Plastic, Skin & Breast Surgery in Ireland
Plastic and reconstructive surgery repairs and restores the body after cancer, injury or illness. It covers breast surgery and reconstruction, removal of skin lesions and skin cancers, skin grafts, pilonidal sinus surgery and hand reconstruction. It's about function and recovery, not cosmetic change.
Plastic, Skin & Breast Surgery procedures we cover
Every guide includes public waiting times, private costs in Ireland, and the EU Cross-Border option reimbursed by the HSE.
Breast Surgery & Reconstruction
Breast surgery treats breast cancer and other breast conditions, from removing a lump to mastectomy. Breast reconstruction rebuilds the breast using an…
Hand Reconstruction
Hand reconstruction repairs injured tendons, nerves, bones and joints and treats conditions such as Dupuytren's contracture and trigger finger. Most hand operations…
Pilonidal Sinus Surgery
Pilonidal sinus surgery treats a small tunnel in the skin at the top of the buttock crease that can repeatedly become infected.…
Skin Grafts
A skin graft moves healthy skin from one part of your body to cover a wound that can't close on its own,…
Skin Lesion & Skin Cancer Removal
Skin lesion removal cuts out moles, cysts, lumps and skin cancers under local anaesthetic, usually as a quick day case. The removed…
Have your surgery in weeks, not years
Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, you can be treated in an accredited EU/EEA hospital and claim the cost back from the HSE — with a GP or consultant referral.
Check whether you qualify and what you'd get back.
*Reimbursement is capped at the cost of the same treatment in the Irish public health system. Travel, accommodation and any balance above the HSE rate are not covered. Pre-authorisation applies to treatment involving an overnight hospital stay.
Reconstructive, not cosmetic
In the public system, plastic surgery is reconstructive: rebuilding the breast after cancer, removing skin cancers, closing wounds, treating burns and restoring hand function. Purely cosmetic procedures aren’t provided by the HSE and aren’t covered by the Cross-Border Directive.
Skin cancer is common in Ireland, and suspicious moles or lesions are prioritised. Other procedures, such as removing benign skin lumps or some breast and hand operations, may involve a wait.
Your options
You can be treated publicly with a GP referral, privately in Ireland, or in another EU country under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, claiming back up to the Irish public cost for treatment the HSE would provide. Day case skin and hand procedures usually don’t need prior authorisation, while breast reconstruction and other overnight procedures do.
Breast cancer surgery and reconstruction are best coordinated by your Irish breast cancer team, as surgery is usually one part of a wider treatment plan.
Questions about plastic, skin & breast surgery
Is plastic surgery covered by the HSE?
Reconstructive plastic surgery, such as after cancer, injury or burns, is covered. Cosmetic surgery is not.
When should I get a mole checked?
See your GP if a mole changes in size, shape or colour, bleeds or itches, or if you notice a new or unusual spot that doesn't heal.
Can I have reconstructive surgery abroad?
Yes, provided it is a treatment the HSE would provide in Ireland, you have a referral, and it is carried out in a public or private healthcare provider in another EU/EEA country. You pay upfront and claim back up to the Irish public cost. Travel and accommodation are not covered. Cosmetic procedures aren't eligible.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. You'll need a GP referral to see a public plastic surgeon or dermatologist, and a referral is required for cross-border reimbursement.
Is breast reduction available publicly?
Only in limited circumstances where there's a clear medical need, and access varies. Cosmetic breast surgery isn't covered.