Many patients are understandably nervous before their procedure but we like to make things as smooth as possible for you. We have a patient advice sheet/checklist for you of things to do, things not to do as well as things to bring with you on the day of surgery. Please remember that you will need to be pre-assessed by the hospital too and this usually takes place a week or two before surgery and is a standard medical check for your safety. If you have any last minute questions or queries please always feels free to phone the clinic or drop us an email! We are here to help!
Avoid taking aspirin or similar blood-thinning products before undergoing plastic surgery procedures a minimum of a week before and after your procedure (unless otherwise instructed by Mr Banwell). The same is true for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, neurofen and diclofenac). Vitamin E & C, dietary supplements and herbal medicines should also be avoided. These may also increase your bleeding tendency. Please also note that you should not consume alcohol within 48 hours of surgery.
Smoking has serious effects on wound healing and infection rates, so should be stopped a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery and ideally prior to this. It also can cause problems due to coughing in the post-operative phase which can then lead to an increased risk of bleeding; this is of particular concern in facial operations but affects ALL potential operations that Mr Banwell performs.
Yes – in brief! Some patients find homeopathic remedies such as arnica helpful to reduce bruising although it is very difficult to prove their efficacy scientifically. Whilst Mr Banwell is happy to encourage patients to use arnica, only begin 2-3 days AFTER the operation and continue for a week. Some preparations of arnica may have additional compounds that actually lead to bleeding so to be safe Mr Banwell asks you to start after surgery and NOT before.
If you develop any sort of illness prior to the operation please contact Mr Banwell’s secretary at 01342 330302 as your procedure may need to be postponed or you may require treatment before proceeding.
For local anaesthetic operations (with you awake) you may eat and drink normally. For general anaesthetic operations (with you asleep) you should not eat anything for at least 6 hours prior to surgery. You may drink water up until 2-hours before surgery. You will receive instructions from the hospital prior to your admission; however, if in doubt, please ask the pre-admission unit at the hospital or phone Mr Banwell’s office. Essentially if your admission time is early in the morning, do not eat or drink anything on the same day as surgery. If you are on the afternoon list then you will given instructions to have a very light, very early breakfast.
The hospital will contact you to make the arrangements for your in-patient procedure. Usually you will come in to hospital on the morning of your surgery, but occasionally you will come in the night before. Ensure you have your normal toiletries and any regular medication you take. If having a procedure on your face or eyes, it is advisable to bring a pair of sunglasses and a head scarf to wear home. Please ensure you bring any post-surgery garments that Mr Banwell and his team have recommended (binders/sports bras/compression). Please also bring magazines, iPads, music, book, Kindle and even chocolate for your surgeon!!
Mr Banwell was highly recommended by a friend of a friend. She was very satisfied with results which I witnessed. I trusted what I heard and what I saw. My meetings with Mr Banwell only reassured me further. Mr Banwell offered additional discussion time pre op & several follow ups post op. His admin team were 100% helpful and efficient. His manner was approachable and accessible. I would not hesitate to recommend his professional expertise, competitive cost and charming manner. At no point did I feel judged, intimidated or overwhelmed. This was an incredibly positive experience, many thanks to Mr Banwell and the rest of the team.
From the welcome I got on my first visit to post-op consultations, the team were very friendly. Mr Banwell is undoubtedly the most professional and caring surgeon I could wish for. I have felt completely confident in his expertise, and am thrilled with the results. I would not hesitate – and indeed have – to recommend him to all my friends.
I felt upon meeting Mr Banwell that I was really comfortable dealing with him. He put me at ease with his friendly and professional approach. My overall experience was excellent, I can’t praise it enough. Mr Banwell was so patient with all my questions, he explained everything clearly, he is so friendly as well as professional and his admin team back up his service perfectly. You all turned a daunting experience in to a breeze. I would recommend you to everyone.
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.
I went to see Mr Banwell to get reassurance about the moles and blemishes which have been steadily growing since I was a young adult. 30 years ago we were not aware of the dangers of the sun and burning on holiday way an annual ritual. Thankfully we are all now aware that the sun damage can cause skin cancer and the changes in my moles mean I have a precautionary approach, particularly as older family members have had tumours removed. Paul knows exactly what he was looking for and studied each and every mole methodically. The two he highlighted for treatment were two of the least innocuous (in my opinion) which surprised me. Clearly to the trained eye they needed removal. I have since had an excision of one and due to have photo dynamic therapy treatment for the small red mark on my nose later this year. Without seeing Paul, this minor irritation would have been left and could possibly have created problems later in life. I advocate regular checks for anyone with moles and skin blemishes. The technology now is so impressive and it makes absolutely sense to take full advantage of Paul’s expertise.
Just a note to say a big thank you for your professional expertise, your excellent care and your kindness towards me during my treatment.
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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