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Leading surgeon mourned - 21 May 2008

The world of cosmetic surgery is today in shock at the sudden death of one of the leading lights in facial surgery in the UK, following the discovery of the body of Martin Kelly at his home in London. Mr. Kelly, who was in his early 40s, is suspected to have suffered a heart attack, and could not be revived by paramedics or doctors at the nearby Chelsea and Westminster hospital.

Dubbed the ‘king of rhinoplasty’ for his work in reconstructing the noses of celebrities following the ravages of drug abuse, Kelly was also an expert in the field of facial reconstruction, and traveled the world presenting his work and studies to other surgeons. He also set up a charitable organisation to treat children from poor countries with severe facial deformity.

It is his work with celebrities, however, that will be remembered the most, and he is widely credited with rebuilding the nose of socialite and reformed cocaine addict Tara Palmer-Tomkinson.

Educated in Paris and Winchester, Mr. Kelly studied medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School before further training in Oxford and New York. At the time of his death, Mr. Kelly was a consultant plastic surgeon at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

Mr. Kelly was a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). BAAPS President Douglas McGeorge said today, “At BAAPS we are shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely death of Martin Kelly – an extremely well-known and respected plastic surgeon. His is a great loss to the surgical community, his colleagues and patients alike. Our thoughts are with his family.”

He was also part of London Plastic Surgery Associates (LPSA), a private practice of London-based cosmetic surgeons. A statement from the LPSA said: "The partners and staff of LPSA are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of our colleague Martin Kelly who collapsed at his home and died suddenly last night.

"He was a gifted plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a dynamic member of our practice, a devoted husband and father to his family and a dear friend and colleague to us."

Martin Kelly is survived by his wife, actress Natascha McElhone, who was returning from filming in Los Angeles last night, along with the couple’s two young children.

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