Mr Ross McLean

Consultant Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgeon

BSc (Hons), MBChB (Hons), FRCSEd (General and Breast Surgery) - Gold Medal

Call to book - 0191 415 1272

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I am a Consultant Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgeon at Spire Washington, specialising in breast cancer surgery, breast reconstruction and male breast conditions. I work exclusively in breast surgery and focus on providing safe, effective treatment with a personalised approach, so you feel supported and informed at every stage.

I completed my surgical training in the North East of England, gaining experience in leading oncoplastic breast units, and I have been a consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead since 2023. I also completed an advanced fellowship in complex revisional and cosmetic breast surgery, where I developed expertise across the full range of breast procedures, including using cosmetic techniques to support reconstruction after cancer treatment.

Throughout my training and career, I have received national recognition for my work. This includes the ASGBI Gold Medal for achieving the top result in the FRCS Consultant Examination, the National ABS Educational Fellowship in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, and the National Mammary Fold Fellowship in Gender-Affirming Surgery.

I see patients with a wide range of breast concerns, including new symptoms, problems following previous treatment and those seeking a second opinion. My practice covers rapid diagnostics, breast cancer care and male breast health.

I offer a full range of surgical options for breast disease, with a particular focus on maximising breast-conserving surgery wherever appropriate. This includes procedures such as therapeutic mammoplasty, where a breast reduction or lift is combined with cancer removal, as well as techniques to reshape the breast using your own tissue, such as lipomodelling (fat transfer) and glandular remodelling.

When a mastectomy is necessary, I provide breast reconstruction using implants, tissue flaps such as latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps, and fat transfer techniques. I also offer surgery to improve breast symmetry, including breast uplift, reduction and augmentation. For male patients, I have a particular interest in treating gynaecomastia (male breast enlargement). I believe that achieving a natural, balanced appearance is an important part of wellbeing, even during cancer treatment.

I perform a high volume of breast cancer surgery and closely monitor my outcomes. Over the past year, my 30-day emergency overnight readmission rate has been less than 1%, with a 93.5% day-case rate and consistently low complication rates. I achieve high rates of immediate symmetrising surgery, aim to keep mastectomy rates low where possible, and offer reconstruction whenever a mastectomy is required.

Patient feedback on my care is consistently positive, and I am committed to ensuring you feel listened to and confident in your treatment plan.

I am actively involved in research, with over 25 publications and multiple national and international awards. I also teach and train the next generation of breast surgeons, regularly contributing to national courses.

Alongside my clinical work, I hold national and regional leadership roles. I act as Surgical Lead for the Northern Cancer Alliance breast pathways, helping to improve breast cancer care across the region. I am also the lead author of national guidelines for the Association of Breast Surgery, including guidance on the care of male breast conditions, children with breast symptoms and breast screening for gender-diverse individuals.

Treatment information

Some of the principal treatments carried out by Mr Ross McLean at Spire include:

Breast care and surgery

Breast implant removal
Breast lump investigation

Breast lump removal
Breast reconstruction following mastectomy

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