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    VIEW ALL PROCEDURES

    BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

    OVERVIEW

    Breast Reconstruction involves reconstructing a new breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease. It is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today.
    The latest techniques enable reconstruction of a new breast similar in form and shape to a natural breast. This technique is often possible to perform immediately following breast removal or mastectomy, so that when the patient wakes up, she is spared the experience of seeing herself with no breast at all. Even performed at a later date, this rewarding procedure enables a return to an easier lifestyle with improvement of body image and self-esteem.

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    PROCEDURES

    WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE?

    The best candidates for breast reconstruction are women whose cancer, or similar disease, as far as can be determined, has been eliminated by mastectomy. Most mastectomy patients are appropriate candidates for reconstruction. Many procedures can be preformed at the time of the mastectomy.
    For those who prefer to, and are medically able to have the mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time, the period of adjustment to having only one breast is eliminated. In many cases the Surgeon prepares the reconstruction while the mastectomy is taking place, thereby reducing the total operative time.
    Some women prefer to wait and have the breast reconstruction at a later date. Mastectomy in itself, is enough to struggle with, and some women simply don’t want to have any more Surgery than is absolutely necessary. Certain conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or smoking may mean that your surgeon advises you to wait.

    WHAT TO EXPECT

    If performed for medical reasons, breast reconstructive surgery can attract medicare rebates. A percentage of your surgeons, anaesthetist and hospital fees may be claimed from both Medicare and your private health fund if you have cover. You will need a referral from your general practitioner if you wish to claim.
    As soon as you are diagnosed with breast disease, you can begin talking about breast reconstruction. At your initial consultation with your Surgeon, you will be assessed and examined and your suitability for this type of surgery will be discussed with you. Be frank in your discussions and cover all of your questions, so that you are familiar with the type of surgery, the complications that surround the surgery, your anticipated outcome and your expectations.
    Emotional stability is an important factor in considering any surgical procedure as a stable and realistic mental attitude to surgery often results in a more successful outcome. You must be realistic in your expectations and it is advisable to cover this aspect of your surgery at length with doctor in your consultations. We realise that this is a difficult time for you and will do our best to be supportive in every manner.
    Following the consultation with your surgeon, you can consult further with our Cosmetic Consultant who is very experienced in the cosmetic field and you may discuss further issues with her.

    SURGERY

    Breast Reconstruction is performed under General Anaesthetic and you will need to be an inpatient in a hospital facility for at least two days postoperatively.
    The surgery itself is performed in several stages, the first being the major reconstruction and the second a more minor procedure to reconstruct the nipple.

    RISK

    All surgery carries some risk and uncertainty. It is impossible to predict every outcome because everyone is different. Breast Reconstruction is a complicated but safe procedure providing the clients have been carefully selected and the surgeon is adequately trained in the procedure as well as having training in General Surgery.
    Complications in the short term include infection which is treated with antibiotics and dressings and haematoma, or a collection of fluid under the skin which may need drainage.
    Complications in the long term include wound breakdown from persistent infection, requiring continued antibiotics and dressings, thick or hypertrophic scar formation which may require surgical revision or injections, asymmetry requiring adjustment at a second minor procedure, and weakness of the abdominal wall may occur at the point where the flap was taken.
    If you have questions about BIA-ALCL please see the following article.

    AFTER SURGERY

    It will be necessary to have some help at home after you are discharged from hospital following breast reconstruction. You will need to take things easy for at least several weeks following your surgery. You will need someone to drive you to and from the hospital for surgery and also to provide transportation to our rooms following your surgery for regular visits to monitor your care during the postoperative period.
    Lifting, straining or exertion should be avoided for the first four to eight weeks following surgery.
    You will be advised as to when you may commence exercise, however gently walking is encouraged as soon as you are able to do so. You will asked to refrain from lifting your arms above your head for two weeks
    following surgery so as not to put excessive strain on the suture lines.
    Breast reconstruction is an extremely rewarding procedure assisting in the return of your self image following breast excision treatment. Women both young and old opt for breast reconstruction, even those having had mastectomy in the times when reconstruction was not an option. Surgical techniques today enable reconstruction of a new breast which has a very natural appearance. There is no need for prostheses that float around in your bathing suit, you will be able to fill out that suit naturally following breast reconstruction and no one will know the difference.

    BEFORE & AFTER

    Special Announcement!
    BEFORE
    AFTER

    MAKE AN ENQUIRY

    You can make an appointment for your consultation in Townsville or Mackay 
    on (07) 4725 8400 and Rockhampton or Cairns on (07)4922 7000, or alternatively fill out this contact form.

