Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/Untitled-design-1000x667.jpg" alt="cosmetic surgery" class="wp-image-72059" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/Untitled-design-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/Untitled-design-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/Untitled-design-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/Untitled-design.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Shhhhh, no one needs to know you’re contemplating a little tweak and considering options to enhance your beauty. Those conversations are exclusively between you and your surgeon. But if you&#8217;re researching cosmetic surgery and intrigued to know more, Muddy will share one secret: <a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=mar_25__muddy-oliverharley">The McIndoe Centre</a>, East Grinstead.</p>



<p>The clinic offers a variety of health and wellbeing related services including plastic and reconstructive surgery such as breast uplifts, reductions, enhancements, brow lift and arm lift and lipo. </p>



<p>Surgical enhancements are a big decision and it&#8217;s vital to choose the right surgeon and medical centre. Which is exactly why Muddy spoke to Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Mr Olive Harley from The McIndoe Centre for his advice on where to start with your research.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-research-and-due-diligence-are-key">1. Research and due diligence are key</h3>



<p>There is a bewildering array of clinics offering cosmetic surgery and treatments and it can be difficult to know how to choose between them. &nbsp;Cosmetic surgery is your choice so you should go with a clinic or surgeon which listens carefully to your objectives and allows you time to decide (rather than pressuring you to commit to a date for surgery or incentivising you to have additional procedures that you hadn’t previously considered). You should be able to see pictures of example cases and be provided with comprehensive information about procedures and also about limitations and potential risks of treatment.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/3-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="cosmetic surgery " class="wp-image-72017" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/3-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/3-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/3-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/3-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Your consultation before surgery must be with the surgeon who will do your operation and this should occur at least a couple of weeks before surgery as per cosmetic surgery guidelines. Unfortunately, there are many clinics in the UK and overseas where patients commit to surgery on the basis of a meeting with an assistant who has no surgical training and they will only get to meet the surgeon for a few minutes on the day of surgery. &nbsp;We are also becoming increasingly aware that there are individuals with no verifiable medical training who are providing invasive treatments such as liposuction and synthetic buttock augmentation.</p>



<p>Be sure to check the General Medical Council to see if your surgeon has Specialist Registration in Plastic Surgery or perhaps a related specialty. &nbsp;Specialist registration can only be gained by a surgeon who has completed a comprehensive and fully approved programme of training, experience and examinations. &nbsp;This can easily be checked <a href="https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/our-registers#searchTheRegister">here</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-prioritise-finding-a-surgeon-who-listens-and-who-you-trust-nbsp">2. Prioritise finding a surgeon who listens and who you trust&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Aside from ensuring that your surgeon is a fully registered specialist you should find a surgeon you can understand and trust, who takes time to listen to you and is realistic about what can be achieved from treatment. &nbsp;</p>



<p>I aim to provide a balanced opinion about surgery. &nbsp;I have case example photos for patients to see and also provide comprehensive written information about procedures. I offer two appointments before surgery and often one of these can be a video appointment which is more convenient and flexible especially for patients who are really not sure about the treatment they might want.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/1-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="cosmetic surgery" class="wp-image-72018" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/1-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/1-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/1-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-there-s-no-such-thing-as-normal">3. There’s no such thing as normal</h3>



<p>People often say, “Do I NEED cosmetic surgery?” Nobody NEEDS cosmetic surgery. This is something that people may want to have in order to improve or change some aspect of their appearance and body image. &nbsp;As humans, we all come in different shapes and sizes, and our appearance changes naturally with time as a result of age and lifestyle, so there is no such thing as ’normal’ or ‘perfect&#8217;. &nbsp;It is also important to remember that our bodies continue to change with time even after cosmetic operations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-there-are-plenty-of-innovation-in-non-surgical-treatments-nbsp">4. There are plenty of innovation in non-surgical treatments&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I wouldn’t say that there has been any dramatic change or innovation which has revolutionised cosmetic surgery. &nbsp;There is continuous improvement and refinement of techniques and there is plenty of innovation in non-surgical treatments. There is an ever-increasing amount of continuous professional education in the form of conferences and courses and sharing of expertise amongst cosmetic surgeons, and this is very helpful. &nbsp;I certainly don’t want any of my patients to end up looking like the cat-woman either.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-nbsp-leave-time-between-surgery-and-a-big-event">5.&nbsp; Leave time between surgery and a big event</h3>



<p>One of the most common problems that arises is trying to fit surgery in between commitments especially holiday/travel and key events like weddings. You must always think about ‘what-if’ because, whilst surgery usually goes to plan, significant problems can occasionally arise. &nbsp;If you have your op too soon before a wedding or a holiday, this could be disrupted if you are unlucky.&nbsp;The more important the event, the longer the time you should factor in to be sure of recovering from surgery &#8211; probably three to four months for something like a wedding or an expensive holiday. So you certainly should ask “what could go wrong?”, “how much time will it take me to recover?” and “what help will I get if there is a problem?&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/4-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="cosmetic surgery" class="wp-image-72019" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/4-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/4-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/4-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/4-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-you-need-to-keep-expectations-realistic-nbsp">6. You need to keep expectations realistic&nbsp;</h3>



