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Nelson Marlborough, Wellington > Private Hospitals & Specialists >

Wellington Plastic Surgery Institute

Private Service, Plastic Surgery

Today

15 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington

8:30 AM to 5:00 AM.

Description

Wellington Plastic Surgery Institute is a private cosmetic and reconstructive surgery practice situated in Wellington City. Our plastic surgeons are registered by the New Zealand Medical Council as specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeons. We are committed to excellence in our plastic surgery services.

Our surgeons are Mr Craig MacKinnon, Mr Christopher Adams, Dr Sarah Usmar and Dr Sandhya Deo. 

We offer a full range of plastic surgery procedures and treatments to reshape your features, improve your body contour, and rejuvenate your appearance.

We offer a complete range of reconstructive plastic surgery and are approved by ACC to perform plastic surgery needed following injuries including scar revisions and hand surgery.  

Mr Adams, Mr MacKinnon, Dr Usmar and Dr Deo are also Southern Cross Affiliated Providers providing skin services and eyelid surgery.  

Services available within the Wellington region:

  • Consultations and local anaesthetic procedures are carried out at Wellington Plastic Surgery Institute.
  • Wakefield Hospital - (Florence Street Newtown) Mr Chris Adams, Mr Craig MacKinnon, Dr Sarah Usmar and Dr Sandhya Deo carry out operations here mostly under general anaesthetic.
  • Boulcott Hospital - (High Street, Lower Hutt)  Dr Sarah Usmar carries out operations here as required.  Dr Usmar also runs a consultation only clinic at Boulcott on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. 
  • Bowen Hospital - (Churchill Drive - Crofton Downs) Dr Sandhya Deo carries out operations here as required.

Additional clinics outside the Wellington region:

  • Specialists @132, Nelson: Mr Chris Adams does a clinic once a month at this location. Address: 132 Collingwood St, Nelson. To make an appointment call Wellington Plastic Surgery Institute (04) 499 7642.

Consultants

Note: Please note below that some people are not available at all locations.

  • Mr Chris Adams

    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

    Available at all locations.

  • Dr Sandhya Deo

    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

    Available at 15 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington

  • Mr Craig MacKinnon

    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

    Available at 15 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington

  • Dr Sarah Usmar

    Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

    Available at 15 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington

How do I access this service?

Contact us

04 4997642
office@wpsi.co.nz
EDI: plastics

Referral

A GP/Specialist referral is required for all non-cosmetic appointments

Referral Expectations

* A GP referral is necessary to ensure that your appointment is triaged appropriately, however this is not generally required for cosmetic surgery

* ACC APPOINTMENTS - A GP referral is NECESSARY for all ACC appointments

 

Our plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery specialists will:

  • give you the best possible advice on appropriate procedures
  • fully discuss any proposed treatment, answer your questions, and address your concerns
  • explain any risks
  • be realistic about the outcomes you can expect from your plastic surgery. 

When you come to the Wellington Plastic Surgery Institute, you will:

  • have the best possible experience of our surgical or other treatment
  • receive the best possible care and follow-up after your treatment
  • have your privacy respected at all times
  • know that the confidentiality of your relationship with us is guaranteed.

Fees and Charges Categorisation

Fees apply

Fees and Charges Description

We are Southern Cross Affiliated Providers for skin services and eyelid surgery and are approved by ACC to perform plastic surgery needed following injury.

Hours

15 Murphy Street, Thorndon, Wellington

8:30 AM to 5:00 AM.

Mon – Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 AM

Procedures / Treatments

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the stomach and tightening the muscles of the stomach wall. Cuts (incisions) are made across the lower stomach and around the tummy button and the muscles underneath are pulled together and stitched. The skin flap is stretched down and the excess skin removed. A new hole is made and the tummy button replaced. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and will take 3-4 hours. You will probably have to stay in hospital for 2 days and will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. Your stomach will be swollen and painful at first and you may need to take medication for pain relief for several days. You will possibly have to wear a special support garment for 2-3 weeks after surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after about 2 weeks. It will take 9-12 months for the scar to lighten.

