Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS

REVIEWER:

At the time of my surgery one year year ago I was 72 years old. My health is good and body weight is normal for my height. I have had a lifelong interest in sports and maintain a good level of fitness.

SURGICAL PROCEDURES:

Deep plane face lift, deep neck reduction surgery, and blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery, all completed as one surgical operation.

REASON FOR REVIEW:

Prior to making the decision to proceed with cosmetic surgery, I found the first person reviews on realself to be a valuable resource for understanding procedures, recovery time, possible problems and ratings of cosmetic surgeons and staff. I hope in turn this review may be of benefit to others, women and particularly middle aged or older men who may be the most hesitant demographic for cosmetic procedures ( Specialising only in cosmetic facial surgery with significant long-term experience > Globally renowned as an innovator and teaching authority in the latest deep plane facelift, deep plane necklift and eyelid (blepharoplasty) surgical procedures, with regular visiting international observers and vital information exchange with leading practitioners worldwide> Openness in all aspects of the procedures discussed, including any unexpected issues and expected recovery time based on the actual experience and feedback of patients.

PROCEDURES AND RECOVERY - DEEP PLANE FACE LIFT, DEEP NECK REDUCTION SURGERY, AND BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID) SURGERY:

Much of the information can be seen on the Dominic Bray website and descriptions below are brief. Points below relate to my surgery and depending on individuals and requirements may differ. Please feel free to contact me directly on this Realself website if you may have specific questions.

> Time in surgery:In my case, around 4.5 hours

> Anaesthesia:No recollection, but it's termed "Twilight" because it is just short of full anaesthesia

> Recovery directly after surgery: Azara has a recovery room which could be a room in a 5 star hotel. Following facial surgery I was given Panadol for pain and had to rest reclined upward in bed. There is a night nurse on call all night. The face is bandaged and only liquids can be taken.

> The days immediately after surgery:I stayed in a hotel nearby and slept in a reclined position over 10 days with a visit to Azara each day for inspection and removal of bandages, then stitches. Patients from the UK of course spend that time at home.

> Pain:There was no real pain in the days following surgery. Initially some discomfort and stiffness of the jaw, both of which receded in the following recovery days.

> Loss of feeling:The area around the ears and directly below on the cheeks were completely numb after surgery. As the nerve endings reconnected over time the feeling returned. Now, after a year, my face has full feeling again, with almost full feeling (95%) on the incision areas around the ears. 

CONCLUSION:

Dr. Bray and staff delivered an excellent result for me. I was very pleased with the process, service and ultimately the final outcome. It has made a huge difference for me personally . The entire process was as smooth as I may have hoped for with a minimum of discomfort. The quality of his surgery and the pre- and post-surgery care from all nursing staff at Azara was at the highest level. All nursing, management and reception staff operated in concert to ensure the patient fully understands the procedures, what to reasonably expect post-operation, without minimization of any potential risks or discomfort, and how to assist recuperation and healing once back at home. All follow-up contact has been thorough and attentive. It has been one year since surgery and I could not be more pleased with the result. It is exactly as I had hoped for with not even an in-grown hair to spoil the picture. I regularly attend a Dermatologist in Germany for check-ups and he said: "I have seen many facelifts in my time and yours is one of the best." I can recommend Dr. Dominic Bray and his expert staff at Azara without reservation for a world-class cosmetic result.• • • • •

Beautiful result. What I loved the most about Dr Bray was his artistic eye, unlike other surgeons I had seen he really was interested about making the most of my features and creating symmetry. The clinic in Tunbridge Wells is friendly and welcoming and the facilities top notch. Absolutely loved the staff and Dr Bray is a lovely, kind person who you could not help but have 100% faith in. I have my facelift, lateral brow lift, lip lift and platysmaplasty (neck lift) in 2021 and it still looks amazing in 2024. You can see my results on face_n_lip_lou
I'm totally over the moon!! Thank you to this talented doctor and his wonderful team.

I had an upper blepharoplasty with Dominic Bray in October 2021 and I am very happy with the experience and outcome.

