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Mercy Hospital Dunedin - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

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    Mercy Hospital is a not-for-profit surgical hospital committed to delivering 'exceptional care that makes a difference' to Otago and Southland residents.

    Independent specialists provide services concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. Plastic surgery also includes many types of reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns.

    This surgical service is provided at our facility by the following medical specialists. For further information please seek a referral through your GP or contact your preferred specialist directly. 

    Practitioners

    • Dr Rebecca Ayers

      Dr Rebecca Ayers

      Plastic Surgeon
    • Mr Patrick Lyall

      Mr Patrick Lyall

      Plastic Surgeon - Clinical Director
    • Mr Will McMillan

      Mr Will McMillan

      Plastic Surgeon
    • Dr Anne Collins

      Dr Anne Collins

      Plastic Surgeon
    • Dr Amanda Peacock

      Dr Amanda Peacock

      Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
    Procedures

    Birthmarks (Naevi)

    Raised naevi may be removed surgically by cutting down to the level of the skin but naevi that may have become cancerous will be cut out entirely and stitches will be required.

    Breast Enlargement

    Surgery to increase breast size involves inserting silicone sacks (implants) filled with silicone gel or salt water (saline) under the chest muscle and skin. The procedure involves making a cut (incision) in the armpit, under the breast or around the areola (the dark area around the nipple) from where the implant is inserted.

    Breast Lift

    This is an operation that can lift and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure usually involves removing skin from an area below the nipple and reshaping the breast.

    Breast Reconstruction - Implants

    A silicone sack filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water) is inserted underneath the chest muscle and skin. Before being inserted, the skin will sometimes need to be stretched to the required breast size. This is done by placing an empty bag where the implant will finally go, and gradually filling it with saline over weeks or months. The bag is then replaced by the implant in another operation.

    Breast Reduction

    Surgery to reduce breast size involves making a cut (incision) around the areola (the dark area around the nipple) straight downwards and along the crease beneath the breast. Glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed and the breast reshaped.

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Surgery to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome involves making a cut (incision) from the middle of the palm of your hand to your wrist. Tissue that is pressing on the nerve is then cut to release the pressure.

    Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate

    Surgery to repair a cleft lip involves making a cut (incision) on both sides of the gap in the lip (cleft). The surgeon then turns the dark-coloured edge of the cleft under and pulls the muscle and skin of the lip together to close the gap.

    Surgery to repair a cleft palate involves making cuts in the roof of the mouth on each side of the gap. Tissue and muscles are moved towards the centre of the roof of the mouth and joined together, closing the gap.

    Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

    Cuts (incisions) are made behind the ears through which the cartilage in the ear can be reshaped or removed.

    Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

    This procedure typically involves making a small cut (incision) in the fold of the eyelid (for the upper lid) or just below the eyelashes (for the lower lid) and removing any excess skin and/or fat.

    Face Lift

    In a typical face lift, cuts (incisions) are made within the hairline in front of and around behind the ears. Tissue lying deep below the skin is repositioned, then the skin replaced and any excess is removed.

    Facial Implants

    Implants can be put into your chin, cheeks or jaw to improve the shape and/or size of the bones in these areas. In most cases, small cuts (incisions) are made on the inside of your mouth, through which the implants can be inserted.

    Lip Enhancement

    In this procedure, small cuts (incisions) are made on the inside of the lip and the tissue is reshaped.

    Liposuction

    This procedure removes unwanted pockets of fat from under your skin in specific parts of the body such as the chin, neck, upper arms, stomach, hips and thighs. A small cut (incision) is made through which a narrow, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted. The tube is moved around to loosen the fat cells, which are then sucked out with a vacuum device.

    Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

    Small cuts (incisions) are made either on the inside or outside (in the creases) of the nose. Excess bone and/or cartilage are removed and the nose reshaped.

    Scar Revision

    This usually involves cutting out the old scar, closing the wound with stitches and, in some cases, moving the scar so that it is hidden by natural features of the body. If the scar to be revised is particularly large, it may be necessary to have a skin graft. This involves transferring skin from another, healthy part of the body (donor site) to the injured site (recipient site).

    Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

    Cuts (incisions) are made across the lower stomach and around the tummy button and the muscles underneath are pulled together and stitched. Excess fat is removed. The skin flap is stretched down and the excess skin removed. A new hole is made and the tummy button replaced.

    Varicose Veins

    The following different types of surgery are available if varicose veins require treatment:

    Sclerotherapy – a tiny needle is used to inject a chemical solution into the vein that causes the vein to collapse. This approach is recommended for small varicose veins only. Vein stripping – the varicose veins are cut out and the veins that branch off them are tied off. The cuts (incisions) made in the skin are closed with sutures. Phlebectomy – small cuts (incisions) are made in the leg and the varicose veins are pulled out with a tiny hook-like instrument. The cuts are closed with tape rather than sutures and, once healed, are almost invisible.

    Nail surgery

    This information has been provided by healthpoint.co.nz, helping people better understand and use New Zealand health services. Healthpoint and Te Whatu Ora Southern do not endorse or adopt the information or materials provided by any of the service providers, and accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, offers or details in any such information or materials.

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