Mr Manu Sood 2021-06-26 Person 5 5 0

I have had four surgical procedures performed by Mr Sood at the Spire Hartswood Hospital in Brentwood, Essex. After losing over 100 lbs. in weight I was left with significant skin laxity in my upper arms, stomach, thighs and buttocks. This was starting to cause discomfort, skin rashes and made it difficult for me to exercise. I attended an initial consultation appointmetn and was able to fully discuss my concerns in regards to my stomach and arms. Mr Sood examined me and explained in considerable detail the best type of procedure, what results I could expect, the risks of wound infections and the discomfort associated with recovery. Mr Sood provided me with information and websites so that I could make an informed decision. I was also provided the contact details of his nurse and secretary so that I could ask further questions. Mr Sood advised me to do my research and if I wanted to go ahead, then I was to arrange another consultation. I looked at all of the information available, attended the second consultation, had photographs taken and was later booked in for a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, abdominal muscle repair and brachioplasty. I had to attend a preoperative assessment where I was examined to ensure that I was fit enough to undergo surgery. This included blood tests, an ECG, and a comprehensive questionnaire about my medical history. I was provided with fasting instructions for the day of my surgery. The day before my surgery I received a call from Mr Sood's nurse who wanted to check that I fully understood the fasting requirements and to see if I had any questions. On the day of surgery I attended the Spire Hartswood hospital, prepared for a two night stay. I met with Mr Sood and the Anaesthetist, the procedures were explained and I signed my consent to go ahead. My recovery from surgery was as expected, I was in pain but the nursing staff on the ward ensured that I was given pain relief. I experienced some nausea and dizziness initially but this soon improved and I was able to be discharged two days later. Recovery was slow and exactly as Mr Sood had predicted. The majority of the pain was from the muscle repair. I didn't experience any pain from the Brachioplasty at all. Abdominal swelling was significant and this went on for several months. I did develop a wound infection a week after surgery. Mr Sood and the outpatient nurses were exceptional in managing this slight complication. I was returning to the hospital every three days to have the wound treated and the dressings changed. Eventually I was able to do this for myself. I was able to return to work five weeks after surgery. It took 8 weeks before I was able to return to exercise. The wound infection healed but left some puckering that would later be treated by a scar revision procedure. I was so delighted with my treatment and care by Mr Sood, his team and the hospital that a year later I was ready to discuss a buttock and thigh lift procedure. I met with Mr Sood for a consultation, and we followed exactly the same process. He sent me away armed with information and to do my own research and then if I still wanted to go ahead I was to book another consultation. I was happy to go ahead following a detailed conversation with Mr Sood's nurse. I met with Mr Sood, had photos taken, a surgery date booked, per operative assessments, swabs and blood tests booked and later attended. As the day of surgery approached a clinical decision was made to delay the procedure because of the Covid 19 pandemic. I was disappointed but fully accepted that Mr Sood had based his decision on patient safety. I was contacted four months later and offered a new surgery date. My admission to hospital was the same as before with the exception of the procedures put in place to ensure that the hospital was covid complaint. This meant that I needed to wear a mask outside of my hospital room and that I could not have any visitors. I was comfortable with this as it was my second procedure with Mr Sood, the Anaesthetist and the Nursing staff. I knew what to expect and the great level of care that would be provided. My surgery was significant and lasted for seven hours. As well as the buttock and thigh lift I also had a scar revision on the site of the infection from the abdominoplasty the year before. My recovery was typical in that I experienced nausea and some dizziness. I was provided with medication to manage this. The pain relief was adequate, and I was able to get out of bed the following day. I was discharged two days after surgery, I experienced mild pain, tiredness for about a week and significant swelling. I wore my compression garments 24 hours a day. They are uncomfortable but necessary. I was able to manage my pain with regular paracetamol and ibuprofen. I got a slight infection at the top of my thigh where two scars joined, again this was predicted as a possibility by Mr Sood. It was treated promptly with antibiotics and dressings and has healed without impacting negatively on the aesthetics of Mr Sood's work. I was able to return to work three weeks after surgery but I should add my employment is sedentary. Regardless of this I was still extremely swollen at the end of the working day. It is now eight weeks since my surgery. I have had a follow up appointment with Mr Sood and will attend another in two weeks time. My overall assessment is that I am delighted with the results. My clothes fit better, I look leaner and feel so much more confident. I have a lot of scars, it would be impossible to have this amount of skin removed without the scars but I r moisturise and massage them daily. This process takes a while but it is worth the investment of time. I also make sure that I use sun block. The new scars look dark at the moment but I know they will fade eventually. I can barely see the scars from the abdominoplasty procedure undertaken 16 months ago. The scar revision procedure has delivered a pleasing result. I can't believe how good it looks. I would say that skin removal surgery is not an easy option. It is painful and the recovery is slow but my results are so good that I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr Sood, his team and the Spire Hartswood Hospital to others. Mr Sood is approachable, friendly and realistic in what he can do for you. He cautiously advises about possible complications. He does not automatically agree to a procedure, he wants you to make an informed decision and provides the necessary independent information for you to be able to research your options. His nurse Kathy and his secretary Lucy are always available to discuss any concerns and the staff at the Hartswood are equally as supportive. My experience has been positive. I am delighted with the level of care that I received and the cosmetic results from the surgical procedures undertaken by Mr Sood.