Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery News

January 2022 - Our New Premises

After over 35 years in Naseby Street, we have taken the plunge and moved the practice. Our old practice was lovely and we enjoyed our own, nearly 19, years there but medicine is constantly evolving and we wanted to be able to provide high standards of disabled facilities for our patients and to enjoy our beautiful new central city. We will miss Naseby Street and are so grateful to have spent such wonderful years there but we are excited for our new beginning.

August 2020 - Melanoma New Zealand Newsletter

https://www.melanoma.org.nz/news-stories/2020/8/20/august-2020-newsletter

Covid-19 and our Clinic - update August 2020

We are running our practice during Level 2 but not at normal capacity. We have bigger gaps between our appointments (resulting in fewer people in our waiting room), regular cleaning between patients, social distancing between staff and patients and strict requirements re our patients and staff being well.   

Covid-19 and our Clinic - update June 2020

We are pleased to report that we are now running our practice (almost) as normal again - at Alert Level 1.During Level 4 we continued to care for our patients needing post-operative care and we treated some very serious skin cancers. At Level 3 we treated only our patients with serious skin cancers and acute hand issues. During this time almost all of our staff worked remotely with their remote access to our system and our phones. At Level 2 we ran much smaller clinics than normal whilst we observed social distancing and cleaning requirements, some of our staff still worked at home when possible.

Now that we are at Level 1, we are able to run bigger clinics again and treat more patients. All our staff are back on site now and we are enjoying some normality again. We still ask that our patients still hand sanitise upon entry to our premises. We also have the government QR codes available to scan at our front door.

Thank you to all our patients for their understanding and patience during this time. We look forward to seeing you again soon!  



Statement from the NZ Association of Plastic Surgeons on Breast Implant Illness - Sept 2019
Recently there has been a lot of discussion in the media about Breast Implant Illness. Mr Kenton-Smith is always happy to see his patients to discuss the removal of breast implants and will always remove implants if asked.  If you wish to have an appointment to discuss this, or to have a check up, then please call us.  However, stories in the media aren't required to be backed up by science.  Surgeons are genuinely concerned for the welfare of their patients and so the professional body representing NZ Plastic Surgeons, NZAPS, has issued a statement to guide the public in a more scientific way.

New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons - A Statement on Breast Implant Illness - 25 July 2019
Breast implant illness is a term used by women who have breast implants and who describe symptoms of illness. These symptoms may include tiredness, chest pain, difficulty sleeping and depression. Women feel these symptoms are related to their breast implants.
A large number of studies have been carried out on the safety of silicone breast implants. To date, silicone has not been proven to cause any disease. Research into the safety of silicone breast implants has found no clear link between the implants and illness. Many of the symptoms described by women who have had implants are also experienced by the general public who do not have implants.
An article published in the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in July 20191 states there is presently ‘overwhelming evidence to support the safety of silicone breast implants…. To the best of our body of scientific knowledge to date, there have not been any concrete or evidence-based studies or peer-reviewed data concerning the formation of a new syndrome: “silicone implant illness”.’
There is currently no way to test for breast implant illness – which means whether it exists cannot be proved or disproved. There is therefore no known ‘risk’ for breast implant illness.
It is important that women with concerns about potential breast implant illness discuss these with their plastic surgeon to decide together about the best thing to do. Options might include doing nothing, monitoring the situation, or removing the implants. However, removal of implants may not mean the symptoms go away, as they may not have been linked to the implant. Ultimately, it is the woman’s decision whether to keep or remove breast implants.
Risks associated with breast implants
There are some risks associated with breast implants, including breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is a rare form of lymphatic cancer that can develop near breast implants. Please see our separate statement on this condition.
Ref 1 Rohrich, Rod J. M.D.; Kaplan, Jordan M.D.; Dayan, Erez M.D. Silicone Implant Illness: Science versus Myth?
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: July 2019 - Volume 144 - Issue 1 - p 98-109, doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005710


Mr Kenton-Smith - attendee at the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgery - August 2019
This year's NZAPS conference was held in Queenstown - 30 August to 1 September. Jesse attended a number of informative talks on hand surgery and new techniques in reconstructive surgery.  

