Dr Stephen Gilbert

Definitions

Breast surgery
Breast Surgery encompasses a variety of procedures and two surgical specialists : Breast Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons. Breast Surgeons are General Surgeons who have subspecialized in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of breast disease in women (generally), and men. Breast cancer detection and surgery is their major focus. Breast Surgeons usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Plastic Surgeons do not treat breast disease but many do work together with Breast Surgeons to perform breast reconstruction at the time of a mastectomy, or later, when adjuvant treatments are concluded. Plastic Surgeons also perform Cosmetic Breast procedures e.g. breast reduction, breast lift, and breast augmentation. In men, gynaecomastia correction is provided. Some of these procedures may be offered by Breast Surgeons also. Oncoplastic Surgeons are Breast Surgeons who have had some additional training in breast reconstruction.moreCosmetic Surgery
Surgery that modifies, corrects or improves the appearance of a physical feature, irregularity or defect.
Facial plastic surgery
Facial plastic surgery includes cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic procedures include rhytidectomy or ‘facelift’, involving removing wrinkles and sagging from the face; browplasty, a ‘brow lift’ or ‘forehead lift’, which lifts eyebrows and smoothens forehead skin; and midface lift or ‘cheek lift’, which involves tightening of the cheeks. Other procedures often accompanying facial plastic surgery are lip enhancement, improving the lips’ fullness; and rhinoplasty or ‘nose job’, reshaping of the nose. Reconstructive plastic surgery is usually performed to improve function, but it may be also done to make people appear more normal. It corrects impairments caused by burns; traumatic injuries, such as facial bone fractures and breaks; abnormalities present at birth, such as cleft palates or cleft lips; developmental abnormalities; infection and disease; and cancer or tumours.morePlastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic & Reconstructive surgery involves the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients requiring the restoration, correction or improvement in the shape and appearance of the body structures that are defective or damaged at birth or by injury, disease, growth or development. It includes all aspects of cosmetric surgery.moreSkin cancer
Skin cancer forms in the tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Melanoma is less common than squamous or basal cell carcinoma, but is more dangerous. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. If left untreated, cancer cells can spread from the skin into other tissues and organs. Fair complexion, older age, genetics and excess sun exposure all play a part in increasing risk of developing skin cancer. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in those with weakened immune systems. Different types of skin cancer require different treatment approaches. Surgical removal of the cancer is very common. Minimising sun exposure is the best way to prevent skin damage, including many types of skin cancer.more