I went to see Dominic in May 2021 because I wanted to have a facelift with him, he advised against this and said it was too soon for me and better I wait a few more years (I am 42 years old). He said the one thing that would make a difference for my face was doing an upper blepharoplasty only, I think he was very right and I am very grateful for his approach and honesty.

Dominic is very friendly and approachable, he makes you feel as if he actually cares about you and so does his entire team. I think he is a genuinely nice person. The procedure is really straightforward, it takes 30 mins and it's not painful, I went home directly after, no pain. The stitches were removed after 4 days, I obviously had some swelling and bruising but I went out in public after 5-6 days, it was all completely gone after 14 days. The scars faded quickly and are now barely visible at all. I am very happy with the result, it has really made a massive difference and I am no longer in a rush to lift my face.

I came to Dominic because I had read good reviews and I knew that he only does facelifts which in my mind makes him more specialised. I am of Asian descent and I had previously had an unsatisfactory outcome doing a blepharoplasty procedure on my aging eyes so I was slightly wary. I didn't have any wrinkles or crepey skin but I have thick skin and incredibly low pain tolerance. I am almost 6 months post-op now and I can confirm that he is the doctor you should go to.
Dominic did a fantastic job with my buccal fat removal and manipulating my browlift to help make my previous problematic blepharoplasty not so ugly. The best thing was that he gave me a neck! My neck is beautiful and tight and looks incredibly natural. I still cannot believe how he gave me a neck after over 40 years of not really having one. My jawline was a lovely V shape until the 3rd month I think and then I developed little bumps on my jowls where he said he had to do cut and resew to my muscles. I am hoping it will disappear soon as my jaw is now more of a U shape. I guess I am getting greedy as I had already seen what it would look like as a V shape! I am still incredibly amazed at how he turned my very shapeless face into one with more contours. He really is amazing.I also have to add that his staff are just as wonderful. Linda helped to make the whole process completely painless and was so supportive. Darren was super understanding and so helpful when I had so many questions. They really are an amazing team and go above and beyond. They also have fantastic personalities so the feel-good vibe is there as soon as you enter the Tunbridge Wells office.I have had other surgeries before but I like (which was different from other places I have been to) was the way the package you pay for is fully transparent. Darren makes a whole schedule of what you will get and when and you are also given leaflets about suggestions before and after surgery. I was given medication well in advance which helped me to be prepared and following the surgery, I had a skin consultation and regime to complement my facelift. The one-night stay on-site in Tunbridge Wells was easy and luxurious and I felt safe knowing that medical staff were there for the whole 24 hours after the surgery just in case. The whole journey was definitely worth it and I feel so grateful to Dominic and his team for such a great experience. If I ever have to have a revision in the future when I am much older, I will definitely be coming back to Dominic.

I’ve decided to leave this review, as I didn’t see many reviews for smaller procedures with Dr Bray, and it would have helped me a lot when when researching. It has now been a full year since my Upper Blephoroplasty, so I had the time to fully heal and reflect on the results. In short, I love the results and wish I had done this sooner.
A bit of background about me, I’m 34 years old now (33 at surgery time), and while I don’t have major age-related sagging, I’ve always had genetic hooded eyes. While I think hooded eyes can look beautiful on some people, I felt they made me look grumpy and tired, and felt heavy.
My experience with Dr Bray and his staff has been nothing but amazing. Everyone is very friendly and professional. Dominic’s bedside manner is very pleasant, he truly is a kind and caring surgeon, and I felt he had my best interests in mind as he tried to talk me out of the surgery!
As for my results, they look subtle and natural, yet I definitely see a difference, which is exactly what I wanted. A year on, I have no lasting side effects from the surgery, and the scars are completely invisible. Apart from the initial swelling and bruising, I experienced dry eyes for around 3 months, which is not ideal when you have to work at a computer all day, but can be remedied with eye drops.

