Reconstructive Surgery |
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Treatments Offered
Mr Blackburn has been trained in all aspects of reconstructive surgery but his areas of expertise are the following:
LUG Flap Breast ReconstructionOverview
The LUG (L-shaped Upper Gracilis) flap breast reconstruction is a procedure that uses skin, fat, and a portion of the gracilis muscle from the upper inner thigh to reconstruct the breast following mastectomy. The tissue is harvested in an L-shaped design, which allows for a larger skin paddle compared to the standard TUG flap. This is beneficial for patients requiring more volume or specific shaping, particularly in smaller to medium-sized breast reconstructions. It is typically considered when abdominal tissue is unavailable or unsuitable.
Procedure Details
The procedure takes 6-10 hours depending on whether bilateral or unilateral surgery needs to be performed. The flap is transferred using microsurgical techniques to restore blood supply and is then shaped to form the new breast.
Recovery
You will wake up with a pulled muscle bathed in local anaesthetic so it is not painful. However, there will be discomfort which becomes more uncomfortable vigorous movement due to the tightness of the thigh closure, which will slacken over the first few weeks.
Similar to the TUG flap, with a hospital stay of 1-2 days. Due to less tension on the scar, LUG flaps often heal with less complications than TUG flaps and have less numbness around the region of the scar. Patients typically resume light activities by 4–6 weeks, but may require 6–8 weeks for full mobility. Long-term recovery is expected over 3-4 months. Risks & Side EffectsCommon Risks and Side Effects:
Major but Rare Risks:
Benign Skin Lesion ExcisionOverview
A benign skin lesion excision is a minor surgical procedure to remove a non-cancerous growth or mark on the skin. Although these lesions are not harmful, removal may be requested for various reasons, including:
Procedure Details
The procedure typically takes 30 minutes. It involves surgically removing the lesion under local anaesthetic, typically with the aim of minimising scarring. The tissue is usually sent for histological analysis to confirm the diagnosis and ensure complete excision.
Non-dissolving stitches are used on the face for optimal scarring. These must be removed within a week. Once they are removed, the skin is covered by tan-coloured micropore where possible to stop the scar stretching and to encourage maturation. Wounds on the body are closed using dissolving stitches. Afterwards, they are supported with steri-strips, covered with a splash-proof dressing to allow the patient to shower immediately. The patient should aim to leave their dressing intact until their post-operative review, in 10–14 days. At the patient’s post-operative review, the scar will be cleaned and supported by tan-coloured micropore tape. The patient will be given some and, for optimal scarring, should change it every 10–14 days for minimum 8 weeks. Micropore can get wet in the shower and be air-dried or blow-dried at a cool setting so not to burn surrounding skin. Recovery
Stitches on the face are removed within 1 week, with micropore tape support afterwards. Body wounds are closed with dissolving stitches and covered with splash-proof dressings. Patients should keep dressings intact until review (10–14 days). Long-term scar care with micropore tape for at least 8 weeks is recommended.
Risks & Side EffectsCommon Risks and Side Effects:
Major but Rare Risks:
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TUG Flap Breast ReconstructionOverview
The TUG (Transverse Upper Gracilis) flap breast reconstruction involves using skin, fat, and a portion of the gracilis muscle from the inner upper thigh to reconstruct the breast, typically after mastectomy. This technique is generally used when abdominal tissue is unavailable or unsuitable, such as in very slim patients or those with prior abdominal surgery.
Procedure Details
The procedure takes 6-10 hours depending on whether bilateral or unilateral surgery needs to be performed. The tissue is transferred from the inner upper thigh with microsurgical reconnection of blood vessels and sculpted to form the breast. You will wake up with a pulled muscle bathed in local anaesthetic so it is not painful. However, there will be discomfort which becomes more uncomfortable vigorous movement due to the tightness of the thigh closure, which will slacken over the first few weeks.
Recovery
Hospital stay is generally 1-2 days. Mobilisation may be limited initially due to discomfort in the inner thigh. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity, squatting, or stretching the inner thigh for 4–6 weeks. Most return to normal daily activities within 4–6 weeks, with full recovery and resolution of swelling in approximately 2–3 months.
Risks & Side EffectsCommon Risks and Side Effects:
Major but Rare Risks:
DIEP Flap Breast ReconstructionOverview
A DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to rebuild the breast following mastectomy. It uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen — without removing the underlying muscle — to recreate the breast mound. This approach is typically chosen for its natural tissue match and long-term durability. It also has the added benefit of contouring the abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck. It is often selected when a patient prefers or requires a reconstruction using their own tissue rather than implants, or when implant-based reconstruction is not suitable.
Procedure Details
The procedure takes 6-10 hours depending on whether bilateral or unilateral surgery needs to be performed. The abdominal tissue is transferred using microsurgery to connect blood vessels, and the breast is reshaped accordingly. If the patient has had previous pregnancies, any separation of the abdomen muscles can be repaired by the procedure, improving their pelvic floor strength and relieving lower back pain.
Recovery
You will wake up with a pulled muscle bathed in local anaesthetic so it is not painful. However, there will be discomfort which becomes more uncomfortable vigorous movement due to the tightness of the tummy closure, which will slacken over the first few weeks.
Patients typically remain in hospital for 1-2 days postoperatively for monitoring, particularly of the flap's blood supply. Initial recovery includes restricted movement and gradual mobilisation. Most patients can return to light activities within 4–6 weeks. Full recovery to normal exercise may take 3 months. Risks & Side EffectsCommon Risks and Side Effects:
Major but Rare Risks:
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NHS Locations
At Mr Blackburn’s busy NHS practice, he specialises in microsurgical breast reconstruction (DIEP, TUG, LUG and LD flaps), skin cancer treatment, lower limb reconstruction, and perineal reconstruction at the following locations:
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Queen Victoria Hospital
Department of Plastic Surgery Holtye Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3EB Secretary: 01342 414000 |
Royal Surrey County Hospital
Department of Breast Surgery Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XX Secretary: Connie Saunders 01483 571122 ext 4870 |
Private Consultations: Eligibility & Locations
If you wish to schedule a private consultation, Mr. Blackburn accepts self-pay patients and is an approved provider by the listed insurance companies: Aviva, BUPA, Cigna, Pru Health, Simply Health, Vitality and WPA.
Mr. Blackburn will only see AXA patients on a self-pay basis.
Mr. Blackburn will only see AXA patients on a self-pay basis.
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The New Victoria Hospital,
184 Coombe Lane West, Kingston-Upon-Thames Surrey, KT2 7EG 0208 050 4903 |
The McIndoe Surgical Centre,
Holtye Road East Grinstead, RH19 3EB 01342 612121 |
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Harvey Road Guildford, GU1 3LX 01483 904903 |
