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Private Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery services at our Dublin and Galway Clinics 

Plastic surgery is a type of surgery that is focused on restoring or improving the appearance or function of a part of the body through surgical techniques. If you're considering plastic surgery, our consultant plastic surgeons will be able to guide you on your options. They will be able to discuss with you the pros and cons of surgery - and the alternatives to surgery. 

Common reasons for referral to plastic surgery for reconstructive surgery include: 

  • Birth defects - such as cleft lip or palate 

  • Burns

  • Carpal tunnel release surgery  

  • Scarring

  • Skin cancer

  • Traumatic injuries 

Plastic surgeons can perform a wide range of reconstructive procedures, such as breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, skin grafts for burns, and facial reconstruction after an accident. 

Plastic surgery can have significant benefits for patients, including improved appearance, increased self-confidence, and improved function.  

With the right care and support, together we can achieve the best possible outcome from plastic surgery and work towards an overall quality of life improvement. 

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Blackrock Health 

At Blackrock Health, our elective procedures team offers an expert and experienced solution for these specialist areas of medical care. We understand that any medical treatment you seek is important to you – that's why we treat all our patients to the same standard of excellence. 

We offer a broad range of procedures and treatments at three locations – at the Blackrock, Galway, and Hermitage Clinics. This includes expert care for skin cancers, and reconstructive surgery after breast cancer treatment. Our hospitals provide easy and speedy access to expert care, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment close to home. 

Our team of plastic and related consultants provide a comprehensive surgical service for all treatments from trauma to cosmetic surgery. All our surgeons are on the specialist register of plastic surgeons and are members of the Irish & British Associations of Plastic Surgeons. 

Not every procedure is available in all our hospitals. Please check with your preferred location to confirm that the treatment you seek is carried out there. 

Accessing our services 

You can access Blackrock Health plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic services easily with a referral letter from your GP. Many aesthetic procedures are available with self-referral. You can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life. 

Our expert team 

  • Plastic surgeon specialists 

  • Specialised operating theatre staff  

Who we treat 

Our expert team sees patients for both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.  

Reconstructive surgery can benefit patients being treated for a long list of conditions, including: 

  • Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

  • Congenital conditions 

  • Facial surgery 

  • Hand surgery  

  • Injuries 

  • Minor burns 

  • Skin cancer 

Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery is concerned with maintaining, restoring, or altering appearance. If you're interested in a cosmetic procedure, it might be helpful to discuss this with your GP first. 

Cosmetic procedures 

Learn more about some of our procedures below.  

Abdominoplasty (also known as "Tummy Tuck")

After pregnancy or substantial weight loss, many people find their abdominal muscles are weak and the skin in that area has become looser. Despite exercise and diet, this may be difficult to shift and can cause self-consciousness and anxiety. 

During the procedure the muscles can be tightened, and excess skin removed, leaving a firmer flatter abdomen. During the procedure, loose excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through an incision which extends across the abdomen, usually from hip to hip (across the bikini area) and the weakened abdominal muscles are repaired. 

A benefit of this procedure is that the entire abdominal muscle wall can be tightened, usually with permanent sutures, to give you a firmer result and flatter tummy after significant weight changes or multiple pregnancies. 

Blepharoplasty - Eyelid / Eye bag reduction

Ageing causes the skin around the eyes to lose elasticity and muscles to slacken. This can cause bagginess. Loose folds can develop on the upper eyelids and deep creases on the lower eyelids. Droopy eyelids can make you look older and can also impair vision. Upper and or lower eyelids may be affected and it is often a family trait. 

A blepharoplasty procedure corrects these problems and also removes puffiness and bags under the eyes that can make you look worn and tired. This helps create a wide-awake, youthful look. The procedure can be carried out on the upper and lower eyelids, and can be done under local or general anaesthetic - usually as a day case. 

This procedure cannot alter dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, these problems may be corrected by non-surgical procedures which you can discuss with your surgeon. 

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation involves surgery to place an implant behind natural breast tissue. This procedure increases the size of your breasts. It can also be performed to restore breast volume, perhaps after weight loss or pregnancy. 

Breast reduction

Large breasts can cause physical problems such as back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, poor posture, excessive sweating, rashes and infection under the breasts, marks or grooves on shoulders from bra straps or the inability to take part in exercise or sporting activity. 

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, removes excess fat and skin from the breasts to reduce their size. The aim of the operation is to create a natural shape and retain as much function and sensation in the nipples as possible. 

Women have breast reduction surgery for a variety of reasons such as the physical and psychological problems which come with particularly large breasts. For these women breast reduction surgery can significantly improve the quality of their life. 

Brow lift

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a surgical procedure designed to help lift brows and open the eyes for a youthful appearance. It does not involve the eyelids nor any other part of the face. 

The operation involves the partial removal or the tightening of the muscles responsible for the brow position. The brow is repositioned upwards which results in opening up the eyes and reducing any upper eyelid drooping. This results in a less tired appearance. 

Ear reshaping

Otoplasty, or ear reshaping, is a surgical procedure that can reduce ear size, make ears more symmetrical, reshape them or position them closer to the head. The procedure can be done from about 5-6 years of age, once ears have reached, or nearly reached, their full size. 

