aim is to get a patient to a healthy BMI of between 18.5 and 25 to reduce their risk of getting, and even cure, obesity related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.”

Got a bit of excess?

Patients who have lost a large amount of weight, typically 40 to 70% of their body weight[1], can often be left with mounds of heavy excess skin hanging on the arms, legs, stomach and chest.

Patients with excess skin can have a full body lift, where skin is surgically tightened around the entire body, slack stomach muscles are re-tightened and arms and legs are ‘contoured’ to remove excess fat and skin.

“Many patients are over-influenced by the way obesity surgery is portrayed on TV as a ‘quick-fix’, without thinking about the after-effects to the body of such a huge amount of weight loss. Post weight loss, patients can be left carrying an average of 10 to 20 pounds of excess skin, so the freedom that patients feel after body lift surgery and excess skin removal can be as great as the original weight loss.” Commented plastic surgeon Mr Peter Arnstein.

Balancing Act?

Areas of stubborn fat, typically around the upper arms, thighs, bottom or stomach can be particularly frustrating as often no amount of dieting or exercise can shift it, leaving you with an uneven body shape. 

Liposuction is a form of surgery designed to create a balanced, proportionate body by permanently removing fat cells from problem areas, resulting in a real improvement in your body shape.

Liposuction is seen by surgeons as the finishing procedure, designed to help sculpt a balanced shapely figure in patients who are of a healthy weight but have a few niggly areas that exercise and diet will not help.

Tummy Troubles?

A tummy tuck can help tackle loose layers of fat and skin around the stomach area after pregnancy or dramatic weight loss to help you regain a flat stomach.  Abdominoplasty aims to sculpt the stomach to the body’s natural contours resulting in a flatter tummy and more youthful form.

Abdominoplasty is a very effective procedure for patients with excess skin and fatty tissue around the stomach area.  A beneficial side effect of this procedure for some patients is the reduction of visible stretch marks and existing scars, as the skin bearing the blemishes is removed during surgery.

Not sure which procedure is right for you?  Or to reserve you space on one of our open evenings -   Weight Loss Surgery, 26 January 2010 -  Cosmetic Surgery, 13^th January or 10^th February, contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or email info@mcindoesurgical.co.uk.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery remember to be SURE before you proceed

S : Check your Surgeon’s credentials and qualifications.
Feel free to ask your surgeon about his or her experience in performing the specific procedure you are planning to have

U: Understand what’s involved be informed about the potential risks and what your surgery involves this  is important, particularly if you are having an unusual or complicated procedure that you are confident about the skills of your surgeon.

R: Be clear about the process of Recovery and the long term implications. Do not travel a long distance or overseas unless you are comfortable with arrangements to follow up and the management of any problems or complications which may arise.

E: Most important of all, make sure you thoroughly review your Expectations.

Remember you can always change your mind.  The fundamental reason for the surgery is to make your feel better about yourself, and if this is compromised, surgery should not proceed.

 For further information on Cosmetic, Plastic, Reconstructive or Weight Loss Surgery, to book an appointment or attend one of our free open evenings please contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or email info@mcindoesurgical.co.uk

Opt for McIndoe Surgical Centre

We don’t compromise on patient safety

We are proud of our clinical outcomes 

Our fixed price packages offer excellent value for money!

As we become inundated with doom and gloom as a credit crunch continues it’s difficult to know what to do for the best. Whilst we can use the facilities of Motley Fool to get a better mortgage deal or source the best deal from our gas and electricity suppliers with the help of Gocomapre.com.  One thing you definitely shouldn’t compromise on is the quality of your healthcare.  As many overseas cosmetic providers and clinics try and tempt you with a cheap operation and holiday thrown in, can you really be confident in the quality of care you will receive, or indeed the aftercare when the suntan has long faded? 

In a number of cases, cosmetic surgery patients who have travelled aboard in their quest for ‘cheaper surgery’ have been okay.  However, at the McIndoe Surgical Centre it’s fair to say we have seen a number of patients who haven’t been that lucky.  A cheaper procedure such as a breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or even brachioplasty (some of you may refer to yours as ‘Bingo Wings’ or  ‘Dinner Ladies Arms’ ) may sound a good idea at the time……but what IF, something goes wrong? 

• Have you fully considered aftercare, wound checks, stitch removal ?
• What if you were to get a blood clot or infection ?
• What’s the cost of   second of third flight back to the country where your surgery was performed ?
• Whose going to pay for any revision surgery should this be required?

All these elements are so important and should be fully considered. So, if you think an operation abroad may seem the cheaper option, factor in any of the above complications and then do your sums!

 At McIndoe Surgical Centre we pride our self on the quality of care we offer to our patients.  That’s not just the care leading up to surgery, but the care you receive whilst you are an in-patient and after discharge. We recognise the importance of after care,   and it’s not something we will charge again and again for.

 All our patients can be confident that they will see the consultant of their choice, who will assist them through their ‘cosmetic journey.’  This will involve at least one thorough consultation, whereby a full medical history will be taken, an examination performed in a courteous caring manner, with nurse chaperone if appropriate and a letter to your GP.  We then like to ask you to wait a couple of weeks before proceeding with surgery.  The majority of you will have a second consultation at no additional charge so the consultant can confirm your expectations are realistic and answer any further questions you may have.  Once satisfied you will be offered a date for surgery, and if necessary, offered an appointment to see on our pre-assessment nurses.

 A fixed price for your surgery will be agreed following your consultation with your surgeon.  His/her secretary will write to you to confirm this.  The fee will be inclusive of hospital charges (items such as theatre time, room, drugs, dressings and catering for yourself), the surgeons fee for performing the surgery and the anaesthetists fee.  Included in this fee is a 30 day guarantee so in the unlikely event you need to be re- admitted to the McIndoe as a direct result of the surgery you have had, there wouldn’t be any additional charges.  If within a year you were still having problems and you had spoken to your surgeon and he/she agreed that revision surgery was appropriate you would be offered further revision treatment/surgery at no additional cost.  Now that can’t be bad thing can it?   As an example dog ears from scarring can be quite common following an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure.  Our advice is not to sit at home and worry about it, contact us and these can be trimmed off in a simple out patient procedure.  All our surgeons take their work very seriously and would not want any of our patients to be unduly worried. 

Can you put a price on such care?  Well you can at McIndoe, it is all part of our competitively  priced cosmetic procedures packages.

If you are considering surgery but would like to speak to one of your chosen surgeon’s patients first before making such a commitment – well we can help you with that to – at no extra charge.

Or should you decide that surgery is not for you – providing you haven’t been put to sleep by the anaesthetist, then we will give you a full refund on your surgery expenses. 

It is worth speaking to McIndoe Surgical Centre before you go abroad or opt for cheaper alternatives. We are a hospital specialising in cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery.  All our surgeons have or have held NHS posts.  All are on the specialist register on the General Medical Council.  We are one of the UK’s largest hospitals specialising in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Some of you may even have seen us on Extreme Makeover, currently being re-shown on Sky’s Living TV.

If you would like to find out more before committing to a consultation fee then why not attend one of our free informal cosmetic evenings?  These are a great way to meet our surgeons in a relaxed atmosphere and find out more about any procedure(s) you are considering.

Why choose McIndoe? – In summary, because we represent value for money and offer high quality patient care.  98% of our patients recommend us as being either very good or excellent. A statistic we are delighted with, not that it stops us from reaching the other 2%!

Ask yourself  - Can I really afford to compromise on my health?

If you would like to book a consultation or wish to talk informally to one of our friendly Helpline team please contact the McIndoe Helpline on 0800 9174922 or email info@mcindoesurgical.co.uk