Below is an overview of possible reconstructions performed by the plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery department.
Burns
- Diagnosis and treatment in a specialised burns centre by a team of intensivists, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, etc.
- Patients staying at home continue to be monitored and cared for through outpatient wound care.
- For follow-up of aftercare (home care, compression therapy, physiotherapy, etc.), there is a burns consultation.
Breast reconstructions
The plastic surgeon restores the shape and volume of the breast. This may be necessary after a mastectomy, tumour removal, or due to a congenital abnormality.
- Congenital abnormalities
In cases of congenital abnormalities, treatment depends on the type of abnormality. Such breast reconstruction may involve remodelling breast tissue, placing a prosthesis, or adjusting the opposite breast. - After amputation or tumour removal
For breast reconstruction after amputation or tumour removal, we refer you to the multidisciplinary breast centre.
Upper limb and hand reconstructions
Defects of the upper limbs may occur after trauma or tumours but can also be congenital.
Lower limb reconstructions
Defects of the lower limbs may occur after trauma or tumours but can also be congenital.
- Soft tissue
For soft tissue defects, the type of reconstruction depends on many factors, including the size of the skin defect, the extent of vascular and nerve damage, your general condition, etc., and can range from proper wound care to complex microsurgical reconstructions. - Bone and joints
Problems with bones and joints are treated by trauma surgeons or orthopaedists.
Vascular anomalies: malformations and haemangiomas
The plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery department coordinates vascular malformation consultations, where a team of specialists (radiologists, dermatologists, paediatricians, ENT doctors, vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, etc.) examines each case individually.
Head and neck reconstructions
These are mostly reconstructions after tumours, such as tongue cancer, throat cancer, oral cancer, vocal cord cancer, or after trauma. These procedures are performed in collaboration with ENT, OMS, oncology, radiology, pathology, anaesthesia, and speech therapy.
Thanks to our advanced specialisation in microsurgery, even the most complex defects can often be reconstructed. Tissue from other areas (e.g., arm, leg, etc.) is used for restoration.
Paralysis of the facial nerve
Damage to the facial nerve (facial nerve palsy) results in paralysis of the facial muscles. The cause is often unknown. The paralysis can also be congenital or caused by trauma or the removal of a tumour in the head and neck region or the brain.
The main complaints include incomplete eyelid closure, a drooping eyebrow, drooping of the mouth corner, and difficulties with speech, eating, and drinking.
The diagnosis is usually made by a neurologist or ENT specialist.
If the paralysis has been present for a while, an EMG test should be conducted before treatment. This test can be requested by your GP.
The treatment depends on the underlying cause and how long the paralysis has been present. Possible surgical treatments include:
- Placement of a gold weight to prevent eye damage
- Eyebrow lift
- Mouth corner lift
- Nerve and muscle grafting
Pressure sores, skin and soft tissue injuries
Acute wounds are usually treated by trauma surgeons. For chronic wounds, a specialised wound team is available. There is close collaboration with the MS Clinic in Melsbroek for pressure sores.
Skin lesions are removed for cosmetic or medical reasons. Existing scars can also be treated. The treatment depends on the type of scar. Possible treatments for a scar include:
- Excision
- Dermabrasion
- Cortisone injections
- Silicone patches
- Lipofilling
- Brachytherapy
Thorax, abdomen, perineum
Defects in the thorax, abdomen, and perineum are treated in consultation with specialists from the relevant discipline.
Treatments can range from proper wound care to more complex reconstructions via microsurgery with tissue transplantation from other parts of the body.
Depending on the type of reconstruction, preoperative tests may be necessary. These, as well as the expected postoperative course, will be discussed during the consultation after referral from the relevant discipline.