<p>It can be a difficult area when patients have unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved. Symmetry can be especially tricky. Breasts, faces, and bodies are all much less symmetrical than we might imagine and this is typically the case before and after surgery…..except that patients will tend to scrutinise themselves more carefully after surgery and have concerns about differences which were probably apparent before surgery or are within the limits of what surgery can realistically deliver.&nbsp;I take care and time to discuss these nuances with patients and we go through example case photographs together, which really helps people to understand the operations and have some idea of likely outcomes and what to expect soon after surgery and then several months later when everything has settled.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-there-are-zero-per-cent-finance-plans-available-nbsp">7. There are zero per cent finance plans available&nbsp;</h3>



<p>McIndoe Centre has a <a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/patients/payment-plans/">zero% finance plan</a> available. The surgery fee covers all aspects of the operation including pre-surgical health checks, hospital stay, which is usually one or two nights and wound care after surgery. We have an excellent team of nurses who help with wounds and dressings. Emergency treatment is also covered by the fees. Outpatients followup is also included for a year after operation.&nbsp;Revision or refinement surgery could be unexpected costs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/2-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="cosmetic surgery" class="wp-image-72021" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/2-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/2-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/03/2-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-it-s-best-to-stay-overnight-after-your-operation">8. It’s best to stay overnight after your operation</h3>



<p>We do most cosmetic procedures as general anaesthetic cases, so as a patient your perception is that you close your eyes as the anaesthetic starts, and when you open them again the operation is over and you will have nurses near your bedside as you are coming round from the anaesthetic. We often use targeted local anaesthetic injections as well so that you are as comfortable as possible when you wake up but there will be some pain to cope with during the early days and weeks after operation.&nbsp;Having surgery is an unusual event for most patients and everybody responds a bit differently.&nbsp;For this reason, we feel that for most cosmetic operations it is best to have an overnight stay after surgery (many clinics aim to do surgery as day case procedures or will ask you to stay in a local hotel if you live some distance away).&nbsp;You won’t know what to expect, especially in the first 24 hours after surgery &#8211; if you are in hospital you have the benefit of our experienced and dedicated nursing staff who are available to help you through this initial early period after surgery and respond to any early questions or concerns.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-you-can-wash-and-shower-straight-after-surgery">9. You can wash and shower straight after surgery</h3>



<p>For most operations, it is a matter of planning a quiet week or two at home. There can be quite a lot of bruising and swelling in the skin after surgery and wounds need to be protected in the early weeks after operation. You can shower and wash straight after surgery (it is a common misconception that this is not possible!). After the first couple of weeks, patients can be a bit more active, but some operations will still require some care and some restrictions for several months so it is important to follow instructions carefully.&nbsp;<br><br>Typically, it takes around four months and sometimes longer for swelling to settle and to arrive at a ’steady state’ in terms of assessing the outcome of surgery. Surgical scars take at least 12 months to fade and mature.&nbsp;We plan for patients to come back at one week after surgery for wound checks and dressing changes, and then we operate an open-door approach so that patients can get in touch or come back as necessary depending on progress or any issues that might arise.&nbsp;I schedule an appointment at three to four months to make an assessment of outcome and also offer a one year check-up.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-you-ll-spent-more-on-new-clothes-after-an-op-than-on-the-surgery">10. You’ll spent more on new clothes after an op than on the surgery</h3>



<p>It is sometimes said that patients will spend more on their new wardrobe than they do on the surgery itself. Certainly, it is often the case that patients return to the consulting room with a “new-me” look, nicer clothes, a different hairstyle and make-up.&nbsp;I also have had heartwarming stories of patients who were reluctant to go on dates or to let partners see them undressed before surgery and who regain body confidence and intimacy after cosmetic operations. For most cosmetic procedures, there is scientific research which demonstrates improvement in self confidence and wellness.&nbsp;It is quite usual for patients to ask for breast reduction surgery to help with physically active careers (police/fire/military) or sports.</p>



<p>See the full list of cosmetic treatments available at The McIndoe Centre <a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/treatments/">here</a></p>



<p><a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=mar_25__muddy-oliverharley"><em>The</em> <em>McIndoe Centre</em></a><a href="https://www.themcindoecentre.co.uk/our-services/womens-health-check/?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=oct_24_LBB_muddystilettos_WHC"><em>,</em></a><em> Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3EB</em></p>



<p>READ MORE:<br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/womens-health-preventative-health-check/">What really happens when you have a preventative health check</a><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/menopause-advice-when-doctor-wont-help/">Local doctor shares her empowering advice on surviving the menopause</a><br><a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/loosen-up-5-of-the-best-day-spas-near-me/">5 of the best day spas near me in Sussex</a></p>


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