Consultants questions - cosmetic surgery with Mr Nigel Horlock

When people decide they want cosmetic surgery everybody wants the best results but with Cosmetic surgery in the news and so much choice how do you know what’s right for you?

We sat down with Consultant Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon, Mr Nigel Horlock to find out what questions you should ask beforehand and what you can expect at Spire Southampton Hospital.

Who will I see at my consultation?
At your consultation, you will meet me, your surgeon. You should always meet your surgeon so you know you’re getting the right information from the person carrying out the procedure and someone who will be able to answer all your questions. You should have a 'cooling off' period between your consultation and your operation of at least two weeks to ensure you really have time to think through your decision. I’m happy to see you more than once before you decide to go ahead, that way you have the opportunity to ask any questions. This is all included as part of my initial consultation fee.

Will the consultant that I meet at my consultation perform the operation on me?
When you come to see me at the Spire Southampton it will also be here where I perform the procedures and where you will come to see me for any follow-up appointments. That way you can have peace of mind that you are being cared for in a hospital that is regulated by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) and has great facilities, including a critical care.

What are your qualifications?
I am a Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon Based at the Regional Burns Plastic and Reconstructive in Odstock, Salisbury. My Private Practice is based at Spire Southampton and covers Southampton, Salisbury and Dorchester. I have been a practicing Plastic and Cosmetic Consultant for 11 years, having trained for 15 years prior to this.
I undertook my plastic surgical training at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, The Royal Marsden and the Wellington Hospital. My plastic surgery training was broad-based in all aspects of burns, reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery and cosmetic surgery. I now specialise in cosmetic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery of the face, head and neck and breast.

What will my recovery be like?
Your recovery period will depend on the procedure you have but make sure to ask, so you can plan time off work and childcare, if needed. Breast augmentation recovery is typically about two weeks whereas an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck procedure) is three to four weeks. 

How much will my surgery cost?
At Spire Southampton, we offer fixed price packages. The fixed price covers all costs relating to your care following your initial consultation and any tests that were recommended. It is made up of your surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist and hospital fees and covers everything including nursing, accommodation, meals during your stay. Your hospital fees cover everything for as long as you need to stay in hospital – so you won’t get any unexpected bills if for clinical reasons you need to stay longer than planned. If you want to spread the cost of treatment, you could be eligible for interest-free finance or an alternative medical loan through our chosen partner Zebra Health Finance. Our Private Patient Sales Executives are available to guide you through the process.

Mr Nigel Horlock is a Cosmetic Surgeon at Spire Southampton, get in touch to find out about one of our upcoming free mini consultations*. Giving you the time to meet the consultant and chat about your needs in an informal consultation.

The content of this article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the professional medical advice of your doctor or other health care professional.

*Please note that mini consultations are an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and are not a formal outpatient consultation. If you wish to proceed to treatment or surgery, a full outpatient consultation will be required.