This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the stomach and tightening the muscles of the stomach wall. Cuts (incisions) are made across the lower stomach and around the tummy button and the muscles underneath are pulled together and stitched.  The skin flap is stretched down and the excess skin removed. A new hole is made and the tummy button replaced. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and will take 3-4 hours. You will probably have to stay in hospital for 2 days and will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home.
Your stomach will be swollen and painful at first and you may need to take medication for pain relief for several days. You will possibly have to wear a special support garment for 2-3 weeks after surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after about 2 weeks. It will take 9-12 months for the scar to lighten.
Botox and Fillers

Botox® and Fillers are non-surgical treatments we offer for rejuvenating your skin and improving its appearance. Botox® Botox® is a natural purified protein. We use it as a treatment: to temporarily relax wrinkle-causing muscles in your face to prevent excessive sweating. Botox® is administered under supervision of our plastic surgeons. Treatment for wrinkles Botox® treatment relaxes specific facial muscles that cause frown or forehead lines or crow's-feet wrinkles. Other areas that can be treated with Botox® include “Bunny Lines” across the top of the nose and to soften a “Gummy smile”. We inject small amounts of Botox® into these muscles, using a very fine needle. Botox® treatment takes 2 to 3 days to begin taking effect and about 7 days to see the full effect. You will notice that your skin smooths out and you lose your facial lines at the site of the injections. The effect can last up to 4 months before lines slowly begin to return. The effect tends to last longer with repeat treatments. Treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) You can have Botox® injections to treat excessive underarm sweating. Small amounts are injected into the skin of your armpit, using a very fine needle. Botox® targets sweating at its source by blocking the release of a chemical that signals the perspiration. Prescription Medicine Information on Botox® Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin Type A for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risk of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning/stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids/eyebrows, swollen eyelids, skin tightness, tingling sensations, itchiness, nausea and flu like symptoms. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. A charge applies. Allergan Pharmaceuticals Auckland “Note Botox ® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation. Fillers Dermal fillers are used to restore volume and treat fine lines and wrinkles in the face. The results can last 12-24 months. The products we use are well researched and aim to create natural looking and feeling results that last.

Botox® and Fillers are non-surgical treatments we offer for rejuvenating your skin and improving its appearance.

Botox®

Botox® is a natural purified protein. We use it as a treatment:

  • to temporarily relax wrinkle-causing muscles in your face
  • to prevent excessive sweating.

Botox® is administered under supervision of our plastic surgeons.

Treatment for wrinkles

Botox® treatment relaxes specific facial muscles that cause frown or forehead lines or crow's-feet wrinkles. Other areas that can be treated with Botox® include “Bunny Lines” across the top of the nose and to soften a “Gummy smile”. We inject small amounts of Botox® into these muscles, using a very fine needle.

Botox® treatment takes 2 to 3 days to begin taking effect and about 7 days to see the full effect. You will notice that your skin smooths out and you lose your facial lines at the site of the injections.

The effect can last up to 4 months before lines slowly begin to return. The effect tends to last longer with repeat treatments.

Treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

You can have Botox® injections to treat excessive underarm sweating. Small amounts are injected into the skin of your armpit, using a very fine needle.

Botox® targets sweating at its source by blocking the release of a chemical that signals the perspiration.

Prescription Medicine Information on Botox®

Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin Type A for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risk of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning/stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids/eyebrows, swollen eyelids, skin tightness, tingling sensations, itchiness, nausea and flu like symptoms. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. A charge applies. Allergan Pharmaceuticals Auckland “Note Botox ® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation.

Fillers

Dermal fillers are used to restore volume and treat fine lines and wrinkles in the face.  The results can last 12-24 months.  The products we use are well researched and aim to create natural looking and feeling results that last.  

Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)

Surgery to increase breast size involves inserting silicone sacks (implants) filled with silicone gel or salt water (saline) under the chest muscle and skin. The procedure involves making a cut (incision) in the armpit, under the breast or around the areola (the dark area around the nipple) from where the implant is inserted. The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and it will probably take 1–2 hours. You will probably be able to go home the day of the operation, but you will need to arrange for someone else to drive you. You may need to take some medication for pain relief for 2-3 days and you should rest for a few days after the surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after 7-10 days. It will take several months for the scars to fade.

