With an unmatched reputation across independent review sites and close to 20 years’ experience, Elena Prousskaia is a leading provider of breast reconstruction in Bristol.
Prior to starting her own highly successful private practice, Elena held Fellowships around the world and among these was the prestigious Fellowship in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Breast Oncoplastic Surgery at Guys and St Thomas in London.
This demonstrates that rather than simply being one aspect of her work as a cosmetic surgeon, breast reconstruction is a true specialism of Elena’s. As well as the London Fellowship, she has held similar positions in Italy, Barcelona, India and Tokyo, this on top of winning numerous awards, holding professional qualifications and certificates and having research published in medical journals.
Coupled with this is Elena’s attitude, to use her own words:
“The one thing that matters most to me when I am with a patient is empathy.
“It is only when you are able to identify and understand your patients problems that you can begin to help resolve them satisfactorily. A good surgical outcome is not the only thing that matters. Everything that you do and say to a patient has to come from your heart.”
This is never more true than with breast reconstruction. The prospective patient considering this surgery in Bristol might have had a breast or breasts removed or partially removed and so it is essential that the surgeon is sensitive and understanding at all times.
Elena always offers lengthy, detailed consultations, this allowing for a full conversation and so she can fully understand the aims of the patient and their hopes from the surgery. Elena can then talk through the available options, outlining the results and also talk through after care and the operation itself.
A second consultation is then common, this allowing the patient time to consider and truly decide if they wish to pursue breast reconstructive surgery.
Of course, it is easy to speak of a surgeon’s ethos and manner, but what do independent reviews state? In Elena’s case, they are universally positive, please take the time to read some of the reviews via the links below.
Reviews on I Want Great Care site
The facilities used in Bristol are also state of the art, at Bristol Spire, a modern well-equipped modern hospital.
For the breast reconstruction surgery itself, there are a number of different methods available, these of course would be discussed at the consultation.
Considered the gold standard is Autologous Breast Reconstruction or DIEP (tummy from tissue) or TUG (tissue from thigh) flaps. This method leads to a softer and more natural look.
Another option is an implant or Tissue Expander, these offer a faster revery period and shorter stay in hospital.
It is impossible to say which method would be the most suitable without a consultation, this is where the expertise and experience of the surgeon is key, so too their willingness to take the time to truly work with the patient.
It is worth noting that Elena only uses high quality implants – Allergan and Mentor, these considered the best on the market. She has never used PIP implants in her practice.
The length of recovery and recuperation following breast reconstruction surgery will vary – for implants the hospital stay is likely to be one or two days, while for flap procedures five or six days is more common. Full recovery then takes around six to eight weeks.
The after care will include follow-up checks and Elena and her team are always available to answer questions – as one of the few female plastic surgeons operating in the UK, Elena is uniquely placed to consider the impact of surgery of this nature, both physically and also in helping to restore self confidence and self esteem.
We have included some key links at the bottom of this page, including to a brochure, pricing information and before and after image gallery.
If you would like to arrange for an initial consultation to discuss breast reconstruction surgery in Bristol, please contact us by calling 0800 8021 886 or using our Contact Form.
See the main breast reconstruction surgery page for Key Information
The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of operation and how your recovery progresses. For example, if you’ve had implants, the average length of hospital stay will be one night, however flap procedures require a stay of five to six days. After you have seen Ms Prousskaia for your four week follow, up you can then start to discuss your recovery plan going forward.
The Elena Prousskaia Clinic prides itself on the quality of its aftercare so we’ll make absolutely sure you know what to expect, and how much rest is needed. We’ll give you specific instructions that may include how to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with Elena. Elena will also advise you on a specialised garment bra, which will also help with your recovery.
Please scroll down for more information on pricing.
While complications with surgery are infrequent, no surgical procedure is without risks. Among the possible complications are scars, infection, haematoma, implant displacement, breast asymmetry, implant rupture and capsular contracture. Elena will provide you with further information with the risks and provide you with a detailed consent form during your consultations. This will help you to minimise the risks.
Generally speaking breast reconstruction surgery timings may take from 2-8 hours, as this varies depending on the nature and complexity of the procedure.
After surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort, the level of which varies widely amongst patients. There is rarely prolonged pain unless there is a complication and in all cases you will be prescribed pain medication.
You will wear your support bra for up to three months after surgery – then you can look at purchasing your own ‘normal’ bras for everyday wear once fully healed.
The shape of implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop). Both can provide an excellent result. The outer shell and the filling may vary depending on the manufacturer. Miss Prousskaia has never used PIP implants in her practice and she will offer you high quality implants from the best manufacturers. You will discuss with Miss Prousskaia which specific shape and size of implant would give you the optimal result. You should know that in the European Union (EU) 95% of implants used for breast augmentation are made of silicone gel and only 5% contains other type of fillings such as saline. Mentor Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants are devices with shells constructed from silicone elastomer. The shell is filled with MemoryGel®, Mentor’s proprietary formulation of silicone gel.
Elena prides herself on taking the time to truly understand a patient’s aims and discussing what result will work best given the patient’s body shape and size. Although good results are expected, the body is not symmetric and almost everyone has some degree of unevenness, which may not be recognized in advance. The more realistic your expectations as to results, the better your results will be in your eye. You will have at least two consultations with Elena where she ensures that she meets your expectations and she will always try to achieve your desired results.
The total cost of the surgery will be confirmed after the first consultation.
The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.
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