Mr Kenton-Smith -  2019 Convener of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) conference Wellington - August 2019

Mr Kenton-Smith convened this year's RACS conference in Wellington, 15-17 August 2019.  Jesse is a board member of  RACS and last year was asked to convene the RACS annual scientific meeting. He worked with a small group of other RACS board members to decide on a programme and speakers for the annual conference. Jesse is passionate about safeguarding the public from medical practitioners working as unqualified surgeons and the programme was centered around this issue. The conference went well and included speakers such as The Minster of Health, The Health and Disciplinary Commissioner and the Head of the Medical Council. 
 

The ASAPS Non-Surgical Symposium, Sydney - 14 to 16 June 2019 

Jesse attended this conference as a Member of the Board of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). This 3 day long conference focused on the use of non-surgical techniques to achieve aesthetic results. There were speakers from top clinics in England, America and Australia talking about the discoveries and techniques being used for rejuvenation. Topics included: fillers, Botox, cosmeceuticals, micro-needling and other high tech treatments now in use. One of our clinic's injectors, Dr Kate Matthews, was also a delegate at this conference.  Both doctors found the conference fascinating.


Mr Kenton-Smith to travel to India in March to work with the surgical charity - Operation Smile - March 2019

Operation Smile is an American Charity that organises volunteer Cleft Lip and Palate Surgeons to travel to developing countries and help local people by correcting their children's cleft lip and palates. Jesse works with this charity on at least one mission per year. 

Scientific evidence that Botox is an effective treatment for Migraine sufferers - Feb 2019

Both Jesse and Mary offer Botox treatment for migraines and have had a lot of success with these treatments over the years. This article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons supports the use of Botox as an effective treatment for migraines: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/botulinum-toxin-reduces-chronic-migraine-attacks-compared-to-placebo

Mr. Kenton-Smith and Dr. Mary Irvine to attend the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Non-Surgical Symposium - June 2018

Jesse and Mary will be attending this conference to continue furthering their knowledge of non-surgical aesthetic plastic surgery. This conference will include many workshops and guest speakers. Jesse and Mary will bring back the latest techniques and knowledge of non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Mr Kenton-Smith travelled to The Philippines to work with the surgical charity - Operation Smile - May 2018

Jesse spent 12 days operating in The Phillipines with Operation Smile this month. Operation Smile is an American Charity that organises volunteer Cleft Lip and Palate Surgeons to travel to developing countries and help local people by correcting their children's cleft lip and palates. Jesse works with this charity on at least one mission per year. On this mission Jesse was part of a team of 5 surgeons who corrected 154 cleft lip and palates in children under 16. The surgical team also included 2 Filipino cleft lip and palate surgeons who were seeking to further their skills with input from the international team.

Jesse voted on to The Board of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons of New Zealand - April 2018

Jesse is pleased to have been voted on to The Board of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons of New Zealand. He is one of 12 members of The Board and will represent the interests and beliefs of other New Zealand Surgeons over the next 3 years. This is the second time Jesse has been chosen to sit on The Board.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons - Plastic Surgery Congress - Gold Coast - 2017

Jesse will be attending this conference for 5 days at the beginning of June 2017. There are some very interesting an eminent international speakers presenting at this conference, including experts on Melanoma providing an update on the latest findings.

New Treatment for Dupuytrens Contracture – Xiaflex (Collagenase)has now been released for use in NZ - Feb 2018
This injection has been available for several years overseas and has revolutionised the treatment of Dupuytrens.

The vast majority of patients can be treated non-surgically with good correction of their fingers via nerve blocks/injection. The bands are then broken a week later leading to a much faster recovery and often better outcomes. We are just waiting for insurers to approve funding but in the meantime, those patients who are insured will find it cheaper than the surgery.
Advantages of Xiaflex include: a rapid recovery of 1-2 weeks, compares to 4-8 weeks with surgery, and a lower cost of treatment.

This injection should only be administered by a hand surgeon who fully understands the implications of treatment.

Breast Cancer and Implants - 12 May 2017

There has been some talk in the media of breast cancer caused by breast implants.
This is based on research that has been emerging for about for the last 2 years and we have been aware of it.
To put it in perspective:
  • the chances of developing normal breast cancer is about 1 in 9 over a lifetime.
  • the chances of developing lymphoma/ALCL/breast cancer from a breast implant is about 1 in 30,000 over a lifetime.
Mr Kenton-Smith has been advising his patients of the risk of ALCL for the last 1.5 years and has consented them as such.
For patients with implants over 7 years old, regular mammograms or ultrasounds are recommended. Ultrasounds are probably more useful in the case of ALCL though.
A swelling of one breast should definitely be checked.
Jesse is happy to see his patients for a review if they are at all concerned.