Surgery to increase breast size involves inserting silicone sacks (implants) filled with silicone gel or salt water (saline) under the chest muscle and skin.
The procedure involves making a cut (incision) in the armpit, under the breast or around the areola (the dark area around the nipple) from where the implant is inserted. The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and it will probably take 1–2 hours. You will probably be able to go home the day of the operation, but you will need to arrange for someone else to drive you.
You may need to take some medication for pain relief for 2-3 days and you should rest for a few days after the surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after 7-10 days. It will take several months for the scars to fade.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

This is an operation that can lift and reshape sagging breasts. The procedure usually involves removing skin from an area below the nipple and reshaping the breast. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and will take about 2 hours. You will probably stay in hospital overnight and will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home the next day. Your breasts will be bruised and swollen for several days and you may need to take some medication for pain relief. You will need to wear a special support bra continuously for 3-4 weeks after surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after about 1 week. It will take several months for the scars to fade.

This is an operation that can lift and reshape sagging breasts.
The procedure usually involves removing skin from an area below the nipple and reshaping the breast. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and will take about 2 hours. You will probably stay in hospital overnight and will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home the next day.
Your breasts will be bruised and swollen for several days and you may need to take some medication for pain relief. You will need to wear a special support bra continuously for 3-4 weeks after surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after about 1 week. It will take several months for the scars to fade.
Breast Reconstruction

When a breast has been removed (mastectomy) because of cancer or other disease, it is possible in most cases to reconstruct a breast similar to a natural breast. A breast reconstruction can be performed as part of the breast removal operation or can be performed months or years later. There are two methods of breast reconstruction: one involves using an implant; the other uses tissue taken from another part of your body. There may be medical reasons why one of these methods is more suitable for you or, in other cases, you may be given a choice. Implants A silicone sack filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water) is inserted underneath the chest muscle and skin. Before being inserted, the skin will sometimes need to be stretched to the required breast size. This is done by placing an empty bag where the implant will finally go, and gradually filling it with saline over weeks or months. The bag is then replaced by the implant in an operation that will probably take 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it). You will probably stay in hospital for 2-5 days. Flap Reconstruction A skin flap taken from another part of the body such as your back, stomach or buttocks, is used to reconstruct the breast. This is a more complicated operation than having an implant and may last up to 6 hours and require a 5- to 7-day stay in hospital.

When a breast has been removed (mastectomy) because of cancer or other disease, it is possible in most cases to reconstruct a breast similar to a natural breast. A breast reconstruction can be performed as part of the breast removal operation or can be performed months or years later.
There are two methods of breast reconstruction: one involves using an implant; the other uses tissue taken from another part of your body. There may be medical reasons why one of these methods is more suitable for you or, in other cases, you may be given a choice.
 
Implants
A silicone sack filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water) is inserted underneath the chest muscle and skin. Before being inserted, the skin will sometimes need to be stretched to the required breast size. This is done by placing an empty bag where the implant will finally go, and gradually filling it with saline over weeks or months. The bag is then replaced by the implant in an operation that will probably take 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it). You will probably stay in hospital for 2-5 days.
 
Flap Reconstruction
A skin flap taken from another part of the body such as your back, stomach or buttocks, is used to reconstruct the breast. This is a more complicated operation than having an implant and may last up to 6 hours and require a 5- to 7-day stay in hospital.
Breast Reduction

Surgery to reduce breast size involves making a cut (incision) around the areola (the dark area around the nipple) straight downwards and along the crease beneath the breast. Glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed and the breast reshaped. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and will take 2-4 hours. You will probably stay in hospital 1-2 nights and will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home. You may need to take some medication for pain relief for several days and you must wear a special support bra continuously for 2 weeks after surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after about 2 weeks. It will take several months for the scars to fade.

Surgery to reduce breast size involves making a cut (incision) around the areola (the dark area around the nipple) straight downwards and along the crease beneath the breast. Glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed and the breast reshaped. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and will take 2-4 hours. You will probably stay in hospital 1-2 nights and will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home.
You may need to take some medication for pain relief for several days and you must wear a special support bra continuously for 2 weeks after surgery. You will probably be able to return to work after about 2 weeks. It will take several months for the scars to fade.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

The appearance of ears that are misshaped or protruding (‘bat ears’) can be improved surgically. This type of operation is often carried out in children. Cuts (incisions) are made behind the ears through which the cartilage in the ear can be reshaped or removed. The surgery lasts 1-2 hours and can be performed under local anaesthetic (the area treated is numb but you are awake), allowing you to go home the same day. For children, the procedure would be performed under general anaesthetic (they sleep through it) and they will remain in hospital overnight. You will need to wear head bandages for about 1 week and will probably be able to return to normal daily routines after that.

