About Anthony MacQuillan MBBS, MD, FRCS(Plast)
Anthony is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in aesthetic surgery of the face and body.
Accredited as a Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist register and bearing the esteemed FRCS (Plast), Mr MacQuillan’s credentials showcase his profound expertise and experience.
His active involvement with prominent associations such as BAAPS and BAPRAS further cements his standing as a leader in his field.
He has over 25 years’ experience providing reconstructive plastic surgery services both in the UK and Internationally and is now based in South West UK with clinics in Bath, Bristol and London.
He is nationally recognised for his facial and breast fat-grafting techniques and his experience in full facelifts and facial rejuvenation under sedation and local anaesthetic.
His transformative work is visibly documented through an extensive gallery of before-and-after photos featured on his website and Instagram, highlighting his signature surgeries like the Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift with submandibular gland reduction.
Advanced Training as a Surgeon
Doctorate of Medicine – MD
An MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree is a postgraduate research degree in medicine. It’s typically pursued by doctors who have a significant period of clinical experience, and it involves conducting original research, submitting a thesis, and potentially an oral examination (viva).
The MD degree represents a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the medical field and is often pursued by doctors aiming to specialize further or to establish themselves in academic or research roles.
Anthony undertook a period of formal research, culminating in a doctoral thesis, at the RAFT Institute of Plastic Surgery that examined the subject of functional muscle transplantation.
The work was examined by the University of London (University College) and his Doctorate awarded in 2007.
He looked into how the number of nerve fibres used to power a muscle transplant changed the outcome of power developed within the transplanted muscle and undertook over 72 successful free functional muscle transplants in the face and limbs and examined the outcomes.
The work has direct relevance to the management of facial palsy and limb reconstruction in the setting of major nerve injury (such as brachial plexus damage) or after tumour resection (sarcoma excision). The publications resulting from this work have been quoted by other eminent surgeons in the field.
Dual Fellowships
A plastic surgery fellowship is a post-residency training program, typically for 12 months, where a surgeon enhances their skills in a specific area of plastic surgery, gaining advanced clinical experience, conducting research, and learning cutting-edge techniques under the mentorship of experienced surgeons in a focused and intensive setting.
During his training, Anthony undertook additional aesthetic and reconstructive fellowships both in London and Paris.
In London, these included working with many of the top consultant plastic surgeons at the famous Mount Vernon Plastic Surgery Unit (one of the cradles of Plastic Surgery in the UK, now relocated to the Royal Free Hospital) and completed the prestigious Wellington Hospital Aesthetic Fellowship.
In Paris, he undertook a fellowship with Christophe Oberlin, credited with starting the modern revolution in nerve transfer surgery after publishing the results of his eponymous procedures. This work was supported by a scholarship from the French Society for Surgery of the Hand and by the HCA foundation (in the form of an HCA travelling fellowship).
Anthony uses the skills, tips and techniques learned during his fellowships every day, in both his aesthetic and reconstructive practices, and he is very grateful to all those who shared their knowledge and time with him.
Research & Teaching
His academic contributions are noteworthy, with over 30 research papers and a research doctorate, embodying his commitment to advancing his field. Mr MacQuillan’s dedication to staying abreast of surgical techniques and trends is evident in his regular travels to the USA, where he engages with colleagues to exchange insights and keep up with the latest advancements.
Mr MacQuillan’s commitment to his profession transcends the operating theatre. As a council member of BAAPS, a regular lecturer on facial rejuvenation surgery, and a respected teacher and trainer of fellow surgeons, he continually shapes the future of plastic surgery. His innovative approach includes unique practices like facial nerve monitoring during facelift procedures, minimising risks and ensuring surgical precision.
Publications
Charity Work
His altruistic spirit shines through his charity work in Africa, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact beyond his practice.
What Patients Say
Patients and peers alike hold Anthony in high regard, a sentiment mirrored in the overwhelming 90 five-star Google reviews and 70 five-star reviews on Real Self. This acclaim extends beyond mere ratings to permeate online forums and personal testimonials, illustrating a surgeon with an exemplary reputation.
Patients describe Anthony as a good listener, an excellent communicator, and an individual with a great bedside manner, reflecting his caring, understanding, and down-to-earth personality. His approach is patient-focused, empathic, and artistic, ensuring that each individual’s journey is not just about physical transformation but also comfort, understanding, and trust.
At Home
Beyond his professional achievements, Anthony’s life is rich and multifaceted. As a devoted father of four, he balances his demanding career with a vibrant family life.
His lifestyle, characterised by hobbies such as surfing, running, and swimming, speaks to his belief in the importance of well-being and balance. His culinary prowess, particularly evident in his artistic skills at making pizza, adds an intriguing personal dimension to his profile.
In essence, Mr Anthony MacQuillan is not merely a highly skilled and respected plastic surgeon but also a compassionate individual with a rich life outside the operating theatre. His professional prowess, coupled with his personal warmth and diverse interests, make him the perfect choice for your plastic surgery.
Expertise in Nerve Surgery
Anthony has a specialist reconstructive background with an ongoing interest in peripheral nerve injury on an honorary basis in London.
Before dedicating himself entirely to aesthetic surgery ten years ago, Mr MacQuillan served as an NHS consultant at the Peripheral Nerve Injury Unit in The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, showcasing his diverse experience and profound knowledge base.
The nerve injury side of Anthony’s practice is generally related to congenital or trauma patients who have had a major injury and unplugged nerves from their neck or spinal cord. Surgery aims to rebuild function in the arm, reconfiguring the nerves.
Anthony’s role in the Peripheral Nerve Unit in London has really aided his aesthetic work in a number of areas. To perform peripheral nerve surgery you need to have meticulous tissue handling, strong microsurgery capabilities and a very steady hand. Similarly, when you’re handling fine tissues in the face or around the breast or the abdomen, you have to handle the tissue delicately.
It’s important not to bruise or crush a nerve; they need to be treated so gently. Proper handling results in good healing for the patient.
