Reconstructive Procedures

Reconstructive plastic surgery uses specialised techniques to restore normal appearance and function to structures of the body affected by trauma, disease, birth defects or cancer.

After any surgery, trauma or strain our your body, there can be damage caused that negatively affects its appearance and functions. These defects may also be natural or birth defects.

In this event, reconstructive surgery stands as a means to correct the damage caused, going a long way to returning you to your natural figure, improving your health, and returning your confidence and ease of living. Reconstructive may not only be cosmetic, but beneficial to your health and well-being as well, especially in the aftermath of major surgery.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure to restore the breast, or parts of it, after the removal of breast tissue. During surgery, I will rebuild and reshape the breast and match it to the size of your other breast. It can be performed using breast implants or flap surgery, which uses tissue from a hidden spot on your body such as the tummy, back, buttocks or inner thigh.

Is it right for me?

Yes, if you’re a breast cancer survivor and have undergone a mastectomy (the surgical removal of breast tissue) or require a reconstruction at the time of your breast cancer surgery. The procedure aims to give you natural-looking breasts to improve your quality of life. The choice of technique is influenced by your personal preference, body shape and size, overall health and type of mastectomy.

What can I expect?

Each reconstructive technique has its own benefits, possible side effects and recovery times. These will be thoroughly discussed with you at your consultation. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you like to make you feel at ease.

How is the surgery performed?

Under general anaesthesia, with between one and five nights in hospital needed.

How do I know if I have skin cancer?

Skin cancer is more common than you think. Skin cancers include Melanoma and Non-melanoma skin cancers namely Basal Cell Carcinoma (on the innermost layer of the epidermis) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (the upper layers of the skin). Early detection is essential to managing skin cancer. If you notice a new skin lesion, or see a change within a lesion such as asymmetry, irregularity of shape or colour, enlargement or non-healing this may indicate malignant change and the need for medical diagnosis and treatment from a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. Early detection of skin cancer allows for early treatment.

What can I expect?

Treatment for skin lesions will depend on the type of skin lesion, and the cause of the condition and your overall health. The quickest way to treat a skin lesion is surgical removal.

How is the surgery performed?

Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic with or without sedation. One overnight stay is sometimes needed.

What is Eyelid Reconstruction?

Eyelid reconstruction uses specialised reconstructive plastic surgery techniques to restore the form and function of your eyelids.

Is it for me?

Reconstruction of the eyelid may be necessary following the removal of skin cancer on the eyelid, after trauma or a congenital defect.

What can I expect?

Eyelid reconstruction is performed under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic depending on the length and complexity of the surgery. It aims to give you functional, normal-looking eyelids, and to improve your quality of life after disease or trauma of the eyelid.

What is Nasal Reconstruction?

Nasal reconstruction is the surgical restoration of the appearance and function of the nose.

Is it right for me?

If you’ve suffered trauma of the nose, a birth defect or cancer, nasal reconstruction may be an option for you. Restoration of the normal form and function of the nose after disease or trauma can help you get back to your normal day-to-day life with confidence.

What can I expect?

Nasal reconstruction can be performed using a variety of specialised techniques depending on the underlying problem. It will be done under general anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic with or without sedation, based on your condition and preference.

What is scar management?

It is impossible to accurately predict how a person will scar. Scarring is the normal result of the healing process and all incisions will result in a permanent scar. Fortunately there are a few procedures that can be done to minimise scars.

Problematic scars include the following types: Atrophic – these are thinned out, widened and pale; Hypertrophic – dense overgrown fibrous tissue, often itchy and reddish; Keloid – dense overgrown fibrous tissue which grows beyond the original wound; Contracted scar – tight scar which limits movement; Acne scars – deep pits or angular scars caused by acne.

What can I expect?

Problematic scars may be improved using simple treatments like scar taping, massage and silicone gel or non-surgical procedures such as Microneedling and Fillers. But if more severe, scar revision surgery with specialised wound closure techniques may be needed. Scar revision surgery cannot erase a scar completely but can improve the appearance of a scar.

What is Microsurgery?

Microsurgery is a highly specialised procedure in which a microscope, specialised instruments, and small needles with fine sutures are used to repair blood vessels as tiny as one millimeter.

Reconstructive microsurgery is used to transplant your own tissue from an area where it is not needed, to an area that needs reconstruction, such as a wound or defect caused by an injury or cancer.

Microsurgery is used to salvage amputated or injured limbs and in reconstruction after breast cancer, head and neck cancer and bone tumours. Microsurgical reconstruction helps to restore form and function to areas that have lost skin, muscle mobility or bone support.

What can I expect?

Complex reconstructive procedures requiring microsurgery have unique benefits and side effects and differing recovery times. These will be thoroughly discussed with you at your consultation.

How is the surgery performed?

Microsurgical reconstruction is performed under general anaesthesia. These lengthy surgical procedures will require specialised aftercare and a hospital stay of five to seven nights.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a type of swelling that occurs in one or both of your arms or legs. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of, or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. More rarely it is caused by an inherited abnormality of the lymphatic channels but it may also be caused and worsened by infection.

What can I expect?

Surgery, in conjunction with other lymphedema reduction treatments such as lymphatic drainage physiotherapy and compression therapy, is helpful especially when used in the early-stage of the disease.

Both vascularised lymph node transfer or lympho-venous bypass using super-microsurgery can be used for the treatment of lymphedema, depending on your individual needs.

How is the surgery performed?

This specialised and intricate surgery is performed under general anaesthesia using specialised instruments and microscopes. A hospital stay of two to three days is usually required.