 

Free Nurse Consultations - 2017

We are pleased to be able to continue to offer free cosmetic surgery consultations with our experienced plastic surgery nurse, Jackie.

Jackie is a registered nurse and is available on Tuesday afternoons to discuss: Tummy Tucks, Breast Reductions, Breast Augmentation/Breast Implants, Eyelid Lifts (upper or lower lids) and our "doctor only" skin care range, Aspect Dr.

Please phone: 03 355 6815 to make a free/no obligation appointment with Jackie


Dr Jesse off to do Voluntary Surgery with the Charity - Operation Smile - February 2017

Mr Kenton-Smith is travelling to Manila to carry out voluntary cleft lip and palate surgery this month. Jesse has been to The Philippines before as part of a surgical charity team along with other trips to Tonga, Samoa and Indonesia. He is looking forward to going back to The Philippines. Jesse will be working for the American charity Operation Smile. You can find out more about cleft lips and donate to Operation Smile by visiting the website: http://www.operationsmile.org/


3D Imaging Software Available - November 2016

We now have the software programme Crissalix available at our practice again. It has been updated and now the 3D imaging is even better. During a consultation with Mr Kenton-Smith, photos will be taken and then you will be able to view the expected outcomes of surgery through a 3D viewfinder. We can also email you these images. The images can be helpful when analysing the pros and con. You can access the Crissalix system through the link on our home page.


Dr Jesse off to do Voluntary Surgery with The John Fawcett Foundation in Indonesia - May 2016

Jesse has travelled to Bali this month with another surgeon from Perth to work for a surgical charity serving the people of Indonesia. During his week there, Jesse operated on many children and babies with cleft lip and palates and on several children and adults with severe burns scars. There were also local surgeons attending these sessions to learn new techniques from the visiting surgeons. http://johnfawcett.org/childrens-corrective-surgery/

View Our Archived News Here

August 2020 - Melanoma New Zealand Newsletter

https://www.melanoma.org.nz/news-stories/2020/8/20/august-2020-newsletter

Covid-19 and our Clinic - update August 2020

We are running our practice during Level 2 but not at normal capacity. We have bigger gaps between our appointments (resulting in fewer people in our waiting room), regular cleaning between patients, social distancing between staff and patients and strict requirements re our patients and staff being well.   

Covid-19 and our Clinic - update June 2020

We are pleased to report that we are now running our practice (almost) as normal again - at Alert Level 1.During Level 4 we continued to care for our patients needing post-operative care and we treated some very serious skin cancers. At Level 3 we treated only our patients with serious skin cancers and acute hand issues. During this time almost all of our staff worked remotely with their remote access to our system and our phones. At Level 2 we ran much smaller clinics than normal whilst we observed social distancing and cleaning requirements, some of our staff still worked at home when possible.

Now that we are at Level 1, we are able to run bigger clinics again and treat more patients. All our staff are back on site now and we are enjoying some normality again. We still ask that our patients still hand sanitise upon entry to our premises. We also have the government QR codes available to scan at our front door.

Thank you to all our patients for their understanding and patience during this time. We look forward to seeing you again soon!  



Statement from the NZ Association of Plastic Surgeons on Breast Implant Illness - Sept 2019
Recently there has been a lot of discussion in the media about Breast Implant Illness. Mr Kenton-Smith is always happy to see his patients to discuss the removal of breast implants and will always remove implants if asked.  If you wish to have an appointment to discuss this, or to have a check up, then please call us.  However, stories in the media aren't required to be backed up by science.  Surgeons are genuinely concerned for the welfare of their patients and so the professional body representing NZ Plastic Surgeons, NZAPS, has issued a statement to guide the public in a more scientific way.

