Plastic Surgery at Cathedral Dermatology
At Cathedral Dermatology, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, patient-centred care that brings together the expertise of our consultant dermatologists and consultant plastic surgeons.
Plastic Surgery at Cathedral Dermatology
At Cathedral Dermatology, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, patient-centred care that brings together the expertise of our consultant dermatologists and consultant plastic surgeons.
By working in close collaboration, our specialists ensure you receive the highest standards of medical and surgical care; from early detection and diagnosis of skin conditions to treatment, reconstruction, and long-term wellbeing.
This unique partnership means that whether you require reconstructive surgery following skin cancer treatment or are seeking cosmetic procedures to enhance confidence, you will benefit from a seamless, holistic approach tailored to your individual needs.
Meet Our
Plastic Surgeons
With decades of combined expertise and national recognition for excellence, they welcome patients from across Ireland, offering safe, effective, and individually tailored treatment plans.
Mr Michael McBride, FRCS (Plast)
Read Bio
Mr Michael McBride completed his medical studies at Queen’s University Belfast. His early surgical training took place in Northern Ireland and subsequent advanced specialist training / Fellowships in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery across several UK, European and International centres. These included Belfast, Glasgow, Salisbury, Southampton, Newcastle, London, Hull, Paris, Barcelona, Zurich, Helsinki, Florence, Pakistan and India. During this period, he completed the only nationally awarded fellowship (BAAPS / BAPRAS) in Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine. He has been comprehensively trained across the breadth of Plastic Surgery including many advanced, innovative techniques.
Mr McBride is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, fully licensed with the General Medical Council (GMC 7140624) and fully accredited on the Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery. He is a full time Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Belfast and Dublin.
His specialist interests are in aesthetic surgery, lower limb reconstruction, hands, peripheral nerve surgery, facial palsy and head and neck reconstruction.
His academic achievements include the completion of 6 post-graduate degrees with distinction – Surgical Sciences (Royal College Surgeons of Edinburgh), Reconstructive Microsurgery (The European School of Microsurgery, Barcelona), The European Board of Hand Surgery Diploma, Diploma in Orthopaedic Oncology, European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Diploma (EBOPRAS) and European Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (EBCFPRS).
He has published extensively in the peer-reviewed Plastic Surgery literature, in addition to presenting his work both nationally and internationally, receiving prizes for these. He is actively involved in teaching both at undergraduate and postgraduate level and is a member of 9 learned Plastic Surgery societies.
He is dedicated to providing the highest possible standard of care, outcomes and safety to every cosmetic and reconstructive surgery patient under his care.
Mr Nicholas Hodgins, FRCS (Plast)
Read Bio
Mr Nicholas Hodgins FRCS (Plast) is a fully accredited UK Consultant Plastic Surgeon with extensive expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. He is a substantive NHS consultant with a subspecialist interest in reconstructive breast surgery. He is also a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Mr Hodgins completed his medical degree at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2009 and commenced his surgical training in 2011. In 2015, he entered the Specialist Higher Surgical Training Programme in Plastic Surgery, gaining comprehensive experience in renowned plastic surgery centres across the UK, including Newcastle Upon Tyne, Durham, Manchester, Middlesbrough, and Belfast.
On completion of his plastic surgery training, he was nationally appointed to an oncoplastic breast surgery fellowship at the prestigious Nightingale Breast Centre in Manchester. There, he received subspecialist training in all aspects of oncological, reconstructive, and aesthetic breast surgery.
Following this period of specialist training, Mr Hodgins was awarded the Niall Kirkpatrick Fellowship in Aesthetic Surgery by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). During this dedicated period of subspecialist practice, he honed his skills in a wide range of cosmetic surgeries, including breast, abdominal, facial, and eyelid procedures, under the mentorship of UK leaders in this field.
Mr Hodgins is a member of several professional organisations, including the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS), the Association of Breast Surgeons (ABS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS).
Mr Hodgins is well known for his professional and warm manner. He continually strives to achieve optimum aesthetic surgical outcomes for his patients as he finds this to be one of the most satisfying parts of being a doctor and plastic surgeon. Your safety and comfort are his top priorities. He will provide you with bespoke care centred around your individual needs and expectations and will guide you along each step of your treatment journey.
Our surgeons are both:
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons with the Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Full Members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
- International Members of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Why Choose Cathedral Dermatology?
Patient-Centred Care
We believe every patient is unique. From your first consultation to recovery, we prioritise your personal goals, health, and comfort.
Nationally Awarded Surgeons
Our surgeons have been recognised with prestigious national awards for their outstanding contributions to plastic and reconstructive surgery.
20+ Years of Experience
With thousands of successful procedures completed, our surgeons bring unmatched expertise and surgical precision.
