When people think of plastic surgery they usually think of cosmetic operations, such as Michael Jackson’s nose job or Jordan’s breast enhancement. The reality may surprise you; in reality, it’s a specialty that uses techniques to move skin and soft tissues around the body - and not just for cosmetic purposes.

Many plastic surgeons also work in the NHS, delivering much needed reconstructive work: examples include birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, or the careful replacement of missing skin, tendons, muscle or nerve after trauma or tumour removal. It is plastic surgeons who perform surgery for skin cancers and sarcoma (tumours of fat, nerve, muscle and bone), perform reconstruction of the breast after breast cancer, reconstruct arms and legs (and yes can transplant them!) and reconstruct the face after trauma and cancer surgery.

Of course, having the knowledge and experience of how tissues can be moved and reconstructed is why plastic surgeons also offer the majority of cosmetic procedures - as it involves understanding of what can and cannot be moved and reshaped and what the likely outcome will be.

They also have experience of a variety of techniques to achieve this, be it skin removal and repositioning, removal of fat with liposuction, or using additional means such as implants for the breast. Such experience requires extensive knowledge and skill which is why plastic surgery training is one of the longest career choices in medicine.

Mr Thomas Chapman has been a full time NHS consultant since 2011, following 19 years of training including experience In London, Italy and the Far East. He has recently joined The Wye Clinic and offers the full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures, including skin cancer and lumps removal, as well as hand surgery and a rich variety of cosmetic procedures.

Hereford Times: Mr Thomas ChapmanMr Thomas Chapman

All staff at The Wye Clinic are passionate about your health and recovery, offering a combination of outstanding individual clinicians, exemplary team-working and top-class facilities. As well as key services, such as the Hereford Menopause Clinic, The Wye Clinic is also home to the Hereford Vision eye & cataract specialists, varicose vein surgery and beauty treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections. Plenty of complimentary on-site parking is available and its central location in Hereford makes it easy to find.

To find out more or book an appointment, visit www.thewyeclinic.com or telephone 01432 – 802600.