When it comes to Nerve Surgery, UK Plastic Surgeon Anthony MacQuillan combines advanced surgical techniques with a compassionate, patient-centred approach to care.
Understanding that each patient’s needs and situations are unique, Anthony is dedicated to restoring not just form and function but also confidence and quality of life through personalised reconstructive procedures.
His expertise covers a wide range of surgeries designed to address the effects of trauma, disease, and congenital defects, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care and support throughout their recovery journey.
Reconstructive surgery involves removing muscles from one area of the body, with their blood supply and nerves intact, and re-establishing them in another part of the body, (such as the arm), to rebuild function.
Anthony has extensive experience in reconstructive surgery of the upper and lower limbs. He also has a strong background in facial reanimation, which can involve using muscles from one area of the body to reanimate the side of the face following facial paralysis resulting from trauma or conditions e.g. Bell’s palsy or a stroke.
Reconstructive surgery feeds into aesthetic surgery, as it provides an in-depth knowledge of anatomy. The surgeon doesn’t just know the surface of the body but understands each of the layers below the surface and what makes them work. Knowing where the muscles should lie and how they need to go back if you want to solve a problem is vitally important. All this feeds into the result you’re going to achieve for the patient.
Anthony is a fully qualified and accredited consultant plastic surgeon. Until recently he held an NHS consultant appointment at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital – one of only four dedicated consultant peripheral nerve surgeons in the UK, within the world-renowned Peripheral Nerve Injury Unit (PNI Unit) – the only unit dedicated purely to nerve surgery in the UK and which has an experience that is paralleled only perhaps by one or two other units in the world.
Anthony’s work in the PNI Unit within the NHS comprised of all forms of nerve trauma and entrapment with particular reference to brachial plexus injury and reconstruction, neurofibromatosis surgery, nerve tumour treatment, and free functional muscle transplantation. He ran the specialist free muscle transfer service at the RNOH, a specialist pudendal nerve entrapment service and has a joint clinic with Professor Ros Ferner (nationally commissioned and head of neurofibromatosis at Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital).
Privately, he offers the same range of services based within the PNI Unit at the Wellington. The Wellington PNI Unit mirrors that based at the RNOH but offers services to people who want to be treated in a world-class private hospital and to patients travelling from abroad.
Nerve Repair Surgery
Reconnects or repairs damaged or severed nerves. Techniques may involve direct nerve repair (suturing nerve ends), nerve grafting (using grafts to bridge gaps), or nerve transfer (transferring a healthy nerve to restore function).
Neurolysis
Removes scar tissue or adhesions that may be compressing or impeding nerve function. Techniques include chemical neurolysis (using chemicals to dissolve scar tissue), thermal neurolysis (using heat to disrupt nerve fibers), or surgical neurolysis.
Nerve Transplantation
Grafts healthy nerves from one area of the body to another to repair damaged nerves or bridge nerve gaps.
Recovery after Nerve Surgery can vary significantly depending on the specific procedure performed, the location and severity of the nerve injury, individual healing factors, and postoperative care. However, here is a general overview of what to expect during the recovery process after nerve surgery:
Immediate Postoperative Period (First Few Days)
- Patients may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort at the surgical site immediately after nerve surgery.
- Pain medications prescribed by the surgeon can help manage discomfort during this initial period.
- It’s essential to keep the surgical site clean and dry and follow any specific postoperative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as wound care and activity restrictions.
First Few Weeks
- Swelling and bruising may gradually subside over the first few weeks, although some degree of swelling may persist for several weeks or months.
- Patients may be advised to wear a splint, brace, or compression garment to support the surgical site and protect the healing nerve.
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises may be initiated to promote mobility, strength, and function in the affected area. These exercises are typically guided by a physical therapist and tailored to the individual’s specific needs and abilities.
First Few Months
- Nerve regeneration and recovery typically occur gradually over several months following surgery.
- Patients may begin to notice improvements in sensation, strength, and function in the affected area as the nerve heals and regenerates.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing progress, assess nerve function, and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Long-Term Recovery (Up to a Year or Longer)
- Full recovery from Nerve Surgery can take several months to a year or longer, depending on the extent of the nerve injury and the individual’s response to treatment.
- Some patients may experience ongoing improvements in nerve function and symptoms over time, while others may have residual deficits or limitations.
- It’s essential to continue following the surgeon’s postoperative instructions, attending scheduled follow-up appointments, and participating in rehabilitation as directed to optimize recovery and long-term outcomes.
Overall, recovery after Nerve Surgery requires patience, dedication, and active participation in postoperative care and rehabilitation. While the timeline for recovery may vary from person to person, most patients can expect to see gradual improvements in nerve function and symptoms over time with appropriate treatment and support.
Videos
How Much is Nerve Surgery in the UK?
