Plastic and reconstructive surgery in Manchester

At The Alexandra Hospital we offer a variety of plastic and reconstructive treatments, primarily concerned with restoring and preserving function

Plastic surgery is used to repair or reconstruct damaged tissue and skin. It aims to restore function and appearance of a damaged area.

Plastic surgery an be used to treat issues that you are born with, for example a cleft palate or webbed fingers. It can be used to treat scars and burns or other significant injuries. You might also have plastic surgery if you have had surgery to remove a tumour or cancerous tissue.

Plastic surgery is different from cosmetic surgery, which is concerned with achieving a desired appearance. Plastic Surgery is primarily concerned with restoring and preserving function, thought improved appearance is often an added benefit.

The most common reasons why you might want to have plastic surgery include:

Correcting birth defects – Many conditions that are presented at birth and cause abnormalities can be treated with plastic surgery. Common examples include cleft lips and palates, deformities to the hands or limbs, and significant birth marks.
Burns – Most burns are minor and will not need major treatment but burns that affect a large area of the body can be very serious. Plastic surgery can improve the appearance of burns, but more importantly it can relieve some of the problems caused by burns, including pain and tightness as well as reduced movement
Scars – Plastic surgery for scars through scar reconstruction and correction can help improved its appearance
Damage following an injury – Severe injuries from an accident or sport can cause damaged tissue or loss of healthy tissue. Reconstructive surgery after trauma can help restore healthy tissue.
Reconstruction following surgery for cancer – If you need surgery to remove cancerous tissues, you might be left with a deformity, unevenness or scarring that you want to have repaired with surgery.

Our plastic surgeons perform a wide variety of procedures to treat many different injuries and conditions. Some of the procedures we perform most frequently include:

Reconstructive breast surgery

A mastectomy (breast removal) can be used to treat breast cancer in both men and women. If you're undergoing a mastectomy to treat breast cancer, your surgeon might talk with you about breast reconstruction surgery. This can restore the natural shape and appearance of your breasts.

Carpal tunnel release surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the nerve in your wrist becomes compressed. This puts pressure on your nerve, and can lead to numbness and pain in your hands and fingers. Carpal tunnel release surgery can help resolve your symptoms.

Reconstruction after trauma

Our talented surgeons offer a variety of techniques and approaches to correct tissue and bone damage as a result of accident or injury. This can include anything from skin grafts and skin flaps to fat transfer, as well as cartilage and bone grafts.

Reconstruction and correction of scars

Scar reconstruction or correction can reduce the visibility of your scar. Healthy tissue through nearby flaps of skin or skin grafts can be then used to fill the space produced by the release of your scar.

The cost of your surgery will depend on various factors, including the details of the procedure and which consultant you choose. We’ll give you a full itemised quote before you book.

Most people fund cosmetic surgery through self-pay (paying for yourself), though in some instances you may be able to use private health insurance. If you do think your insurance covers the procedure you want, we work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.

There is typically some pain with any type of surgery, but in general people find that plastic surgery is less painful than expected. You will not feel any pain during your operation because of anaesthesia, and afterwards we’ll manage your pain using medication.

It’s common to experience soreness, tenderness, perhaps some tightness and feelings of pressure, but severe pain is unusual. Pain usually peaks in the first 48 hours and can be managed with painkillers.

Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about this procedure, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

To book your initial consultation with one of our plastic surgeons near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.

Content reviewed by Mr Robert Winterton in September 2025. Next review due September 2028.