I initially had a facelift and necklift done in 2015 by a different surgeon and I was left experiencing tight pulling sensations 4 years on from surgery. I met with Dominic Bray in London and we discussed what this could be causing this and so I decided to go ahead and have one of his facelift /necklift with also at the same time investigating what was wrong. I had provided results of an MRI which indicated that there was indeed something to find. I went ahead and had surgery at his Tunbridge Wells Clinic (which is Beautiful and more like a top class hotel). Surgery went well and I stayed the night at the clinic being monitored by a nurse and lots of ice packs . I had my hair washed in the morning then saw Dominic to be checked over and then went back to the house I rented in tunbridge wells . I had decided to stay in the area for a week until my next appointment for stitches removal . It was discovered that there was scar tissue causing my problems which had stuck to tissue and this was all released and re draped into a better position. My previous scaring on the outside I hadn’t thought was too bad , but my new scar lines are actually invisible and much better . I also had a messy area under the chin in the throat area , I had a dent and hanging skin. This is now all smooth from my new surgery. My earlobes are now back to normal as I had the pixie ears from my first facelift. My symptoms of tightness and pulling are much improved, not gone away but A lot better . I would highly recommend Dominic and his staff if you are considering any facial surgery. My only regret is not using him in the first place . He is not the cheapest surgeon but my previous surgery was less expensive but look where that got me. I had already had a revision surgery with my first surgeon and then he retired and didn’t want to know . I would definitely use Dominic Bray again if I needed anything in the future . The staff and care are excellent. The picture is me about a month after surgery , I was 51 years old at the time.

After being impressed by Dominic’s website and reading lots of reviews on here, I phoned to make an appointment with Dominic. Darren, his PA, was very helpful and put me at my ease straight away. He asked me to send through some photos so Dominic could see roughly what would need doing and give me an idea of cost before I drove all the way to Tunbridge Wells. I booked a consultation for 3 weeks time.
The day dawned and, I’m not sure why, but I was apprehensive. The staff were all very welcoming and the clinic is beautiful. I met with Dominic and he was relaxed and professional. He talked me through everything. Showed me lots of before/after photos and some video of procedures taking place. I was able to voice all my concerns and came away feeling reassured.
I have now booked my procedure. My preferred date was taken by the time I called so I’m now booked in in 3 weeks time! I’m apprehensive and excited at the same time. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and I can’t quite believe that I’m going ahead with it.
I intend to keep this page updated as I go through as I’ve read a few people’s reviews like that and i found it very helpful.
Fingers crossed.

Updated on 26 Jul 2019:
Thank you all for your comments and wishes.
I had the procedure done on Tuesday and we are now Friday, so day 3.
I had quite a lot of anxiety on the day but worked to keep myself calm. The team were all super friendly, welcoming and reassuring. Although they do this day in and day out, they still manage to make you feel as though you count and you are their only concern. Dominic’s enthusiasm is infectious.
Everything went very speedily and efficiently from arrival to surgery. Although I was only sedated and not under a general anaesthetic, my strongest memory of the procedure was Adele playing quite loudly - Skyfall, i think! It apparently took 4 hours but I must have slept as it didn’t seem that long at all.
I didn’t sleep hardly at all that night but sat up constantly icing my face and watching tv in my suite. Room is lovely by the way, with everything you need.
Wednesday morning, bandages were removed by Dominic and he took photos. Linda, the nurse rinsed my hair and I was ready to leave by 11.
Since then, the swelling has been fairly uncomfortable and sleep has been on and off. Eating is difficult beyond anything mushy or liquid. It’s just a matter of being patient, persevering with the ice and the paracetamol. The boost comes every time I look in the mirror at my lovely jawline (ignoring the swelling and black eyes!).
My experience so far with Dominic and his team has been nothing but positive. From my first enquiry, my consultation, pre surgery, surgery and post surgery. I still have a long way to go with my recovery but, even as it is now, I’m absolutely loving it and 100% think it is worth the money and discomfort. SHOW LESS