The cost of Nerve surgery in the UK, can vary widely based on several factors. These include the complexity of the procedure, the specific techniques used, the duration of the surgery, the setting in which the surgery is performed (hospital or private clinic), and the surgeon’s experience and expertise. Additionally, the overall cost may include pre-surgical consultations, anaesthesia fees, hospital or facility charges, and post-operative care and follow-ups.
Similar to Brachial Plexus surgery, the cost for nerve repair or reconstruction varies greatly. Simpler procedures may be less expensive, but more complex interventions involving microsurgical techniques can be quite costly.
It’s important for patients to consult with Anthony’s team for a detailed estimate that includes all aspects of the surgical journey.
Insurance coverage can also play a significant role in the financial planning for reconstructive surgery, as some procedures may be partially or fully covered if deemed medically necessary.
FAQs
Find out more about your surgical journey
What conditions or injuries may require Nerve Surgery?
- Traumatic injuries resulting in nerve damage or lacerations.
- Conditions causing nerve compression or entrapment, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
- Nerve tumors or growths, such as neuromas.
- Nerve injuries resulting from medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
- Brachial plexus injuries, often caused by trauma or accidents, resulting in paralysis or weakness in the arm.
- Peripheral nerve injuries or neuropathies resulting from repetitive stress, infections, or systemic diseases.
What are the risks and potential complications associated with nerve surgery
Nerve Damage: There is a risk of unintended nerve injury or damage during surgery, which may result in loss of sensation, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area.
Infection: Infections at the surgical site are possible and may require antibiotic treatment or additional interventions.
Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can occur, leading to hematoma formation or other complications.
Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue may form around the surgical site, potentially causing nerve compression or impeding recovery.
Persistent Pain: Some patients may experience persistent or new-onset pain following surgery, which may require additional treatment or management.
Incomplete Recovery: Despite surgical intervention, some patients may not regain full function or sensation in the affected area, particularly in cases of severe nerve damage.
Complications with Anesthesia: Risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular events, can occur during or after surgery.
It’s essential for individuals considering surgery to discuss the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives with their healthcare provider and to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after nerve Surgery?
Physical therapy or rehabilitation is often recommended after Nerve Surgery to optimise recovery, promote healing, and maximise functional outcomes. The need for physical therapy or rehabilitation depends on various factors, including the type and extent of surgery performed, the underlying condition or injury, and individual patient characteristics.
Reviews
Patient satisfaction is the top priority for Anthony. You can find how patients feel about his work below.I have been fortunate enough to see Mr Anthony MacQuillan in his capacity as a peripheral nerve surgeon and would like to comment on whole experience from start to finish – I apologise in advance for length of review but I want to make sure every aspect of the whole experience is captured as otherwise I would be doing this review a disservice – exceptional is not a word I use a lot but the whole experience has been nothing less that just that.
As someone who has suffered from increasing migraines over the last 7 years I visited Mr MacQuillan with only a faint hope after seeing numerous other consultants with little or no success.
From start to finish the experience has been nothing short of outstanding and I can only wish I had been pointed in the direction of Mr Anthony MacQuillan many years ago.
During consultation I was always given as much information as was available in an honest and open manner – I was never led to believe something was possible that clearly wasn’t and my treatment was done in a staged manner to avoid unnecessary cost, time or promise something that wasn’t deliverable.
The communication both in consultations and with all clinic staff was amazing – nothing was too much trouble and I have nothing but praise for everyone that I spoke to but it would be remiss not to give a special mention to Lucy who was absolutely outstanding and provided the link that really made me feel like I was being treated as a person rather than just a patient.
I have needed two separate surgeries to resolve my headaches that have both more than exceeded my expectations to the point that the first one was such a success I booked the second one the day after I came out of hospital and after 7 years where the headaches had gotten to point I had genuinely considered retirement I am now able to wake up normally and pain free and that’s solely down to to Mr MacQuillan and his amazing staff.
And for reference to anyone seeing Mr MacQuillan in any other capacity I am just as happy to say his handiwork surgery wise has left me with the smallest/neatest scars I have ever had – I really cannot recommend him and the clinic highly enough – it really isn’t an exaggeration to say they have given me my life back and I can promise you that if you are debating seeing him and in the “should I/ shouldn’t I” state of mind then go for it as you will not be disappointed!
