OTTAWA'S TRUSTED PLASTIC SURGEON

Trefor Nodwell

MD CM, FRCSC



Book your consultation

“We don’t decide the body we are born with, but we can choose the body we live with.”

My Philosophy on Medical Care

The practice of medicine is technical, and one of the biggest hurdles of modern medicine is the huge divide that exists between how a medical professional communicates medical information and how a patient understands that information.

It goes without saying that I take every possible step toward providing my patients with state-of-the-art care, but if I had a "surgeon superpower," it would be my ability to avoid complicated medical jargon and explain complex surgical concepts in a language you can understand.

Every patient deserves to have a consultation that makes them feel comfortable, a space to share personal details about their lives, maybe even their fears and anxieties about the idea of aesthetic treatment. Some physicians and surgeons don’t consider these details necessary; but, when it comes to how I choose to practice medicine, these details are essential to understanding how best to serve each patient.

If I can’t take a moment to listen to you explain your concerns about surgical complications and long-term risks, understand how you hope to be more confident and positive every day of your life, or have an honest dialogue about how to achieve the aesthetic goals you have set for yourself, then I really cannot provide you with the best possible care.

I always tell my colleagues that I really dislike it when doctors speak over patients, but if there’s anything I cannot stand, it is when doctors speak down to them. It’s important that the people who come into my office know I care about them as more than just potential patients.

Each patient is a complex individual with an equally complex life, and your aesthetic treatment is just a small part of your story. My goal as a plastic surgeon is to make that part as positive and as supportive as possible.

“If I had a “surgeon superpower,” it would be my ability to translate complicated medical and surgical ideas into understandable concepts for my patients.”



Begin your journey today

The Nodwell Experience

Passion

Ever since I was young, I’ve had a drive and motivation to figure out just how far I could push myself. I was ambitious in my youth, pushing my limits to learn about new topics and continuing that endeavour well into adulthood. This quality, this desire to continue to become better every day, has helped me become a plastic surgeon who provides powerful results for my clients. My passion for aesthetic surgery has never been stronger than it is today. The best result is what YOU deserve.

Let’s see just how far we can go.

The Nodwell Experience

Skills

Expert in customized body contouring procedures that combine liposculpting and advanced techniques to remove, reshape, and reposition tissue
Strong understanding of proportion, silhouette, and flow; applied throughout every step of the surgical journey to enhance aesthetic harmony
Extensive experience in breast reconstruction, with the ability to adapt reconstructive techniques for cosmetic breast enhancement
Earned membership in the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS), a recognition of experience, ethics, and excellence in cosmetic surgery

The Nodwell Experience

Curriculum Vitae

McGill University — Medical School, Class of 1999 (Dean’s Honour List, Top 10%)
Dalhousie University — Plastic Surgery Residency, completed 2004
University of British Columbia — Fellowship in Microsurgery & Advanced Reconstructive Techniques (Breast), completed 2010
University of Toronto — Fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, completed 2011
Queensway Carleton Hospital — Medical Staff, 2005 to present‍
The Ottawa Clinic — Co-founded in 2012; expanded into current clinic in 2019

My Personal Life

As a child, I was always compelled to figure out just how much I could learn or achieve. I wanted to learn about topics that weren’t taught to me in school, read the Time Life Nature Library, with its incredible pictures of the North Pole, paragraphs on the mysteries of the Atlantic Ocean, and pages dedicated to the inner workings of the human body. There wasn’t a week that went by that I didn’t stare up at my parents’ bookshelves and take down a volume.

Although I can’t remember it, I have old friends who tell me that I’ve been saying I wanted to be a doctor since the fourth grade. The story sounds even more farfetched because, according to them, I was even more specific: I wanted to be a surgeon.

Fast-forward to today, and it looks like fourth-grade me would be pretty excited about where we landed—and I have to say, I am, too. Getting to work with people and helping them achieve their aesthetic goals every day is the most fulfilled I believe I could be in a professional setting.

I am lucky enough to have married Jillian, a dermatologic surgeon, and even luckier that we have had two amazing children together, Berkley and Wilder. I thought Jillian and I were busy while they were little kids, but now that they’re teenagers, we have homework, school projects, basketball, art class—a beautiful, grounded family life. Our days start early. When I’m not operating, we’re up at 5am to go to the gym, then back to the house just after 7am, and out the door by 8:15am. On days I’m in the OR, I get to "sleep in" until 6am!

My Commitment to Ottawa

While Montreal and Vancouver had established reputations in cosmetic surgery, I saw the unrealized potential right here in Ottawa and always wondered why our nation's capital didn’t have a nationally recognized plastic surgery center.

In 2011, this vision began taking shape as I developed plans for The Ottawa Clinic. By 2012, we were operational, and in 2020, we launched an evolved version of our clinic that more closely aligns with our office’s mission. This hasn't just been about building my own practice—it's about creating a destination where patients from Ottawa know they can receive world-class care.

Ottawa's Trusted Plastic Surgeon

My Professional Achievements

Co-founder of The Ottawa Clinic

Plastic Surgery Residency
Dalhousie University, graduated 2004

Additional Specialized Training
University of British Columbia, 2010
_{Microsurgery and Advanced Plastic Surgical Techniques (Breast)}‍

Additional Specialized Training
University of Toronto, 2011
_{Aesthetic Plastic Surgery}

Governor General’s Medal (x2)
High School and CEGEP College

‍^{Highest Academic Achievement • Dr. Nodwell graduated on the Dean’s Honour List.}

Member, CSAPS
Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hear from Dr. Nodwell's Patients

Dr. Nodwell and his staff are fantastic . I had breast reduction done and everybody was so caring, professional and knowledgeable. I had fantastic care and follow-up appointments were done on the spotI really had the best experience. I would always recommend doctor Nodwell for any plastic surgery for sure.Thank you all so much.

