Assoc Prof Bruce Johnstone

Bruce completed Plastic Surgery training in Melbourne in 1989. A further two years of subspecialist fellowships were completed in Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah, focusing on microsurgery, paediatric plastic surgery, breast reconstruction, aesthetic surgery, and in particular during his year at the University of Utah, hand and upper limb surgery with training in both the Departments of Plastic and Orthopaedic surgery.

In 1991, Bruce developed the subspecialty of hand surgery at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Children’s Hospitals as well as being an active reconstructive microsurgeon. His areas of interest included upper limb reconstruction in adults, particularly following trauma and advanced arthritis, peripheral nerve surgery, head and neck, lower limb, chest wall and breast reconstruction. At the Royal Children’s Hospital he further developed techniques for salivary control management as well as establishing the Melbourne Paediatric Hand Centre in 1994. He has particularly developed upper limb surgery in cerebral palsy and headed the Obstetric Brachial Plexus Clinic from 2000 until 2019. His role at RCH now focuses on educational and quality activities.

A comprehensive specialist adult hand surgery service offers care for carpal tunnel syndrome (often endoscopic), other upper limb nerve disorders, Dupuytren’s contracture as well as other arthritic and inflammatory conditions.

Plastic, reconstructive, hand and aesthetic procedures are offered at St Vincent’s Private East Melbourne (Victorian Plastic Surgery Unit), Ringwood Private and St John of God Berwick hospitals. Breast aesthetic and reconstructive surgery is a major part of his practice frequently collaborating with his wife Dr Katrina Read, oncological breast surgeon. Minor surgery, particularly skin cancer management, is also performed conveniently at the Mayfair Specialist Centre, East Melbourne, Heidelberg and Ringwood rooms.

The majority of patients in our practice needing mastectomy seek reconstruction. Refinement in subcutaneous mastectomy and two-stage implant reconstruction in the pre-pectoral plane over the last decade significantly improves results and broadens the application for many patients who were previously only suitable for much more complex microsurgical reconstruction. Over the last 12 years, in excess of 350 implant-based breast reconstructions have been carried out in this practice with the database regularly audited and analysed for the purpose of scientific presentations and publications.

Bruce and Katrina increasingly shared operating lists during the Covid years and found improved efficiency had the benefit of reducing the duration of anaesthesia for patients as a result of having two senior surgeons operating either simultaneously or assisting each other. Insured patients being managed for breast cancer are billed at “known gap” rates making an episode of care more affordable, particularly as many families struggle with the increasing cost of living. Other highly skilled members of our multidisciplinary breast oncology team include medical oncologists, radiotherapists, specialist pathologists, radiologists, operating room, ward and clinic nurses.

Elective breast surgery can be offered using our combined expertise such as breast reduction, breast implant revision and in some cases removal, often in patients seeking a complete capsulectomy as well as mastopexy. We aim to optimise the aesthetic outcome, minimise the risk of complications and manage any complications promptly and well. Our fees are set to be as affordable as possible in the current market. Our practice manager Meghan welcomes telephone enquiries and is happy to discuss costs for both insured and self-funding uninsured patients seeking private hospital care.

View Assoc Prof Bruce Johnstone CV here.