Exceptional care from a wonderful Surgeon – I am a 28 y/o Mum of 2
I had an abdominoplasty and diastasis repair. I have had 2 children in my early 20’s and was left with excess skin which was covered in stretch marks. I am size 8/10 but have felt very uncomfortable over my ‘pouch’. I had read enough reviews from 40 y/o’s saying they had wished they did this sooner and I am glad I have. As I work in a hospital I am aware of the complications that go on with surgery. As Mr MacQuillan is also a Peripheral Nerve Injury Surgeon I felt more at ease as perhaps it would be less likely for me to end up with any nerve damage from this procedure under a nerve injury specialist. Mr MacQuillan was actually recommended to me by several medical and non-medical colleagues due to his meticulous work and his lovely nature. Mr MacQuillan listened to what I wanted and it was his idea to repair my diastasis also as I was not aware that this had happened. My procedure went perfectly. I had no pain and not just because of the drugs. I was discharged after 2 nights in hospital and did not touch pain killers after that. I was back to normal within 3 weeks (no exercise until week 6). Whenever I had a query before or after the surgery I was able to contact his secretary and very soon after speak directly to him. I would 100% recommend him. Family and friends have all commented on what a huge difference this procedure has made and if I ever wanted anything else done in the future I know I would want it to be done by Mr MacQuillan.
Free Muscle and Nerve Transfer into Biceps – March 2016.
Following a motorcycle accident which left me with a left arm Brachial Plexus Injury, suspected C5,6,7 avulsed, but likely C8,T1 also avulsed, I was introduced to Anthony after 9 months of rehab on the NHS at RNOH Stanmore under Mr M Fox and locally at Salisbury and Southampton Rehab units.
I was keen to explore all avenues of regaining some bicep function but moreover I was eager to find a permanent solution to preventing my shoulder from subluxing. It was causing me intense neck and back ache and the strapping I had to wear to support my shoulder was very intrusive, uncomfortable and being bespoke for me meant that I only had one sling and it wasn’t very hygenic.
I met Anthony in Bristol Spire shortly before Christmas ’15 to discuss if my situation was suitable for a Muscle and Nerve Transfer operation. First impressions last…and my first impressions put me completely at ease. Anthony ensured I left knowing exactly the realistic outcomes achievable to me. I was also shown videos and pictures of previous operations and was put under no illusion that if I were to go ahead with the operation the immediate 6-12 months would be extremely tough both physically but more so mentally.
Anthony’s confidence and passion was infectious and as I departed from the meeting I remember feeling 100% sure that I would be safe under his guidance and the knife!
Fast forward 3 months and I was at Bristol Spire again ready for the operation. Again every part of the operation was discussed in detail, alongwith what to expect immediately after in recovery and then when returning to my room.
Upon waking up Anthony was present to confirm all had gone well. I was transferred into the safe hands of the staff in recovery. For the next 24 hours Anthony visited regularly when he could to check on my drains and the blood flow through thr gracilis muscle now in my bicep.
Shortly after this I was transferred back to my room and recall Anthony visiting me daily, sometimes twice a day to ensure everything was going to plan. This was very reassuring both on a personal level but also for the Nurses and team looking after me too.
I was up out of bed after 24 hours, walking after 48 hours and discharged after 5 days, Good Friday. The human body is amazing when pushed and Anthony certainly doesn’t let one rest on one’s morals. I was up for the challenge and I think Anthony could see this in me.
The 6 week check up was the time for me to take my arm out of the sling and see if everything had worked. My shoulder immediately stayed in place and did not sublux and the head of the joint was perfectly stable too, if a little weak. This was incredible.
I now had up to 12 months of constant self-rehab to encourage my intercostal nerves now firing my gracilis as a new bicep. Mental fatigue and remaining upbeat was the hardest challenge here; but after just 7 months my arm flickered as I yawned one night. The connection had been made and the recovery accelerated or snowballed at an astonishing pace up to Christmas. I have now (July 17) regained a lot of shoulder control and movement and can also ennovate my bicep so that my left hand goes from my waist to above my right nipple/chest.
This has allowed me to re-engage in the activities I love doing most. The pictures I’ve attached show a couple of pictures of me in Bristol during the recovery phase, riding my 900cc Kawasaki for 3 days in Portimao, Portugal in May 2017 in the safe knowledge that I can control my arm (with the assistance of some velcro) and I am also now in serious training and competition in athletics, primarily Long, Triple, High Jump and 400m with Paralympics GB. I am currently #1 in the UK for Long Jump in my para classification T/F46 and #2 in the UK for 400m.
All of this would not have been posible without Anthony’s most excellent work, his vision and determination to help me achieve the goals I have now set following the motorcycle accident that could have ruined my life – it most certainly has not. Thank you so much Anthony.
The results are almost instantaneous!
I had this procedure in January 2023. I am 63 years old.
I did my research well but was lucky to find the perfect surgeon for me only 30 minutes away. Anthony MacQuillan not only is an experienced plastic surgeon and a nerve specialist but is also a wonderful person to have contact with. He is so kind and considerate, he takes his time explaining everything and at all points during our visits right up to the day itself he said I could change my mind at any time if I wanted to! which I thought was remarkable. He is incredibly honest, and tells you all the worst things that could happen, which is scary but at least you can make an informed choice. And I would’ve got my money back! He has a great team and in particular his anaesthetist Daniel is superb and also put me so at ease. Recovering from a deep plane face and neck lift is not the simple thing that sometimes people make it out to be. Anthony doesn’t use drains. He uses a netting that is sewn under the surface of your skin and when your face swells ,boy, do you know it!
