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Reconstructive Surgery in Post Colonial Africa

Both plastic and maxillo-facial surgery developed out of armed combat. Initially, general surgeons attached to the military might perform reconstructive attempts, but more realistically and pragmatically, destructive surgery was more suited to their situation. Amputation of limbs undoubtedly saved lives...

Breast reconstruction – techniques from a plastic surgery perspective

This article has been verified for CPD. Click the button below to answer a few short questions and download a form to be included in your CPD folder. Breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgery has positive physical and psychosocial health...

Vascular complications Part 1: Prevention

- VIDEO CONTENT AT BOTTOM OF ARTICLE - Vascular complications from the use of soft tissue fillers can be devastating. In the first of a two-part series (click here for Part 2), the authors discuss how to avoid these adverse...

Laser tattoo removal

The authors, experts in dermatologic laser surgery, provide us with a comprehensive review on the use of lasers for tattoo removal. The advanced development in laser devices that can be used for tattoo removal has helped patients and clinicians attain...

The medial gastrocnemius flap

This classic muscle flap is now being used with increasing frequency following revision knee joint surgery. Following the Nahai and Mathes classification, the gastrocnemius muscle is a Type I muscle with a single dominant vascular pedicle (Figure 1). The gastrocnemius...

Living confidently with a distinctive face or body

The visual impact of having a face which has scars from an accident or burns like mine or a birthmark, a cleft lip and palate, a Bell’s palsy or a skin condition is arguably not taken seriously enough by clinical...

Looking unusual: what it’s like and how skin camouflage can help

Appearance matters, nowadays more than ever. We live in a global culture where a smooth, blemish-free and consistent complexion, symmetrical features and perfect teeth are highly prized and believed to be the passport to happiness and success. If you are...

We need to talk about amputation – a difficult conversation in the developing world

What do you do when a patient refuses amputation? The author shares various cases and outlines her team’s approach to this scenario in Gaza. What to do when a patient refuses amputation for a severely damaged lower limb that will...

An epidemic of lower limb gunshot injuries

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact upon us all, the author, a reconstructive plastic surgeon, provides a thought-provoking account of a different type of epidemic that is having devastating consequences. The Oxford English Dictionary defines an epidemic as “a...

Immediate versus delayed post mastectomy breast reconstruction

The authors review and analyse the current literature comparing the psychosocial outcomes of immediate versus delayed post mastectomy breast reconstruction. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and has a lifetime incidence of one in nine. Mastectomy may...