#ThisIsAPlasticSurgeon - Rowan Pritchard Jones

Rowan Pritchard Jones

What inspired you to become a plastic surgeon?

I knew I needed to train as a surgeon – the ability to directly, physically intervene to solve a problem was beguiling. More than that plastic surgery was such a general specialty fixing hands, to cancer, to cleft with such varied techniques. Best of all was the demand for flexibility and creativity. There may be 6 ways to reconstruct a defect, but which one functions best? Looks best? Least morbidity? We do at times start an operation not knowing exactly how it ends. To remove a large tumour or start a trauma case can create an uncertain defect that will require a creative solution not immediately apparent. We work on principles to solve problems and this is both exciting and demanding.


What are the key things that people need to consider before making the decision to go ahead with plastic surgery? 

Informed choice is essential. Seeing the right surgeon, who is well trained and experienced is crucial. Conversations should be patient centred, explore expectations and offer choices with pros and cons that lead to a collaborative treatment plan. Always ask questions!


What do you believe is the biggest threat to patient safety in plastic surgery in 2020?

Threats have come from the unregulated growth of treatments that blur the lines between beauty therapy and medical interventions. There has been a perception that cosmetic interventions are trivial, but poor care can be devastating, even life changing. The credibility of the specialty has therefore been questioned when cosmetic treatments are poorly regulated and yet we are supposed the custodians of care and safety.