Updated on 2 Aug 2019:
Hi there everyone.
On Wednesday 31st July, I went for my one week review. My stitches were removed and Dominic lasered the bruises under my eyes in order to help with the healing process. The swelling is reducing nicely. Still quite an alien look to me but I think that is because there is still swelling at my temples. There is also still swelling at the sides of my neck and a little at the front. I think that is why my mouth looks a little ‘pulled’ but I’m hoping that will all settle down soon.
The first week has been tough but Dominic has been texting me throughout to check how I am. He asked for an update photo and has been supportive and encouraging all the way.
I’m starting to feel almost human again now. The tightness has reduced but it is still there. I’m still on Paracetamol every 4 hours. Eating is still not easy or very enjoyable, however it is a relief to be back to a normal diet. On the up side, I think I’ve lost a few pounds so that is always a bonus.
I haven’t ventured out of the house yet, apart from the visit to the clinic. That is mainly because of my black eyes. My husband is returning from an overseas trip today though, so I may get the concealer out and manage a glass of wine this evening. I’m going slightly stir crazy couped up in the house.
My next check up will be at 4 weeks, so I will post the updates then.
Many thanks for your comments and support.

Updated on 7 Aug 2019:
Just thought I’d post a few photos to show you where I am now.
As you can see, the black eyes are very improved but still there. I am able to cover them with makeup to go out. There is also still a bit of bruising on my neck. There is still swelling at my temples and around my neck. I’m very pleased with the stitching though. It’s quite amazing how quickly it’s disappearing.
There is still a lot of tightness around my neck and some aching around the backs of my ears so I’m still taking Paracetamol but not so often.
I still sleep propped up but not so upright as I was. I am managing to get through the night now.
Eating is fine though I haven’t tried anything too chewy, like steak, though it would likely be fine.
I’ve been out with my husband but, because of the black eye, I’ve avoided people I know, so far. So I haven’t had any reactions yet. I am due to have dinner with my 2 London based sons for the first time tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see their reactions. They do know I’ve had it done. I haven’t told any but my closest family. I’m due back at work on Monday and I’m nervous about them all thinking I look different. I’m hoping they will just think I look a bit slimmer and refreshed. I think I will also post a photo I took the other night when we were going out, hair down and glasses on and see what you all think? Really appreciate all your comments.

Updated on 5 Sep 2019:
Hi there,
It’s now 6 weeks since I had my op and I went to see Dominic yesterday for my check up. Apparently all going to plan and he is happy. He still feels I have some minor swelling and that the look will continue to improve.
As for me, I’m getting on with things. Life has gone back to normal. I can still feel a little tightness and there is a lot of numbness but I’m totally used to the way it feels now. The only discomfort I get is the swelling at my right temple which pulses slightly and is very annoying.
No one has noticed the change at all. I have only had 1 comment, (my daughter’s ex boyfriend asked her if I’d lost weight) other than that - nothing at all. People really haven’t registered a difference. I can’t lie, a few more admiring comments would have been nice, but ultimately, I feel so much better and my confidence has been boosted. I went on a trip to Marbella with my 18 year old daughter last week, and where I usually feel like her saggy old mum, I felt i just looked like an older version of her - without the saggy!!
I have now started a prescription based skin care regime, which is part of the package with Dominic, that helps to repair skin damage and even out skin tone. So I’m looking forward to seeing the progress of that.
I’m so happy I had this done and would recommend it, particularly with Dominic Bray, to anyone and everyone who is unhappy with the way their face looks.

Updated on 6 Sep 2019:
I am 6 weeks down the line from face, neck and eyebrow lift with Dominic. I am so thrilled with the results already and each week my face and jaw line just get better and better.
The scars are rapidly disappearing and I already wear my hair up when I go out without fear of anyone noticing.
Dominic and his team are amazingly professional and caring and friendly. They make you feel at ease from the moment you make the call for your consultation.
Dominic’s passion and enthusiasm for what he does is infectious. 
I never doubted I was in the right hands. I felt safe and confident from the start.

Updated on 24 Nov 2019:
All going well at 3 months. I now feel as though I’ve always looked this way. Couldn’t be more satisfied with my choice of Dominic Bray as my consultant or with the results. Good luck to anyone just starting out on this path. Stick with it. It will all be worth it in the end.