The appearance of ears that are misshaped or protruding (‘bat ears’) can be improved surgically. This type of operation is often carried out in children.
Cuts (incisions) are made behind the ears through which the cartilage in the ear can be reshaped or removed. The surgery lasts 1-2 hours and can be performed under local anaesthetic (the area treated is numb but you are awake), allowing you to go home the same day. For children, the procedure would be performed under general anaesthetic (they sleep through it) and they will remain in hospital overnight. You will need to wear head bandages for about 1 week and will probably be able to return to normal daily routines after that.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Excess skin and/or fat can be surgically removed from your upper and/or lower eyelids to give your skin a less wrinkled and puffy appearance. The procedure typically involves making a small cut (incision) in the fold of the eyelid (for the upper lid) or just below the eyelashes (for the lower lid) and removing any excess skin and/or fat. The surgery will take 1-3 hours and is performed under local anaesthetic (the area being treated is numb) together with a sedative to make you feel drowsy. You will be able to go home the same day. It is recommended that you have complete rest and keep eye pads on for a couple of days after surgery. You should be able to return to work within 1 week.

Excess skin and/or fat can be surgically removed from your upper and/or lower eyelids to give your skin a less wrinkled and puffy appearance.
The procedure typically involves making a small cut (incision) in the fold of the eyelid (for the upper lid) or just below the eyelashes (for the lower lid) and removing any excess skin and/or fat. The surgery will take 1-3 hours and is performed under local anaesthetic (the area being treated is numb) together with a sedative to make you feel drowsy. You will be able to go home the same day. It is recommended that you have complete rest and keep eye pads on for a couple of days after surgery. You should be able to return to work within 1 week.
Face Lift

A face lift can include several different procedures such as a neck lift and/or a brow lift, all designed to reduce lines and wrinkles and lift sagging skin. In a typical face lift, cuts (incisions) are made within the hairline in front of and around behind the ears. Tissue lying deep below the skin is repositioned, then the skin replaced and any excess is removed. The surgery varies in duration, but can take up to 4 or 6 hours if it is combined with other procedures. General anaesthesia (you sleep through the operation) is usually required, but in some cases you may be given a local anaesthetic and a sedative so the area being treated is numb and you feel drowsy but not asleep. In most cases, you will stay in hospital overnight following the procedure. It may take 2-3 weeks for the worst of the swelling to disappear and up to 1 year for the scars to fade.

A face lift can include several different procedures such as a neck lift and/or a brow lift, all designed to reduce lines and wrinkles and lift sagging skin.
In a typical face lift, cuts (incisions) are made within the hairline in front of and around behind the ears. Tissue lying deep below the skin is repositioned, then the skin replaced and any excess is removed. The surgery varies in duration, but can take up to 4 or 6 hours if it is combined with other procedures. General anaesthesia (you sleep through the operation) is usually required, but in some cases you may be given a local anaesthetic and a sedative so the area being treated is numb and you feel drowsy but not asleep. In most cases, you will stay in hospital overnight following the procedure. It may take 2-3 weeks for the worst of the swelling to disappear and up to 1 year for the scars to fade.
Facial Implants

Implants can be put into your chin, cheeks or jaw to improve or change the shape and/or size of the bones in these areas. In most cases, small cuts (incisions) are made on the inside of your mouth, through which the implants can be inserted. The length of the operation depends on the type of procedure but is typically 30-60 minutes. In most cases, you will probably receive a general anaesthetic (you will sleep through the procedure) and you will stay in hospital overnight. Your face will be swollen and bruised for several days after the surgery and you will probably need at least 1 week off work.

Implants can be put into your chin, cheeks or jaw to improve or change the shape and/or size of the bones in these areas.
In most cases, small cuts (incisions) are made on the inside of your mouth, through which the implants can be inserted. The length of the operation depends on the type of procedure but is typically 30-60 minutes. In most cases, you will probably receive a general anaesthetic (you will sleep through the procedure) and you will stay in hospital overnight. Your face will be swollen and bruised for several days after the surgery and you will probably need at least 1 week off work.
Hand Surgery

Problems with the appearance or function of the hand can be the result of injury, birth defects or degenerative conditions. Transplantation Fingers or hands that have been accidentally cut off can be reattached by very detailed surgery that is performed under a microscope (microsurgery) and involves reconnecting tendons, blood vessels and nerves. Arthritis Arthritis is a condition in which a joint and the surrounding tissue become swollen and painful. If surgery is necessary, it may involve replacement of the joint with an artificial joint or removal or repair of swollen or damaged tissue. Birth Abnormalities Surgery may sometimes be required for hand abnormalities that are present at birth such as too many or too few fingers, webbed fingers or joints that won’t bend. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A pinched nerve in the wrist that causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand may require surgery to make more room for the nerve. This operation is usually performed under local anaesthetic (the area being treated is numb but you are awake). Injuries Damage to tendons, nerves, joints and bones in the hand may require surgical repair. In some cases, tissue may be transferred from a healthy part of your body to the injured site (grafting).