If you work too soon, it will swell up again, even though the netting is removed quite quickly. Even now nearly a year on, I still have some pulling and tightening under my chin, where the nerves are still knitting together -this is not a quick process. However, the results are almost instantaneous! Once you see that swelling going down, you can see the difference he’s made.
It’s also very interesting to know that only 10 people know I had this procedure and of the ones that didn’t even though they’ve been sitting right next to me, had no idea. People just say oh you look great or have you had a good rest.
Admittedly I wasn’t horrendous before, but I didn’t like the fact that my once sharp jawline has deteriorated. I didn’t have any fat transferred into my cheeks, but I did have some under my eyes which worked well and I managed to retain about 80% of it. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Anthony. He is superb so much so that he’s giving me another operation on Saturday. This time on my tummy! I have every faith in him and his techniques
The reason i only have partial pics is because I want to keep this to myself as much as possible:)
What an amazing surgeon!
I had been unhappy about my neck for a few years but in the summer of 2020 I became particularly conscious of it so I decided to look into the possibility of surgery.
I decided initially to have a video consultation with Anthony as he has an extensive background in nerve surgery and my biggest concern about neck/face surgery was the possibility of nerve damage. Anthony instantly made me feel comfortable and was able to address all my concerns and answer all my questions.
Following that video call I had a detailed face-to-face consultation and was impressed with the level of discussion we had about the procedure and the balance of risk. I was shown before and after photographs of previous patients as well as a video of the procedure itself.
I had a further consultation prior to surgery and again I felt reassured that I was in safe hands. I had good care at Circle Bath Hospital and Anthony visited me during the evening of my surgery and assured me that the procedure had gone well.
I am now 2 months post surgery and I am healing well. I cannot believe how good the results are and wish that I had had the procedure years ago. I highly recommend Anthony if you are thinking of having similar corrective surgery. I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome.
I had an abdominoplasty and diastasis repair. I have had 2 children in my early 20’s and was left with excess skin which was covered in stretch marks. I am size 8/10 but have felt very uncomfortable over my ‘pouch’. I had read enough reviews from 40 y/o’s saying they had wished they did this sooner and I am glad I have.
As I work in a hospital I am aware of the complications that go on with surgery. As Mr MacQuillan is also a Peripheral Nerve Injury Surgeon I felt more at ease as perhaps it would be less likely for me to end up with any nerve damage from this procedure under a nerve injury specialist. Mr MacQuillan was actually recommended to me by several medical and non-medical colleagues due to his meticulous work and his lovely nature.
Mr MacQuillan listened to what I wanted and it was his idea to repair my diastasis also as I was not aware that this had happened.
My procedure went perfectly. I had no pain and not just because of the drugs. I was discharged after 2 nights in hospital and did not touch pain killers after that. I was back to normal within 3 weeks (no exercise until week 6).
Whenever I had a query before or after the surgery I was able to contact his secretary and very soon after speak directly to him.
I would 100% recommend him. Family and friends have all commented on what a huge difference this procedure has made and if I ever wanted anything else done in the future I know I would want it to be done by Mr MacQuillan.
Why Choose Anthony for Your Procedure
Choosing the right surgeon for your surgery is essential, and Anthony stands out for several reasons:
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- Expertise and Experience: Anthony is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with extensive training and experience in reconstructive surgery, particularly in the delicate and complex fields of brachial plexus and nerve surgery. His proficiency ensures that patients receive care that is both advanced and tailored to their specific needs.
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- Personalised Care Approach: Anthony is committed to understanding each patient’s unique situation, goals, and concerns. He offers personalised consultations to devise a surgical plan that aligns with the patient’s expectations and desired outcomes, ensuring a collaborative approach to care.
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- Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation through to recovery and beyond, Anthony and his team provide comprehensive support. Patients receive detailed information on what to expect, guidance on preparing for surgery, and robust post-operative care, including follow-ups and rehabilitation support.
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- State-of-the-Art Techniques: Utilising the latest surgical techniques and technologies, Anthony is able to achieve optimal outcomes for his patients. His commitment to ongoing education and incorporation of innovative methods means patients benefit from the most advanced care available
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- Empathetic and Compassionate Service: Recognising the often-challenging circumstances that lead patients to seek reconstructive surgery, Anthony offers a service that is not only professional but also empathetic and compassionate. He understands the physical and emotional aspects of recovery and is dedicated to providing a comforting and reassuring environment.
Choosing Anthony for your procedure means entrusting your care to a surgeon who not only has the technical skill and knowledge to achieve the best possible outcomes but also values the importance of patient-centred care.