Everything your family needs, before and after treatment
On this page you will find procedure guides from Evelina London and The Portland Hospital, support organisations for families, scar care advice, and a short video explaining what to expect from a local anaesthetic. If you have any questions, Miss Torres-Grau's team is always happy to help.
Procedure guides from Evelina London
The Portland Hospital
Charity and family support links
Scar care advice
Child-friendly anaesthetic video
Procedure guides
About your child's procedure
Each guide below is produced by Evelina London or Guy's and St Thomas' Specialist Care. They explain what to expect before, during and after your child's treatment, in plain language for families.
Each guide below is written by The Portland Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK. They explain what to expect before, during and after your child's treatment, in plain language for families.
These organisations offer practical help, information and a sense of community for children and families living with visible differences and conditions treated by plastic surgery. Miss Torres-Grau often signposts families to them after treatment.
These links are provided as a helpful starting point. Miss Torres-Grau’s team can also point you towards the right support for your child’s specific condition — just ask at your appointment or get in touch.
After surgery
Looking after your child's scar
Good scar care starts as soon as the wound has closed. A few simple steps from the beginning give your child the best chance of a soft, flat, faded scar over time.
Four simple steps
1
Massage the scar dailyOnce the wound is fully closed, gentle massage with a plain moisturiser for five minutes a day helps soften the tissue and reduce tightness.
2
Protect from the sunNew scars darken in sunlight. Keep the area covered or apply SPF 50 sunscreen every day for at least the first year, even on cloudy days.
3
Keep it moisturisedA well-moisturised scar stays supple and is less likely to become itchy or tight. Simple unperfumed moisturisers work well for most children.
4
Be patient — scars take timeMost scars go through a red or raised phase before settling. Full maturation can take one to two years. Miss Torres-Grau monitors each scar at follow-up.
Good to know
Every child's scar is different
If your child's scar becomes raised, lumpy or very red, let Miss Torres-Grau know at your next appointment. Treatments including steroid injections and laser therapy are available and can help.
PDF guideScar Care Guide — download and keep for reference
Miss Torres-Grau sees children and teenagers privately at Evelina London and The Portland Hospital. At both, your child is seen by the same consultant, who also carries out any surgery. You do not need to choose a hospital before you get in touch. Miss Torres-Grau will suggest the one that suits your child, or you can decide together at the first consultation, by video or in person, in English or Spanish.
Evelina London Children's Hospital
Specialist children's hospital
A specialist children's hospital in central London, with intensive care on site. Miss Torres-Grau sees children and teenagers up to 18 privately here, and carries out any surgery herself.
Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH
Ten minutes' walk from Westminster or Lambeth North
Miss Torres-Grau sees children and teenagers up to 18 at The Portland's outpatient clinic on Harley Street, which has its own procedure room. Any operation takes place in the main hospital on Great Portland Street, with paediatric intensive care on site.
Clinic: 84 Harley Street, London W1G 7HW
A short walk from Regent's Park and Great Portland Street stations