Problems with the appearance or function of the hand can be the result of injury, birth defects or degenerative conditions.
 
Transplantation
Fingers or hands that have been accidentally cut off can be reattached by very detailed surgery that is performed under a microscope (microsurgery) and involves reconnecting tendons, blood vessels and nerves.
 
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition in which a joint and the surrounding tissue become swollen and painful. If surgery is necessary, it may involve replacement of the joint with an artificial joint or removal or repair of swollen or damaged tissue.
 
Birth Abnormalities
Surgery may sometimes be required for hand abnormalities that are present at birth such as too many or too few fingers, webbed fingers or joints that won’t bend.
 
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A pinched nerve in the wrist that causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand may require surgery to make more room for the nerve. This operation is usually performed under local anaesthetic (the area being treated is numb but you are awake).
 
Injuries
Damage to tendons, nerves, joints and bones in the hand may require surgical repair. In some cases, tissue may be transferred from a healthy part of your body to the injured site (grafting).
Lip Enhancement

A surgical procedure can be performed to make your lips to appear fuller without having foreign material injected into them. In this procedure, small cuts (incisions) are made on the inside of the lip and the tissue is reshaped. The surgery takes about 1 hour for the upper or lower lip and it is performed under local anaesthetic (the area is numb but you are awake). It will probably take 1-2 weeks for the swelling to disappear.

A surgical procedure can be performed to make your lips to appear fuller without having foreign material injected into them.
In this procedure, small cuts (incisions) are made on the inside of the lip and the tissue is reshaped. The surgery takes about 1 hour for the upper or lower lip and it is performed under local anaesthetic (the area is numb but you are awake). It will probably take 1-2 weeks for the swelling to disappear.
Liposuction

This procedure removes unwanted pockets of fat from under your skin in specific parts of the body such as the chin, neck, upper arms, stomach, hips and thighs. Liposuction should not be regarded as a means of general weight loss, but instead as a way to improve the shape of particular areas of your body. A small cut (incision) is made, through which a narrow, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted. The tube is moved around to loosen the fat cells, which are then sucked out with a vacuum device. During the procedure you will lose a lot of fluid, so you will be given intravenous (injected straight into the vein) fluid to stop you becoming dehydrated. The procedure usually takes 1-3 hours and is carried out under local anaesthetic (the area being treated is numb but you are awake). You will probably be able to go home the same day but will need someone to drive you. However, if the procedure is more extensive and numerous areas are being treated at the same time, it may require general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and you may have to remain overnight in hospital. The area treated will be swollen and bruised after the surgery and you may need to take pain relief medication for several days. You will be given an elastic dressing or support garment that you may have to wear continuously for 2-3 weeks. You will probably be able to return to work after 1-2 weeks.

This procedure removes unwanted pockets of fat from under your skin in specific parts of the body such as the chin, neck, upper arms, stomach, hips and thighs. Liposuction should not be regarded as a means of general weight loss, but instead as a way to improve the shape of particular areas of your body.
 
A small cut (incision) is made, through which a narrow, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted. The tube is moved around to loosen the fat cells, which are then sucked out with a vacuum device. During the procedure you will lose a lot of fluid, so you will be given intravenous (injected straight into the vein) fluid to stop you becoming dehydrated. The procedure usually takes 1-3 hours and is carried out under local anaesthetic (the area being treated is numb but you are awake). You will probably be able to go home the same day but will need someone to drive you. However, if the procedure is more extensive and numerous areas are being treated at the same time, it may require general anaesthesia (you will sleep through it) and you may have to remain overnight in hospital.
The area treated will be swollen and bruised after the surgery and you may need to take pain relief medication for several days. You will be given an elastic dressing or support garment that you may have to wear continuously for 2-3 weeks. You will probably be able to return to work after 1-2 weeks.
Naevi

A naevus is a common skin growth composed of special pigment-producing cells. Naevi can vary in size, with small naevi requiring only simple surgery for removal, while the removal of larger naevi may require more than one operation and may involve skin grafts.