New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons - A Statement on Breast Implant Illness - 25 July 2019
Breast implant illness is a term used by women who have breast implants and who describe symptoms of illness. These symptoms may include tiredness, chest pain, difficulty sleeping and depression. Women feel these symptoms are related to their breast implants.
A large number of studies have been carried out on the safety of silicone breast implants. To date, silicone has not been proven to cause any disease. Research into the safety of silicone breast implants has found no clear link between the implants and illness. Many of the symptoms described by women who have had implants are also experienced by the general public who do not have implants.
An article published in the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in July 20191 states there is presently ‘overwhelming evidence to support the safety of silicone breast implants…. To the best of our body of scientific knowledge to date, there have not been any concrete or evidence-based studies or peer-reviewed data concerning the formation of a new syndrome: “silicone implant illness”.’
There is currently no way to test for breast implant illness – which means whether it exists cannot be proved or disproved. There is therefore no known ‘risk’ for breast implant illness.
It is important that women with concerns about potential breast implant illness discuss these with their plastic surgeon to decide together about the best thing to do. Options might include doing nothing, monitoring the situation, or removing the implants. However, removal of implants may not mean the symptoms go away, as they may not have been linked to the implant. Ultimately, it is the woman’s decision whether to keep or remove breast implants.
Risks associated with breast implants
There are some risks associated with breast implants, including breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is a rare form of lymphatic cancer that can develop near breast implants. Please see our separate statement on this condition.
Ref 1 Rohrich, Rod J. M.D.; Kaplan, Jordan M.D.; Dayan, Erez M.D. Silicone Implant Illness: Science versus Myth?
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: July 2019 - Volume 144 - Issue 1 - p 98-109, doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005710


Mr Kenton-Smith - attendee at the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgery - August 2019
This year's NZAPS conference was held in Queenstown - 30 August to 1 September. Jesse attended a number of informative talks on hand surgery and new techniques in reconstructive surgery.  

Mr Kenton-Smith -  2019 Convener of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) conference Wellington - August 2019

Mr Kenton-Smith convened this year's RACS conference in Wellington, 15-17 August 2019.  Jesse is a board member of  RACS and last year was asked to convene the RACS annual scientific meeting. He worked with a small group of other RACS board members to decide on a programme and speakers for the annual conference. Jesse is passionate about safeguarding the public from medical practitioners working as unqualified surgeons and the programme was centered around this issue. The conference went well and included speakers such as The Minster of Health, The Health and Disciplinary Commissioner and the Head of the Medical Council. 
 

The ASAPS Non-Surgical Symposium, Sydney - 14 to 16 June 2019 

Jesse attended this conference as a Member of the Board of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). This 3 day long conference focused on the use of non-surgical techniques to achieve aesthetic results. There were speakers from top clinics in England, America and Australia talking about the discoveries and techniques being used for rejuvenation. Topics included: fillers, Botox, cosmeceuticals, micro-needling and other high tech treatments now in use. One of our clinic's injectors, Dr Kate Matthews, was also a delegate at this conference.  Both doctors found the conference fascinating.


Mr Kenton-Smith to travel to India in March to work with the surgical charity - Operation Smile - March 2019

Operation Smile is an American Charity that organises volunteer Cleft Lip and Palate Surgeons to travel to developing countries and help local people by correcting their children's cleft lip and palates. Jesse works with this charity on at least one mission per year. 

Scientific evidence that Botox is an effective treatment for Migraine sufferers - Feb 2019

Both Jesse and Mary offer Botox treatment for migraines and have had a lot of success with these treatments over the years. This article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons supports the use of Botox as an effective treatment for migraines: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/botulinum-toxin-reduces-chronic-migraine-attacks-compared-to-placebo

Mr. Kenton-Smith and Dr. Mary Irvine to attend the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Non-Surgical Symposium - June 2018

Jesse and Mary will be attending this conference to continue furthering their knowledge of non-surgical aesthetic plastic surgery. This conference will include many workshops and guest speakers. Jesse and Mary will bring back the latest techniques and knowledge of non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Mr Kenton-Smith travelled to The Philippines to work with the surgical charity - Operation Smile - May 2018

Jesse spent 12 days operating in The Phillipines with Operation Smile this month. Operation Smile is an American Charity that organises volunteer Cleft Lip and Palate Surgeons to travel to developing countries and help local people by correcting their children's cleft lip and palates. Jesse works with this charity on at least one mission per year. On this mission Jesse was part of a team of 5 surgeons who corrected 154 cleft lip and palates in children under 16. The surgical team also included 2 Filipino cleft lip and palate surgeons who were seeking to further their skills with input from the international team.

Jesse voted on to The Board of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons of New Zealand - April 2018

Jesse is pleased to have been voted on to The Board of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons of New Zealand. He is one of 12 members of The Board and will represent the interests and beliefs of other New Zealand Surgeons over the next 3 years. This is the second time Jesse has been chosen to sit on The Board.

