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Written by a patient at Nuffield Clinic Day Hospital
23rd August 2019


I am a 71 year old retired District Nurse. After many years of severe pain in my neck and shoulder I was diagnosed last year with Osteoarthritis and advanced Osteoporosis in my neck. There was no treatment other than anti-inflammatory drugs. I then decided to have a consultation at the Nuffield Clinic in Plymouth to discuss whether bilateral breast reduction surgery would help to alleviate the weight of my size 32F breasts on my neck and shoulders. I researched the Plastic Surgeon I felt was best qualified to meet my needs and visited Mr John Dickson. From the first consultation Mr Dickson was very attentive to my problems and made me feel that he could help to make my life more comfortable. He confirmed that he thought the reduction would indeed help to reduce some of my symptoms and took maximum time and care in explaining the procedure, length of surgery, the recovery time and answered any questions I had, all to my satisfaction. He instilled trust in my belief of his ability as a Surgeon to help me. I had one more follow-up consultation with Mr Dickson and decided to go ahead with the operation. My experience before and after the procedure was excellent, all my fears were alleviated by Mr Dickson's confidence to help me positively. I am now 6 months post surgery and have had a final follow-up consultation with Mr Dickson. My scars have healed well and are fading already. I am a 32B breast size now and I cannot thank him enough for changing my life for the better. I do not suffer the intense pain I was experiencing before the operation and my need for pain medication is seriously reduced. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Dickson to anyone considering breast treatment. His demeanor, confidence, knowledge and skill have truly changed my life for the better.

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Written by a patient at The Plymouth Nuffield Hospital
16th April 2019


I first went to see Mr Dickson about breast reduction surgery in June last year. I was 24 then and wearing a HH bra (although it did not fit me well so was probably bigger). I suffered terribly with back pain but also was completely mortified by the appearance of my chest. They were not how a 24 year olds should be at all and it really was affecting my way of life! I went to my first consultation where I was petrified to even have to take my top off! However, Mr Dickson made me feel as at ease as anybody could at that time and seemed to really understand how it was affecting me giving me as much time as i needed when I had a little moment and cried! He explained what procedure would be best for me in good detail and gave me all the information to go home with! His follow up letters always included what we’d spoke about which was reassuring to know he had really listened. I had a second consultation, to ensure it’s what I wanted etc and then the next step was to book the surgery date. Although really nervous on the day of my surgery, I can’t stress enough how positive Mr Dickson and the staff at Nuffield made the whole experience for me! I was shown to my room, seen by an aneasthetist and then by Mr Dickson to make markings on me for in surgery. Here he assured me he was going to do his complete best for me, and that he did! He came and saw me after my surgery that evening to say everything went well and again in the morning to check all was okay! Following on from this the after care I received was perfect! Saw him for my follow ups as normal and at one point when I thought I had a concern he made time in his diary to see me the day I called! Now, nearly 6 months later, a DD cup... I can honestly say having this procedure was the best decision of my life and I couldn’t recommend Mr Dickson enough! The pain post op was not even half of what I expected (although i expected 10/10 pain which maybe made that better for me) and the results are way better than what I ever thought possible! There isn’t a part of my experience i could suggest improvements for. My life has completely changed!! Thank you Mr Dickson and all involved at Nuffield! (Sorry for the length, but I found things like this really helpful and reassuring pre op).

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Written by a patient at The Plymouth Nuffield Hospital
29th July 2018


Mr Dickson was very professional friendly polite and easy to communicate with and put me at ease.He has a very calming manner.The surgery procedure was first class during the hole process.Would highly recommend him.

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Written by a patient at Derriford Hospital
27th July 2018


He made me feel at ease from the first appointment which gave me every confidence through out the operation. Much care was given to me at all times.

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Written by a patient at The Plymouth Nuffield Hospital
9th July 2018


Mr Dickson listened to my concerns about my procedure and was very patient, he spent time and effort to ensure the outcome was positive and the scar was as small as possible, I do not believe it could have been done any better, I am hugely grateful.

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Specialises in

  • Plastic surgery

Profile

Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Oncoplastic Surgeon

Mr Dickson studied medicine at the University of Cambridge where he graduated with honours. He has completed formal UK Plastic Surgery Training having passed the official UK Plastic Surgery Examination (FRCS plast). Over and above this he has undertaken additional High Level European Qualifications in Breast Surgery (EBSQ) and Hand Surgery (EDHS).

He began his surgical training in London and went on to do specialist Plastic Surgery Training on the prestigious South West Peninsula Rotation (in Bristol, Exeter & Plymouth). During his training, he was one of only a few trainees in the country to be awarded a National Interface Fellowship in Breast Surgery (through competitive national selection) based at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. This has afforded him broad training in all aspects of breast surgery including oncology, reconstruction and aesthetics. He has also been awarded National Travelling Fellowships enabling him to visit Specialist Units across the UK and abroad in Toronto, Vienna and Mannitoba.

He runs regular weekly clinics for patients requiring breast reconstruction or treatment for other abnormalities of breast appearance. He is dedicated to supporting the Primrose Breast Unit to help the team to deliver the very best service for patients with breast cancer. He is a member of the hospitals breast cancer and skin cancer multi-disciplinary teams. Every 2nd and 4th weeks of the month he attends Stratton Hospital in Bude where he runs a local anaesthetic operating list and a general plastic surgery clinic. He has undertaken a dedicated aesthetic training fellowship at the Cadogan Clinic in Sloane Square in London, helping him to offer the most aesthetic outcomes from surgery.

He has a keen interest in education and innovation and is the Educational Lead for the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons Innovation Group. He has produced 24 publications in the scientific literature, 1 book publication, 1 educational website for plastic surgery trainees and several educational smart phone apps for medical students.

Mr Dickson likes to give his patients time and listens to their ideas, concerns and expectations. He likes exploring new and better ways to share information and to enhance understanding, learning and recall. His work on education is of relevance to patients and the public too. He always seeks to convey information in a clear way, such that his patients can find it easy to understand their treatments including the likely outcome and potential risks.

When he is not at work he enjoys sports and outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family. He loves living in Plymouth and considers it to be a real privilege to work in such a beautiful part of the world.