A naevus is a common skin growth composed of special pigment-producing cells. Naevi can vary in size, with small naevi requiring only simple surgery for removal, while the removal of larger naevi may require more than one operation and may involve skin grafts.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Surgery can be carried out to improve the appearance of your nose e.g. straightening it if it’s crooked or increasing or decreasing its size. Small cuts (incisions) are made either on the inside or outside (in the creases) of the nose. Excess bone and/or cartilage is removed and the nose reshaped. The surgery takes about 2 hours and is performed under general anaesthetic (you sleep through it). You may be able to go home the same day or, in some cases, you may have to stay in hospital overnight. You will need to arrange for another person to drive you home. Your nose will be covered with a splint that you will have to wear for about 1 week. It will take about six weeks for the worst of the swelling to disappear.

Surgery can be carried out to improve the appearance of your nose e.g. straightening it if it’s crooked or increasing or decreasing its size.
Small cuts (incisions) are made either on the inside or outside (in the creases) of the nose. Excess bone and/or cartilage is removed and the nose reshaped. The surgery takes about 2 hours and is performed under general anaesthetic (you sleep through it). You may be able to go home the same day or, in some cases, you may have to stay in hospital overnight. You will need to arrange for another person to drive you home. Your nose will be covered with a splint that you will have to wear for about 1 week. It will take about six weeks for the worst of the swelling to disappear.
Scar Revision

Scar appearance can be improved by various methods including a surgical procedure known as scar revision. This usually involves cutting out the old scar, closing the wound with stitches and, in some cases, moving the scar so that it is hidden by natural features of the body. Scar revision is usually performed under local anaesthesia (the area around the scar is numbed by injecting a local anaesthetic). Sometimes you may also be given steroid injections at the time of surgery. Immediately following the procedure, you will need to remain at the clinic for about an hour, during which you will be encouraged to walk around. You may or may not have a dressing put on the wound and it is important to keep the area dry for 24 hours. Stitches may be removed in 1-2 weeks. You may need to take a few days off work after the surgery.

Scar appearance can be improved by various methods including a surgical procedure known as scar revision. This usually involves cutting out the old scar, closing the wound with stitches and, in some cases, moving the scar so that it is hidden by natural features of the body.
Scar revision is usually performed under local anaesthesia (the area around the scar is numbed by injecting a local anaesthetic). Sometimes you may also be given steroid injections at the time of surgery. Immediately following the procedure, you will need to remain at the clinic for about an hour, during which you will be encouraged to walk around. You may or may not have a dressing put on the wound and it is important to keep the area dry for 24 hours. Stitches may be removed in 1-2 weeks. You may need to take a few days off work after the surgery.
Skin Care

With today's medical knowledge about how skin functions and ages, it is possible to use highly advanced homecare products to stimulate the skin's natural systems and produce improvements in its appearance and health. These products can be used with or without facial cosmetic surgery procedures to produce a desirable result. They can be used in conjunction with in-office skin peeling procedures to significantly enhance the results or used alone to achieve a substantial improvement. Refer below to our website for our Skincare range. Facial peels: These are available at various strengths and can be done during your lunch hour! A peel appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. We also offer "SkinPen" ( Micro-needling) Hitting reset on your skin can be as simple as a 30-minute microneedling treatment. https://www.wpsi.co.nz/non-surgical-cosmetics/advanced-skin-care/

With today's medical knowledge about how skin functions and ages, it is possible to use highly advanced homecare products to stimulate the skin's natural systems and produce improvements in its appearance and health.  These products can be used with or without facial cosmetic surgery procedures to produce a desirable result.  They can be used in conjunction with in-office skin peeling procedures to significantly enhance the results or used alone to achieve a substantial improvement.  Refer below to our website for our Skincare range.  
Facial peels: These are available at various strengths and can be done during your lunch hour!  A peel appointment takes approximately 30 minutes.
We also offer "SkinPen" ( Micro-needling)  Hitting reset on your skin can be as simple as a 30-minute microneedling treatment.

https://www.wpsi.co.nz/non-surgical-cosmetics/advanced-skin-care/

Skin Grafting

If the scar to be revised or skin lesion being removed is particularly large, a skin graft may be performed. This involves transferring skin from another, healthy part of the body (donor site) to the injured site (recipient site). While skin grafting can improve the function of a damaged area, some scarring will be left at both the donor and recipient sites. Skin grafting is likely to be performed under general anaesthesia (you will be asleep during the procedure) in a hospital. The wound may take weeks or months to heal and you may need to wear a support bandage for a similar period.