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons - Plastic Surgery Congress - Gold Coast - 2017

Jesse will be attending this conference for 5 days at the beginning of June 2017. There are some very interesting an eminent international speakers presenting at this conference, including experts on Melanoma providing an update on the latest findings.

New Treatment for Dupuytrens Contracture – Xiaflex (Collagenase)has now been released for use in NZ - Feb 2018
This injection has been available for several years overseas and has revolutionised the treatment of Dupuytrens.

The vast majority of patients can be treated non-surgically with good correction of their fingers via nerve blocks/injection. The bands are then broken a week later leading to a much faster recovery and often better outcomes. We are just waiting for insurers to approve funding but in the meantime, those patients who are insured will find it cheaper than the surgery.
Advantages of Xiaflex include: a rapid recovery of 1-2 weeks, compares to 4-8 weeks with surgery, and a lower cost of treatment.

This injection should only be administered by a hand surgeon who fully understands the implications of treatment.

Breast Cancer and Implants - 12 May 2017

There has been some talk in the media of breast cancer caused by breast implants.
This is based on research that has been emerging for about for the last 2 years and we have been aware of it.
To put it in perspective:
  • the chances of developing normal breast cancer is about 1 in 9 over a lifetime.
  • the chances of developing lymphoma/ALCL/breast cancer from a breast implant is about 1 in 30,000 over a lifetime.
Mr Kenton-Smith has been advising his patients of the risk of ALCL for the last 1.5 years and has consented them as such.
For patients with implants over 7 years old, regular mammograms or ultrasounds are recommended. Ultrasounds are probably more useful in the case of ALCL though.
A swelling of one breast should definitely be checked.
Jesse is happy to see his patients for a review if they are at all concerned.

 

Free Nurse Consultations - 2017

We are pleased to be able to continue to offer free cosmetic surgery consultations with our experienced plastic surgery nurse, Jackie.

Jackie is a registered nurse and is available on Tuesday afternoons to discuss: Tummy Tucks, Breast Reductions, Breast Augmentation/Breast Implants, Eyelid Lifts (upper or lower lids) and our "doctor only" skin care range, Aspect Dr.

Please phone: 03 355 6815 to make a free/no obligation appointment with Jackie


Dr Jesse off to do Voluntary Surgery with the Charity - Operation Smile - February 2017

Mr Kenton-Smith is travelling to Manila to carry out voluntary cleft lip and palate surgery this month. Jesse has been to The Philippines before as part of a surgical charity team along with other trips to Tonga, Samoa and Indonesia. He is looking forward to going back to The Philippines. Jesse will be working for the American charity Operation Smile. You can find out more about cleft lips and donate to Operation Smile by visiting the website: http://www.operationsmile.org/


3D Imaging Software Available - November 2016

We now have the software programme Crissalix available at our practice again. It has been updated and now the 3D imaging is even better. During a consultation with Mr Kenton-Smith, photos will be taken and then you will be able to view the expected outcomes of surgery through a 3D viewfinder. We can also email you these images. The images can be helpful when analysing the pros and con. You can access the Crissalix system through the link on our home page.


Dr Jesse off to do Voluntary Surgery with The John Fawcett Foundation in Indonesia - May 2016

Jesse has travelled to Bali this month with another surgeon from Perth to work for a surgical charity serving the people of Indonesia. During his week there, Jesse operated on many children and babies with cleft lip and palates and on several children and adults with severe burns scars. There were also local surgeons attending these sessions to learn new techniques from the visiting surgeons. http://johnfawcett.org/childrens-corrective-surgery/

View Our Archived News Here

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Dr. Kenton-Smith

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Kenton Smith is a qualified plastic surgeon now focusing entirely on his private practice and serving on The Board of The College of Surgeons. His accredited day surgery in Merivale, Christchurch offers a range of plastic and reconstructive surgeries, tailored for his patients, with a focus on best possible care and outcomes.

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Dr. Kate Matthews

Cosmetic Physician and GP
Dr Kate Matthews is both a family GP and an Appearance Medicine Physician. Dr Matthews is one of the few GPs in New Zealand who works closely with a Plastic Surgeon. Dr Kenton-Smith and Dr Matthews often work together to maximize aesthetic results, using a range of Botox, cosmetic fillers and cosmecuetical skin care.

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Contact Us
Nautilus House, Level 2, 146 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central, 8013, New Zealand