‍

I had a great experience with Dr Nodwell and all of his staff. Dr Nodwell was very professional and down to earth from the beginning to the end. He explained every step of my breast reduction surgery to me and what to expect. He was always open to any questions I had. Any interactions I had with his office were always meet with the greatest of care, especially from Emily, who was always such a pleasure to deal with. She was the best! I was very impressed with the care I received with Dr. Nodwell and all of his people.

My 32ddds never seemed crazy huge, but the sag caused me rashes that had me scratch so badly I’d bleed. Decided to check with a PS to see what could be done. Found Dr. Nodwell on Google reviews and this site. Liked him immediately.Hadn’t planned on leaving a review, but this site was so helpful to me, figured I’d pay it forward.We did a small reduction, lift with axillary liposuction, and I’m really thrilled with the result.Dr. Nodwell was a pro, made me feel comfortable they the process and did great work. His assistant Emily was gracious with all my questions and quick to respond.This pic is 2 weeks post recovery...obviously, some healing to go and a proper after picture is a couple of months away, but almost no bruising left and the girls are back in their rightful place. I’m looking like I’ll settle in at a 32d. I’m 50, 5’7 and about 140 pounds.First few days were sore from the lipo, and that’s still a bit tender but otherwise, just a bit tired. Ready to get back to work and light cardio!Would recommend the procedure and Dr. Nodwell and his team in a heartbeat.Looking forward to shopping for tank tops and bathing suits!

I couldn’t be happier to do my gynecomastia surgery with Dr.Nodwell and his staff. I had 3 consultations with other surgeons, and no one came close to Dr.Nodwell’s knowledge, and communication. First off, He’s so friendly, chill and reassuring. He’s always making sure your concerns and thoughts are heard and addressed. With the being said if you’re looking for a doctor in the Ottawa area that can give you the best results possible for a gyno surgery it’s Dr.Nodwell and his excellent staff.

Dr. Nodwell performed liposcution of my upper and lower abdominals, bra roll, banana roll and inner and outer thighs. My surgery was performed under general anaesthesia at the Carleton Place Hospital. I couldn't be happier with the kindness, knowledge, and sensitivity shown by Dr. Nodwell, all the Carleton Place OR and after care staff and all the support staff and the Ottawa Clinic. Although I am only two weeks into my healing, I am already seeing results. I am confident that I will have the results that years of exercise couldn't achieve. I imagine that I will trust Dr. Nodwell with any of my future aesthetic needs.

I had full body liposuction (waist, inner and outer thighs, tummy, buttocks, back and bra roll) in December 2016. The initial recovery was long, but not overly painful. Dr. Nodwell was upfront about the swelling I would expect and that it would take up to year to see the final results. I am over the two year mark now and I have never felt so confident in my own skin. I had always been physically active but I had gained weight due to poor life choices (too much alcohol) and hormonal changes. Sincer recovery from surgery, I have quit drinking alcohol and I am back to doing the physical activities I love. I have no regrets getting surgery and it has allowed me to make more positive changes in my life in order to keep the results.

I started seeing Dr. Nodwell around 4 years ago, for baby botox. He listened to what I was looking to achieve - a natural refreshed look - and took the time to walk me through what would work best for me, the process, and he made me feel extremely comfortable. I have always been incredibly happy with my botox results!Then, in 2019 we did a second consult for an abdominoplasty! I have two children, was “all belly” and my former 21” waist was stretched beyond natural repair. I am petite and athletic, but the harder I worked out, the worse my abdomen would look which was incredibly frustrating. I had already grown to know and trust Dr. Nodwell through my botox appointments, which really helped me make the decision to finally proceed with my abdominoplasty after 15 years of dreaming about it. I also had him remove a bony growth on my forehead while I was under.Long story short, my only regret is not proceeding with the abdominoplasty sooner, I am absolutely thrilled with my results, and Dr. Nodwell and his staff were a dream through it all.

Dr Nodwell is the best of the best! I had an extended abdominoplasty after losing a large amount of weight and I couldn’t be happier. Dr Nodwell is extremely informative, understanding and has the most amazing bed side manner. You can tell he’s passionate about what he does and truly cares for his patients. I am IN LOVE with my new body!!

From my first visit to Dr.Nodwell, to my final visit 3 months after my facelift, he has provided me with exceptional, kind, and empathetic attention. He always took the time to explain every step of the way, and for that l will be forever grateful. My facelift is fabulous, and no words can convey my sincere thanks to him for giving me back my life. I now look like l feel. His staff, Crystal and Hannah, were also terrific. I would highly recommend Dr. Nodwell and his team in a heartbeat for any cosmetic treatment you might want. They are beyond superb!

Had a gynemocastia due to extreme diabling pain. Right from the start, he was honest, very clear in explaining everything to me. Put me right at ease. It really is only about your health with him. Very knowledgeable and professional. I am only one week post op: I will let you know final results, but so far, everything looks good, no major issues, healing as predicted. Doc has great staff too - they are attentive and quick to respond, especially Emily, who I found very sincere and caring! Definitely recommend Dr Nodwell.





Leave us a review

