Share review of Mr Philip Turton

Mr Philip Turton 2022-12-08 Person 5 5 0

I saw Mr Turton in desperation after discovering that an implant put in after a mastectomy 15years previously had ruptured and would have to be removed or replaced. I had not been told then it had a lifespan of 10 years and should have been checked much sooner. I discovered the problem myself after seeing news reports of substandard implants being used in Europe and asked my GP to look into it. On having an ultrasound scan I discovered that the implant had burst but was encapsulated by my own tissue so had not got into my system luckily. I was terrified as 20 years before the consultant who performed my original mastectomy and reconstruction, had not given antibiotics or dealt with the immediate infection which took hold. And although pleading for help, I saw only junior doctors who cut away infected skin until a hole appeared, the implant became visible and in desperation I had to seek urgent help from a private consultant. I was rushed into St James but I refused to allow the original consultant to touch me. The whole mess on my left side was removed by a respected plastic surgeon and I was left with a collapsed flap of skin . It was all such a shock and I was almost suicidal. That plastic surgeon left the NHS and referred me to Bradford Royal where after a lengthy process using an expander another plastic surgeon put in another implant but afterwards told us that it was too small as the size needed had not been available on the shelf! I could not bear to look at myself in the mirror or allow anyone to see me uncovered. I was then referred to a female consultant in Wakefield who said she could do nothing with the too small implant as the skin around the cut away area was too thin and I would have to live with it. However she lifted the right breast so it was more in line. But it was so ugly and I had to wear padding to look normally aligned. All this took another 4 years then I was left in this condition for 15 yrs until the rupture meant I saw Mr Turton. I was very scared after all my previous experiences but he completely grasped the situation and made me feel at last that someone understood what I had been through. After being traumatised and psychologically so badly affected he was reassuring, kind and positive and said I should not have been left in the condition I was and he could improve matters whilst removing the ruptured implant. I opted not to have a very major procedure involving a different specialist consultant and asked Mr Turton to do whatever he could with a new implant and reduce and lift the right side as he saw fit. Now 6 months later,for the first time in 20 years I feel almost normal. The implant isn't a perfect shape as there wasn't enough skin to work with but both sides have settled down to a better matching shape than I would probably have seen at my age naturally! And I wear normal underwear, clothes and swim without embarrassment. I cannot praise Mr Turton enough for using his wonderful skills and the help he gave me without being patronising, nothing but gentle care, understanding and kindness. He said jokingly, not to be worried as he could do the procedures in his sleep he had done so many. And I believe he probably could! I only wish I had met him 20 years ago and I would not have had to go through all that happened. Thankyou Mr Turton. I really cannot praise you enough and would recommend your care to anyone needing help.