Thursday 18 November 2021

Reconstructive Surgery at Ocean Clinic

We may be best known for helping our patients to enhance their looks, but Ocean Clinic’s surgeons also have a wealth of experience in reconstructive surgery. 


We’ve treated hundreds of people suffering from deformities following accidents or illnesses, such as cancer, as well as those born with congenital defects. We’re experienced in:


  • Breast reconstruction following mastectomy

  • Skin cancer surgery

  • Septum deformities

  • Cleft lip and palate surgery 

  • Removal of cysts and tumours

  • Eyelid repair for entropion, ectropion and ptosis 

  • Correction of diastasis recti following pregnancy

  • Treatment of umbilical and scrotal hernias

  • Revision of scars and burns


Our specialists in reconstructive surgery

 

All of our surgeons are experienced in reconstructive surgery, having undertaken many additional studies and residencies in specialist units.  


Dr. Kai Kaye

Before receiving his University Doctorate Magna cum Laude, Ocean Clinic’s founder, Dr Kaye spent two years researching in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery at TUM University in Munich, Germany. He went on to join the highly regarded Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at the University of Aachen where he completed his specialization in the field of microsurgery, burn surgery and hand surgery.


Gabriela Casabona
Gabriela Casabona is Medical Director for Ocean Clinic’s Aesthetic and Skin Cancer departments. She served in the Laser department of Universidade ABC in Brazil, before spending five years undertaking training programs in the USA, Latin America and Europe to further her expertise in skin cancer surgery, Mohs surgery and oculoplastics.

Dr. Richard Fakin

Founder of Ocean Clinic Madrid and Zurich, Dr. Fakin specializes in aesthetic, reconstructive and secondary optimizing surgery. After receiving his degree in Medicine and Surgery from Medical University of Vienna, he went on to join the Division of Plastic and Hand Surgery at The University Hospital Zurich. He remains an associate professor (PD) at The University of Zurich.


Dr. Felix Paprottka 

After his medical studies in Muenster, Germany, Dr. Paprottka undertook five years of residency at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery at AGAPLESION, ​​the largest denominational hospital in Lower Saxony. He also received further training in burn surgery in the university clinic in Hannover where he was in charge of the burn surgery unit.


Dr. Marco Ranieri

Dr Ranieri studied medicine at the University of Rome before starting his residency program at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at the University of Aachen, Germany. He went on to specialise in reconstructive plastic surgery at the University of Regensburg. 



Examples of our reconstructive surgery


Breast reconstruction


Breast reconstruction following a skin-sparing mastectomy or lumpectomy can be carried out very successfully using a breast implant, transplanted fat, or both. Where a mastectomy leaves the skin too tight, a tissue expander is used to stretch the skin over a period of several weeks. 


If a full mastectomy has been carried out, it is in some cases possible to reconstruct a breast exclusively with a patient’s own tissue. Known as “autologous flap” surgery, it involves taking a section of skin, fat and sometimes muscle, from elsewhere on the body and transplanting it to the breast. 



Scar correction 


Surgical excision of a scar involves cutting out the existing scar and resealing the wound. There are a number of different excision techniques a surgeon can use depending on the type of scar a patient has. 


In addition to surgical excision, there are non-surgical treatments that can improve the appearance of a scar, such as laser resurfacing and skin peels. Usually, the best results can be achieved through a combination of surgery and non-invasive procedures. 






Facial reconstruction


Facial deformities can be caused by congenital defects, injury to the facial bone complex and treatment for oral, head and neck cancers. Surgery for these types of conditions focuses on rearranging and repairing skin, tissue and muscle. It can also involve skin, bone and cartilage grafts, the use of facial implants and transplanted fat. 


The aim of surgery is always two-fold; to give the patient the best possible aesthetic outcome and to restore full function. Maximising the patient’s ability to eat and speak normally, and relieving pain caused by a facial defect, is always a top priority. 



Nasal reconstruction


Septum deformities can be genetically inherited or acquired due to accidents, soft tissue diseases or previous rhinoplasty surgery. A septoplasty is used to address functional deficits like difficulties with breathing or snoring, while rhinoplasty can address the appearance of nasal deformities. When these two procedures are combined together, it’s called septorhinoplasty.



Ocean Clinic’s humanitarian missions


Ocean clinic’s staff have carried out numerous humanitarian missions to deliver reconstructive surgery in developing nations around the world. The team has visited Peru, Kenya and Ethiopia and operated on hundreds of adults and children.


They have helped change lives by treating a diverse array of conditions including congenital malformations, tumours covering the whole body, chronic wounds and ulcers, burns, and chronic disfiguring diseases like M. Recklinghausen. Ocean Clinic was awarded the Medical Charity Award at the German Medical Awards in recognition of its work. 




Would you like to know more about Ocean Clinic’s expertise in reconstructive surgery and how we can help you or a loved one? Contact us for a consultation with a surgeon.