If the scar to be revised or skin lesion being removed is particularly large, a skin graft may be performed. This involves transferring skin from another, healthy part of the body (donor site) to the injured site (recipient site). While skin grafting can improve the function of a damaged area, some scarring will be left at both the donor and recipient sites. Skin grafting is likely to be performed under general anaesthesia (you will be asleep during the procedure) in a hospital. The wound may take weeks or months to heal and you may need to wear a support bandage for a similar period.
Skin Lesions

Skin lesions can be divided into two groups: benign (non-cancerous): e.g. moles, cysts, warts, tags. These may be removed to prevent spreading (warts), stop discomfort if the lesion is being irritated by clothing/jewellery or to improve appearance. malignant (cancerous): basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are generally slow growing and unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. Urgent removal is recommended. Surgery to remove skin lesions usually involves an office or outpatient visit, local anaesthesia (the area around the scar is numbed by injecting a local anaesthetic) and stitches. You may or may not have a dressing put on the wound and it is important to keep the area dry for 24 hours. Stitches may be removed in 1-2 weeks. You may need to take a few days off work after the surgery.

Skin lesions can be divided into two groups:
  • benign (non-cancerous): e.g. moles, cysts, warts, tags. These may be removed to prevent spreading (warts), stop discomfort if the lesion is being irritated by clothing/jewellery or to improve appearance.
 
  • malignant (cancerous): basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are generally slow growing and unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. Urgent removal is recommended.
 
Surgery to remove skin lesions usually involves an office or outpatient visit, local anaesthesia (the area around the scar is numbed by injecting a local anaesthetic) and stitches. You may or may not have a dressing put on the wound and it is important to keep the area dry for 24 hours. Stitches may be removed in 1-2 weeks. You may need to take a few days off work after the surgery.
Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck surgery generally refers to the treatment of major head and neck cancers. These cancers can arise from the skin (scalp, nose, lip, ear etc), the salivary glands (parotid gland, submandibular gland), inside the oral cavity (tongue, palate, tonsil etc), or any other structure in the head and neck region. Often these major cancers have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The surgical treatment of these cancers is often quite extensive and destructive, requiring major reconstruction.

Head and Neck surgery generally refers to the treatment of major head and neck cancers.  These cancers can arise from the skin (scalp, nose, lip, ear etc), the salivary glands (parotid gland, submandibular gland), inside the oral cavity (tongue, palate, tonsil etc), or any other structure in the head and neck region.  Often these major cancers have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.  The surgical treatment of these cancers is often quite extensive and destructive, requiring major reconstruction.

Refreshments

Filtered water is available.  Tea and coffee will be made available to patients who have been unavoidably delayed within our practice.

Travel Directions

Level 6, 15 Murphy Street, Thorndon,  Wellington

Take Murphy St exit travelling south on State Highway 1.  8 minute walk from the railway station.

Public Transport

Buses:
There are buses passing in the general vicinity of the practice with the main bus hub within walking distance.

Trains:
The Wellington train station is also within walking distance.

Parking

Metered public parking is available on the street outside. There are also a number of parking buildings within a few minutes walk.

Accommodation

There are several hotels nearby within a short walking distance.

Pharmacy

There is one Unichem pharmacy located at 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington

Website

Contact Details

8:30 AM to 5:00 AM.

Consultants

  • Mr Chris Adams FRACS
  • Mr Craig MacKinnon FRACS
  • Dr Sarah Usmar FRACS
  • Dr Sandhya Deo FRACS

Self referrals are welcome

GP Referrals:  EDI Link:  plastics

                    Manage my health - Specialist referral system

                    or email (office@wpsi.co.nz)

L6 / 15 Murphy Street
Thorndon
Wellington
Wellington 6011

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Street Address

L6 / 15 Murphy Street
Thorndon
Wellington
Wellington 6011

Postal Address

PO Box 12047
Thorndon
Wellington 6144

This page was last updated at 12:51PM on July 8, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by Wellington Plastic Surgery Institute.