Breast Reconstruction

This procedure aims to restore the shape, appearance and symmetry of the breast(s) and can help improve the psychological and emotional wellbeing of women who have undergone breast cancer treatment or experienced breast-related health issues.

Our Breast Reconstruction Nurses act as a point of contact for patients, relatives, carers and other healthcare professionals. They provide information and practical and emotional support to patients undergoing breast reconstruction.

Our team

We are a dedicated team specialising in breast reconstruction.

The team comprises:

• six Consultants
• Registrars
• two Breast Reconstruction Nurses
• the Secretarial Team

Consultants

Peter Kalu

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Nicola Petrie

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Jeremy Birch

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Titus Adams

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Isabel Teo

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Whitney Chow

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reconstruction Nurses

Sarah Plaskett
Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Lead Nurse

Anna Maulson
Specialist Nurse Practitioner

Your first appointment

Your GP or Consultant may refer you if:

• have had, or have, breast cancer
• have asymmetry concerns follow breast cancer treatment
• have been told that you are at an increased risk of getting breast cancer
• are a young man or woman with congenital issues.

Your first appointment will last around 45 minutes. You will see a Plastic Surgery Consultant with a Breast Reconstruction Nurse present.

We recommend that you bring someone with you to your appointment, as we will give you a lot of information.

The Plastic Surgery Consultant will ask about your medical history and do a physical examination of your breasts, back, abdomen and thighs.

They will then explain the breast reconstruction options available specifically to you. They will be able to advise whether the surgery can be performed as part of your mastectomy, or at a later date, for example, when you have finished chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

Options include:

• artificial breast implants, made of silicone gel or saline (sterile salt water)
• using your own tissue to create a breast (for example using your tummy or your back)
• a combination of artificial breast implant and body tissue reconstruction.
  

Oxford Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Group

The BRA group is a support group set up by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department for women who have either previously undergone, are currently awaiting or are considering breast reconstruction.

This is an opportunity to meet the Breast Reconstruction Specialist Nurses and a Plastic Surgery Consultant, as well as other people considering, or who have undergone, breast reconstructive surgery

Meetings usually include a brief introduction to types of breast reconstruction and a description of what to expect in hospital, followed by an opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed setting.

Meetings

We meet at 2.00pm on the third Monday of every month at:

Maggie's Oxford
The Patricia Thompson Building
Churchill Hospital
Old Road
Oxford OX3 7LE

How to find the Churchill Hospital

You are welcome to bring your partner or companion.

If you are planning to attend, please do email us with the date you are planning to attend, your name and who will be coming with you.

We also have a Facebook group:

Oxford BRA group | Facebook

We look forward to welcoming you!

2024 dates

• Monday 15 July 2.00pm
• Monday 19 August 2.00pm
• Monday 16 September 2.00pm
• Monday 21 October 2.00pm
• Monday 18 November 2.00pm
• Monday 16 December 2.00pm

Contact us

If you are under the care of the Plastic Surgery Department for previous or upcoming breast reconstruction surgery, and need advice, please contact us.

Breast Reconstruction Nurses: 01865 234293
Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm (excluding Bank Holidays)

Email: breastreconstructionnurses@ouh.nhs.uk

Consultant Secretaries: 01865 231065

Out of hours

Specialist Surgery Inpatient Ward (SSIP): 01865 231232

Alternatively call Switchboard: 0300 304 7777 Bleep 6521 (Plastics Registrar on call)