I had my Facelift done on 10 January this year. I cannot more highly recommend Mr Bray and his team. Today was my last checkup and the results are truly amazing. Dominic is professional to the highest standard, yet when you meet the team it feels like your being taken care by family. The Clinic in Tunbridge Wells is exceptional but also quite and discreet. Your only regret could be that you do not visit Mr Bray before you decide. As you don’t yet know what your expectations should be without knowing what they can be.

I would just like to share with everyone who is considering a face lift, my experience with Dominic Bray.
I decided to have a face and neck lift in October 2018 and began my research. I used this site but also the main surgeons websites to get an understanding of the procedures used. I was immediately attracted to Dominic because he had multiple views of faces he had worked on, from immediately after surgery up to a year post. I also liked the idea that I didn’t have to have a general anaesthetic. Dominic only does facial plastic surgery and nothing else, which I think is a good thing. He has carried out over 1000 face lifts!
I made an appointment to see him and he advised what I should have based on my concerns. He’s a really lovely guy and so reassuring.
I booked my surgery for January 2019.
The clinic in Tunbridge Wells has its own operating theatre, overnight accommodation with a nurse on hand all night.
I was awake during the surgery but very drowsy and felt absolutely nothing. I had no idea of time but it took about 4 hours apparently. After the surgery I went to my room with ice packs. It was a difficult week I cannot lie with little sleep to begin with and constant application of ice to reduced the swelling but by the time I went back for my first week review and stitch removal, I felt fine.
I was still swollen and a bit lop sided but with very little bruising and could see it was fantastic. As the weeks went on and the swelling went down and the skin softened up, I was just thrilled. The scaring at 3 months is practically invisible and I wear my hair up or behind my ears most of the time. I got just what I wanted. I look so much like me, my son, whom I hadn’t seen for 2 months, didn’t even notice I’d had a face lift! I look like the younger, fresher version of me. People who don’t know about my surgery but see me often have commented on how well I look and have said ‘I’m glowing’. I had a small problem with one of the internal stitches which my body decided it didn’t like. Dominic performed a small surgery under local anaesthetic, cutting around the bottom of my ear again to remove the stitch and scar tissue. This completely sorted the problem and you would never know he had done it. I have to say the attention to detail in the stitches is amazing, you just can’t see the scars. I’m so impressed with this man and I can’t promote his genius enough. I just love what he has done and I can have photos taken with confidence now.
The team are also amazing and so caring. Thank you all for what had been initially the scariest but best decision of my life. I have absolutely no regrets at all and would gladly recommend this fantastic surgeon.

Updated on 11 Jul 2019:
I have just got married and I am so please with my wedding photos. I had reached that stage where I hated all photos of me because of my sagging neck and jowls but I have a jaw line now and it makes such a difference!

Updated on 22 Jul 2019:
A couple of shots from a recent photo shoot. I’m loving my jaw line and I just don’t feel 55 any more. I haven’t liked photos of me for years but I don’t have to feel concerned any more when someone gets the camera out. Dominic Bray has made such a difference to my life and he’s done such a good job, it’s so natural. It’s all I hoped for and more.

Difficult to be able to write a review about domonic in 200 words.!!
‘Genius’ springs to mind - without a doubt , an expert in his field of facial surgery.
A total perfectionist who works extremely hard to restore a ‘natural look’.
He is super friendly and at no stage do you feel that he has anything other than your best interest at heart. I am certain in saying if domonic feels surgery is not required , he will be honest and ask you to reconsider.

The experience from start to finish was amazing in every way.
Domonic , Jilly, Darren and Rebecca looked after me so well and even in the early days, soon after surgery, the way I was looked after was so supportive. Nothing was ever too much trouble.

The clinic is possibly the most luxurious you will find and adds to the overall experience. Like a 5 star hotel.

If ever I should opt for future facial procedures , there is ONLY one surgeon to go to - DOMONIC BRAY.!