Collaborative Dermatology + Surgery Approach
By working side by side with our dermatology team, we provide holistic care that addresses both medical and cosmetic needs.
Our Services
We offer a wide range of reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedures, performed in state-of-the-art facilities with patient safety as our highest priority.
Skin Cancer & Reconstructive Surgery
At Cathedral Dermatology, we provide expert treatment for a wide range of skin lesions, including benign moles, cysts, warts, and skin cancers, with precise removal and thorough laboratory analysis to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Skin lesions are very common and can appear anywhere on the body. They may be present from birth or develop over time.
Lesions can be flat, raised, discoloured, or change in shape and size.
While most skin lesions are harmless, some can be cancerous or show signs that require medical attention.
Why Consider Removal?
People choose to have skin lesions removed for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Concern about a lesion changing in appearance (size, shape, colour, or texture)
- Irritation from rubbing against clothing or jewellery
- Cosmetic concerns
- Medical necessity (suspicion of skin cancer)
The Procedure
The lesion is gently removed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area while you remain awake and comfortable. The tissue is then sent to a specialist laboratory for histology (microscopic analysis), allowing your surgeon to determine whether the lesion is benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous). The wound is usually closed with a few fine stitches, which are typically removed after about a week.
Histology results are generally available within 1–2 weeks, and your consultant will review and discuss them with you in detail.
Hand Surgery
At Cathedral Dermatology, our expert plastic surgeons provide a range of hand surgery treatments to restore function, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Conditions we treat include:
– trigger finger, where a finger locks due to a tight tendon;
– carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by pressure on the wrist nerve leading to numbness or tingling; and
– Dupuytren’s contracture, where thickened tissue in the palm causes fingers to curl.
Each procedure is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case, with careful attention to minimising discomfort and promoting a smooth recovery.
Following surgery, patients receive tailored aftercare and physiotherapy guidance to regain full hand function safely and efficiently.
Trigger Finger Release
A small operation to release a tight tendon in the finger, allowing it to move smoothly again without catching or locking.
Carpal Tunnel Decompression
Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve in the wrist, helping to ease pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand and fingers.
Dupuytren’s Fasciectomy (Palm Only / Single Digit / Multiple Digits / Limited Fasciectomy options)
Procedures to remove or release thickened tissue in the palm or fingers that causes the hand to curl, helping improve movement and hand function.
Cosmetic Surgery
Prominent Ear Correction (Otoplasty)
At Cathedral Dermatology, we perform ear reshaping surgery for patients with prominent or misshapen ears, creating a natural, balanced appearance and boosting confidence.
Prominent or protruding ears can affect self-esteem and confidence at any age.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the ear cartilage, bringing the ears closer to the head and improving symmetry.
The Procedure
The surgery is typically performed through a small incision behind the ear, allowing the surgeon to carefully fold, reshape, or remove cartilage as needed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures, which are usually hidden and designed to minimise visible scarring. This procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic, depending on patient preference and complexity.
The Goal
To create a natural-looking ear contour that complements the patient’s facial features. The procedure is suitable for both children and adults, and careful planning ensures that results are long-lasting while maintaining normal ear function.
Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty – Unilateral & Bilateral)
Cathedral Dermatology offers expert upper eyelid surgery to remove excess skin and fat, improving vision where drooping occurs and giving the eyes a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
This procedure is popular among patients seeking both functional improvement and cosmetic enhancement.
Sagging upper eyelids are a natural part of ageing, but they can also result from genetics, puffiness, or excess fat deposits. Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) addresses these issues by carefully removing or repositioning excess skin and fat, restoring a smooth, natural eyelid contour.
The procedure begins with a discreet incision along the natural crease of the eyelid, which allows the surgeon to:
- Remove excess skin
- Excise or reposition small fat deposits
- Tighten underlying muscle if needed
The incision is then closed with fine sutures designed to leave minimal visible scarring. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic depending on patient preference and complexity.
Who is Suitable?
Blepharoplasty is ideal for patients who:
- Have drooping or sagging upper eyelids obstructing vision
- Have puffiness or fat deposits above the eyes
- Wish to achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance
- Are in good general health and have realistic expectations
Patients can expect a long-lasting improvement in eyelid appearance and, in many cases, enhanced vision if sagging skin was obstructing sight. The results are subtle, natural, and designed to complement your facial features while maintaining normal eyelid function.
What to Expect
Comprehensive Consultation
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with one of our surgeons to discuss your concerns, medical history, and treatment options.
Personalised Care Plan
Together, we design a tailored treatment plan focused on your goals, safety, and long-term results.
Expert Treatment
Whether reconstructive or cosmetic, all procedures are carried out with the highest levels of precision and care.
Ongoing Support
We remain with you every step of the way — from surgery to recovery — ensuring the best outcomes for your health and confidence.