Mr Allouni performed a DIEP flap reconstruction while I had a single mastectomy in April this year, due to a breast cancer diagnosis.

As a mother of 4, he was honest and advised me the recovery would be hard, especially with a toddler, but due to his honesty, we as a family were prepared.

The surgery went well, although I developed a whole host of complications that are usually reserved for the 1-3% of patients. My flap failed, so I was taken back to surgery, and then again to save the flap, which he did – 3rd time lucky!

I then developed some issues with healing and seromas, so a further surgery was required to “put me back together” again. He and his team were reassuring, friendly and kept me up to date at all times.

I truly felt like he cared. Every time I visited the plastic dressings department he wanted to be informed of how I was, or he would pop in to check my wounds, and advise on if a wound vac was needed etc. He is a magnificently skilled surgeon, but the fact that he makes you feel important and valued makes such a difference to the care you receive and that goes for the entire team over this whole process.

I won’t have further plastics consultations for several months now, while I have additional treatments for cancer, but I look forward to seeing Mr Allouni again to complete my reconstruction in the New Year. It will be a New Year, new me! Thank you so very much.