Most breast and body-contouring procedures are performed under general anaesthetic with a consultant anaesthetist.

Many breast procedures are performed as day-case surgery. Combined or larger body-contouring procedures, such as abdominoplasty or more extensive surgery, may require an overnight stay. Mr Herieka uses advanced techniques including ultrasound guided local anaesthetic blocks to reduce post-operative discomfort and improve recovery times. As each patient is different, your personalised plan will be discussed with you at the consultation.

Mr Herieka avoids the use of drains for almost all procedures such as breast implants, breast reduction and abdominoplasty. Instead relying on modern techniques such as quilting when clinically indicated to reduce the risks of post-operative fluid build up (seroma).

Smoking and nicotine significantly increase the risk of wound-healing problems and other complications. If you smoke or use nicotine products, you will be advised to stop 6 weeks in advance of surgery and remain nicotine-free during your recovery.

Weight is one part of assessing surgical risk. Rather than focusing on a single number, Mo considers your overall health, weight stability, distribution of tissue and the procedure being planned. For body-contouring surgery in particular, results are usually best when your weight is healthy and stable.

If you are actively losing weight, it is often better to reach and maintain a stable weight before surgery. Significant weight change after an abdominoplasty or body lift can alter the result.

This depends on your age, health and the procedure. You may require blood tests, an ECG or other preoperative investigations. The pre-assessment team will guide you through this process.

The first consultation is all about you and your goals. It is an opportunity to discuss what you would like to change, what is bothering you and what you hope to achieve.

It’s important for Mo to get to know you and vice versa.

Mo will assess your anatomy, talk through the options available and explain the likely benefits, limitations, scars, recovery and potential risks. There is no obligation to proceed with surgery.

Suitability depends on your general health, anatomy, expectations and the procedure being considered. A consultation allows Mo to decide whether surgery is appropriate and, importantly, whether it is likely to achieve the change you are looking for.

Yes. Mo believes that continuity of care is important. He will carry out your consultation, perform your surgery and oversee your postoperative care

Choosing to undergo any procedure is a major decision and there should be a minimum of 2 weeks between consultation and surgery. This allows you time to consider your options carefully. Timing also depends on your health, the procedure and theatre availability. There is never any pressure to make a decision at the first appointment. We offer a flexible approach to timing and aim to work around you and your life commitments.

Costs vary according to the procedure and its complexity. Book a consultation to receive a clear written quotation setting out the expected costs of your treatment

In some patients, procedures can be safely combined — for example breast surgery with abdominal surgery. Whether this is appropriate depends on the length and complexity of surgery, your health and your individual risk profile. Book a consultation to explore your options

This depends on the procedure and your occupation. As a general guide, many breast-surgery patients return to desk-based work after around 2 weeks, while abdominoplasty and more extensive body-contouring procedures often require 4 weeks or longer

You should not drive until you can comfortably perform an emergency stop, move freely and are no longer taking medication that could impair your ability to drive. The timing varies with the operation and your recovery.

Walking is encouraged early after surgery. Exercise is then reintroduced gradually. Many patients work towards returning to more strenuous exercise and gym activity at around 6 weeks, although this varies between procedures.

Support bras or compression garments are required after breast and body surgery. The type and duration depend on the procedure. Being compliant with wearing these helps us to achieve the best results and shortest recoveries.

Swelling is normal after cosmetic surgery and usually improves gradually over several weeks. Some residual swelling, particularly after body-contouring procedures, can persist for several months. Support garments help to reduce swelling, improve comfort and reduce recovery times.

Early changes are visible quickly, but healing continues for months. Swelling settles, scars mature and tissues soften gradually. Final results are therefore best judged after the initial healing period has passed at around 6 months although improvements continue to be visible up to 12 months.

Looking after you is our primary concern. You will receive clear postoperative instructions on what to do, what to look out for and who to call if you have any questions. We’re always happy to be contacted by our patients.

All surgery involving an incision produces a permanent scar. A significant part of Mo’s surgical planning will involve placing scars as discreetly as possible and balancing scar length against the improvement in shape. Post-operative scar care can help to soften and improve the quality over time.

Scars usually appear red or pink initially and then gradually soften and fade. Scar maturation commonly takes 12–18 months, and sometimes longer.

Once the wounds have healed, you will be given a personalised scar care plan that may include advice on moisturising, silicone products, massage and sun protection. Scar care is tailored to how your scars are progressing.