Rebuilding lives through reconstructive surgery at RBWH

The RBWH Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Centre managers a diverse patient caseload

Plastic surgery is often associated with movie stars and facelifts, but at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), it is about rebuilding lives after trauma, cancer and serious illness.

The hospital’s Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Centre is one of Queensland’s leading centres for complex reconstructive care, treating patients from across the state.

Director of the service, Dr Cameron Mackay, said the team manages a diverse range of patients.

“Our caseload includes traumatic injuries, cancer-related treatment and chronic wounds,” Dr Mackay said.

“We work in close collaboration with specialists in oncology, orthopaedics, neurosurgery and burns care to deliver coordinated care for patients.”

The Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Centre team

Dr Mackay is keen to let people know that people’s perceptions of plastic surgery often overlook its critical medical role.

“Plastic and reconstructive surgery is about far more than cosmetic procedures,” he said.

“Much of our work involves restoring function — helping someone use their hand again after an accident, rebuilding a breast after cancer, or reconstructing a face following major trauma.”

The RBWH service recognises the importance of holistic patient care as part of the surgeries they perform.

“A patient’s physical reconstruction is important, but so too is the emotional journey in overcoming trauma or serious disease and then the emotions that come with feeling whole again.”

With growing demand fuelled by population growth and improved cancer survival rates, the team at RBWH have been working hard to improve capacity while maintaining the highest standards of clinical care.

“Over recent years, we have introduced a new model of care that has improved access to our services and reduced surgery waiting times,” Dr Mackay said.

“Our goal is to be a world-leading centre for plastic and reconstructive surgery by providing exceptional clinical care for Queenslanders and fostering innovation.”

More information about the RBWH Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Centre is available here.