Protruding ears typically lie at an angle greater than the “normal” of 15 degrees from the head and can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Prominent ear correction surgery can be carried out to correct the position and/or shape of the ears. 

A single incision is made behind each ear in a hidden position. Surgery to correct prominent ears is one of the most common and satisfying forms of aesthetic surgery giving patients a natural appearance and increased confidence. 

Facelift

A facelift is a type of surgery used to give a youthful appearance. A facelift involves tightening face and neck skin tissues, moving muscles and repositioning fat. A facelift is a delicate procedure that aims to recreate youthful facial contours. 

Facelifts are helpful for eliminating loose skin folds in the neck and laxity of tissues in the cheeks. A facelift is a major operation requiring general anaesthetic and hospitalisation. It requires skin incisions; however, the incisions in front of and behind the ear are usually inconspicuous. 

Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture or suction-assisted lipectomy, is a procedure that removes fat deposits. This procedure can be carried out on areas such as the hips, neck, arms, legs or tummy. 

Mastopexy

Breasts can sag due to weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, involves surgery to lift and shape breasts, but does not change the breast size. During a mastopexy, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is shaped. 

Rhinoplasty - nasal surgery

This is a type of cosmetic surgery that is performed to reshape the nose. Although rhinoplasty is most often sought for cosmetic reasons, it can also help correct structural defects that may cause breathing problems. 

Reconstructive procedures

Learn more about some of our procedures below. Please talk to your GP about meeting with one of our consultants if you'd like to see a complete list of treatments they offer. 

Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be performed using a patient's own tissue or with implants, depending on the individual case. 

Facial reconstruction

Facial reconstruction is performed to repair or rebuild facial structures affected by trauma, congenital defects, or cancer surgery. This can involve bone grafts, skin grafts, or other reconstructive techniques to restore a more natural appearance and function.

Hand surgery

Hand surgery is performed to treat conditions that cause pain or limit hand function, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, or arthritis. These procedures can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life. 

Microsurgery

Microsurgery is a highly specialised technique used to repair damaged blood vessels or nerves, reattach severed limbs, or transplant tissue from one part of the body to another. This procedure requires advanced skills and specialised equipment. 

Scar revision

Scar revision is a procedure that aims to minimise the appearance of scars, making them less visible and improving the skin's overall appearance. This can involve surgical removal, laser treatment, or other non-surgical options. 

Skin grafts

Skin grafts are used to treat various skin conditions, such as burns, large wounds, or skin loss due to infection or trauma. A thin layer of skin is taken from a healthy part of the body and placed over the damaged area, promoting healing and reducing scarring. 

Tissue expansion

Tissue expansion is a method used to create additional skin for reconstructive purposes, such as after a mastectomy or to repair large scars. A balloon-like device is placed under the skin and gradually filled with saline, causing the skin to stretch and grow. 

Remember, these are just a few examples of the many reconstructive procedures offered by our plastic surgery unit. Your healthcare team will discuss your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

Benefits of plastic surgery

  • Enhanced aesthetic appearance.  

  • Improved quality of life.  

  • Psychological benefits  

  • Correction of physical abnormalities.  

  • Treatment of medical conditions.  

  • Increased self-confidence.  

How do I access reconstructive services?
How do I get this?

You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment.

My health insurance and costs for Reconstructive services 
Is this insured?

Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer. 

How do I pay?

If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.

Available at:
  • Blackrock Clinic
  • Galway Clinic
  • Hermitage Clinic
Clinics

Blackrock Clinic

Rock Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94E4X7
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Headshot of Mr. Fuan Chan

Mr. Fuan Chan

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Blackrock Clinic

<span>Ms. Marlese Dempsey</span>

Ms. Marlese Dempsey

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Blackrock Clinic
+ other locations
Headshot of Mr. Fiachra Martin

Mr. Fiachra Martin

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Blackrock Clinic

<span>Mr. Peter Meagher</span>

Mr. Peter Meagher

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Blackrock Clinic

Dr. Siun Murphy

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Blackrock Clinic

Ms. Margaret O'Donnell

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Blackrock Clinic

Mr. Tom O'Reilly

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Blackrock Clinic
Shirley Potter

Prof. Shirley Potter

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Blackrock Clinic

<span>Mr. Colin Riordan</span>

Mr. Colin Riordan

Hand and Plastic surgery

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Galway Clinic

Doughiska Galway, Galway H91HHT0
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Prof Jack Kelly, Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeon, Galway Clinic

Prof. Jack Kelly

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Galway Clinic

Hermitage Clinic

Old Lucan Road, Dublin, D20 W722
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Headshot of Mr. Nadeem Ajmal

Prof. Nadeem Ajmal

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Hermitage Clinic
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Mr. Eamon Beausang

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Hermitage Clinic
Headshot of Mr. Robert Caulfield

Prof. Robert H. Caulfield

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Hermitage Clinic
Catherine de Blacam

Ms. Catherine de Blacam

Paediatric plastic surgery

Hermitage Clinic

<span>Ms. Marlese Dempsey</span>

Ms. Marlese Dempsey

Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Blackrock Clinic
+ other locations
Safwat Ibrahim

Mr. Safwat Ibrahim

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Hermitage Clinic
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Mr. Paul Sullivan

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Hermitage Clinic