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Post-Op Instructions

The journey AFTER your operation is just as important as the journey before . You will be given clear instructions from Mr Banwell and his team regarding activities in the post-operative phase and what you can do and cannot do. You should take things easy and rest up. It is normal to feel tired and for some bigger operations especially, this may last some weeks. Nethertheless, the body has amazing recovery powers though so eat well, drink plenty of water and use the opportunity to sleep.

Your wound will usually be dressed with brown micropore tape. This is relatively inconspicuous. You should leave the dressing intact and should not touch it. Mr Banwell or one of the nursing staff will give instructions regarding care of your wound and what you can or cannot do. Usually in the case of reconstructive AND cosmetic surgery, you will be given instructions to shower normally the day after you leave hospital. Showering is fine but soaking in the bath is not permitted at this stage. Patting the tape dry after showering and then using a hairdryer on a warm setting is standard practice. Expect to be seen at 1 week following your surgery by the nurses and then at 2 weeks by Mr Banwell.

Tape is usually removed at 1 week for facial lesions but in all other cases tape should remain in place for two weeks for support and to allow the suture line to heal. At this stage tape is removed, the wound is assessed and then reaped for a further week.

Your dressing is shower-proof, so you can shower normally following your operation. However, you should avoid soaking the dressing in a bath.

After washing/showering you should pat the dressing dry with a clean towel and then use a hair-dryer on a warm (NOT hot!!!) setting to dry the area fully. It is vital that the tape is fully dried. This method is tried and tested and the surgical tape will usually stay on for several weeks if looked after properly.

If tape is used on the face then sutures are removed at 1 week and tape reapplied for a further week. All cosmetic patients have their tape removed at 2 weeks and then reapplied for a further week.

Stitches on the face are usually left in for 1-week. Elsewhere on the body (back, chest, breasts and limbs] they stay in for longer, but often dissolvable stitches are used which do not need to be removed.

If your wound has been closed with dissolvable stitches only, you can leave the tape on the wound until it starts to come off by itself. This will usually be around 2-weeks. In most cases Mr Banwell will ask you to return to the clinic for a ‘wound check’ by the nursing staff to ensure all is progressing in the right direction. He will usually review you the following week (ie. week 2 post procedure) although if it is a straightforward minor procedure this appointment is usually 1 month after surgery when results will be discussed.

You should wait until several days after the stitches are taken out before applying make-up directly on the wound. This is to ensure that the wound is completely sealed which will prevent the make-up from irritating the wound. Please see the guidance about massaging your wound below – your moisturiser should be applied BEFORE any make-up!

There are several important signs that may suggest problems with your wound.
These include:

Increasing pain at the wound site
Redness developing around the wound
Persistent discharge from the wound (this does not include minor bleeding that virtually always occurs a few hours after your operation)
Generally feeling of being unwell
A rising temperature
Nausea and vomiting
Should you notice any of these symptoms you should get back in contact with the hospital where you had your operation for an urgent review.

The best place to call in an emergency is the hospital at which your operation was performed. Please phone outpatients department directly for assistance or ask to speak to the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) if after hours. Alternatively, you can also telephone Mr Banwell’s team (between 9am and 5pm) on 01342 330302

To improve the appearance of your scar re-taping and subsequent massaging is very important

  • About a week following the removal of your stitches you should start to massage your scar. Mr Banwell recommends vitamin E cream to help with this massage – this will also help moisturise the scar at the same time. There is no known additional benefit of bio-oil.
  • The evidence for using silicone-based tapes or creams/gels on the scar is limited but some people believe that this may also help the scar to become softer and flatter sooner than it would otherwise. They may also prevent the scar from becoming hypertrophic (red and lumpy). Mr Banwell’s particular favourite scar cream is Codage Skin Recovery Serum

It is important to take things easy after your operation. Refrain from bending or lifting (this raise your blood pressure and can lead to further bleeding). If you have had an operation on your face it is a good idea to sleep on some pillows so you do not lay flat. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks (even for minor procedures) and longer if you have had a bigger operation. Mr Banwell or his team will explain in more detail should you have any specific questions.

Warning: smoking significantly increases the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection and delayed healing and may preclude the surgery from taking place. This includes the use of vaping with nicotine too.

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…the care I received was expert, professional and totally honest.

I wanted to thank you for the work you have done on me. The results are really coming in to place and looking great!! I have recovered really well and it’s all down to your brilliant work.


Cheryl M.

It is hard for me to find the right words to thank you enough for everything you have done for me. I am sure that my speedy recovery is the result of the amazing job you have done. You are such a remarkable man and a great surgeon. Thank you for everything.


Jesma D.

I thought the team were helpful and efficient because they helped me to schedule my appointments around my working hours. They were always at hand to discuss any questions I had with a friendly and professional manor. Mr Banwell was amazing. He was totally honest and helped me decide which type of breast implant and procedure to have. We talked through my torrent of questions and concerns with ease. He asked me how I wanted my breast to look and I said I wanted them as natural as possible and that is exactly what I got. My new breasts have certainly made me feel more confident with ym body. I previously felt inadequate in the breast area and now I can?t stop smiling! I am so pleased with the outcome I only wish I?d done it sooner. The operation certainly wasn?t as scary as I thought it would be and I was looked after with the utmost care.


Samantha S.

Mr Banwell had honest communication and I felt at ease. I would recommend Mr Banwell because the procedure worked and he was upfront and honest regarding the procedure and potential risks. My overall experience was great, timely and friendly.


Selina R.

I was referred to Mr Paul Banwell in February 2010 when I was diagnosed with an advanced melanoma in the lymph nodes in my left groin.  At my consultation he explained in layman’s terms my diagnosis and all details regarding the operation I needed.  Mr Banwell operated on 27th February 2010. The operation was a complete success – he has removed all the cancer as subsequent scans have proven.  I then spent seven days recuperating in the McIndoe Surgical Centre in East Grinstead under Mr Banwell’s and his specialised teams care. They were all wonderful. Mr Banwell was at my bedside every morning to check my progress. His kindness and caring knew no bounds. He made all my fears and anxieties groundless and replaced them with optimism for a great feature and my aftercare was first class.  I would recommend this highly professional, dedicated, humane family man to all who need any medical intervention. He is the best. How do you thank a man who gives you your life back? There are no adequate words.


Pauline W.

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The Banwell Clinic

The Banwell Clinic is recognised as a boutique cosmetic clinic specialising in all aspects of skin health and our philosophy is to help Protect, Restore & Rejuvenate your face and body.  Our extensive portfolio of treatments include injectables, thread lifts, plasma shower, luxurious signature facials, acne treatments, microdermabrasion, hair removal and cellulite treatments, all carried out in a friendly, warm environment by an expert team.

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