    FAQS





      TOWNSVILLE
      CAIRNS
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      MACKAY

      TOWNSVILLE

      Consulting from –
      281 – 285 Ross River Road
      Aitkenvale, QLD 4814

      Operating from –
      Mater Hyde Park – Day Surgery
      12-14 Oxford Street
      Hyde Park, QLD 4812

      P 07 4725 8400
      F 07 4725 8311
      E reception@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      CAIRNS

      Wallamurra Towers
      Level 1, 189 Abbott Street
      Cairns 4870

      P 07 4922 7000
      F 07 4922 7111
      E amanda@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      ROCKHAMPTON

      Consulting from –
      Suite 1, Kenmore House
      31 Ward Street
      The Range 4700

      Operating from –
      Mater Rockhampton
      31 Ward Street
      Rockhampton QLD 4700

      P 07 4922 7000
      F 07 4922 7111
      E amanda@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      MACKAY

      Consulting from –
      Mackay Day Surgery
      1 Wellington Street
      Mackay QLD 4740

      Operating from –
      Mater Mackay
      76 Willetts Road North
      Mackay QLD 4740

      P 07 4725 8400
      F 07 4725 8311
      E info@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      Townsville
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      ROCKHAMPTON
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      Townsville

      TOWNSVILLE

      Consulting from –
      281 – 285 Ross River Road
      Aitkenvale, QLD 4814

      Operating from –
      Mater Hyde Park – Day Surgery
      12-14 Oxford Street
      Hyde Park, QLD 4812

      P 07 4725 8400
      F 07 4725 8311
      E reception@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      cairns

      CAIRNS

      Wallamurra Towers
      Level 1, 189 Abbott Street
      Cairns 4870

      P 07 4922 7000
      F 07 4922 7111
      E amanda@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      ROCKHAMPTON

      ROCKHAMPTON

      Consulting from –
      Suite 1, Kenmore House
      31 Ward Street
      The Range 4700

      Operating from –
      Mater Rockhampton
      31 Ward Street
      Rockhampton QLD 4700

      P 07 4922 7000
      F 07 4922 7111
      E amanda@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      MACKAY

      MACKAY

      Consulting from –
      Mackay Day Surgery
      1 Wellington Street
      Mackay QLD 4740

      Operating from –
      Mater Mackay
      76 Willetts Road North
      Mackay QLD 4740

      P 07 4725 8400
      F 07 4725 8311
      E info@qldplasticsurgery.com.au

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      Dr. Mark Vucak

      M.B., B.S.(W.A), F.R.A.C.S

      Degrees & Training

      The University of Western Australia – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 1983.
      Emory University – Resident in Plastic Surgery 1993 – 1994.

      Fellowships

      The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic & Reconstruction

      Memberships

      The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

      Dr Vucak has a holistic approach to patient care and understanding as he commenced medicine in general practice. He then he undertook 4 years of general surgery and 4 years of plastic surgery training before completing his cosmetic fellowship at Emory University and Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia where he was under the supervision and guidance of six of America’s best plastic surgeons working in a team. This is where his interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery was kindled and he has continued down this path since that time, over 25 years ago.

      Dr Mark Vucak travelled extensively as a child as his father was an aircraft engineer and his mother a flight attendant. His father was working in Kuwait when Dr Vucak was born and he lived in the Middle East as a child because of this. This causes great amusement when travelling as he is continually pulled up by security, especially when travelling in the USA, as his passport shows his birthplace as Kuwait. The Vucak family returned to Perth a few years later where Dr Vucak completed his education.

      The first medical experience Dr Vucak can remember is in Lae, New Guinea where his mother worked in the hospital and he did a paper round when he was in grade 5. It was of the smell of the hospital; he says that hospitals all over the world have the same smell.
      Dr Vucak’s introduction to plastic surgery was as a patient in the burns unit at Royal Perth Hospital after being caught in a gas explosion whilst fighting a fire on a surfing trip. He managed to get a patients’ perspective on the treatment, which has helped him throughout his career.

      Always an active person, Dr Vucak was in the Australian Canoe team while studying at university and represented Australia overseas and at the World Championships where he performed very well. His main interest now is chess and he has travelled all over the world competing in chess competitions.

      Dr Vucak has had a very busy working life; he has previously worked as a surgical consultant at Royal Perth Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Freemantle Hospital and The Townsville Hospital. He has lectured at international meetings where he has been requested to speak on Breast Surgery and Augmentation. He is also involved in media education and teaches medical students, interns and Surgical Trainees through James Cook University. He attends Peer review and management meetings regularly including the Medical Advisory clinic of the Mater Hospital Townsville. Dr Vucak also advises the hospitals on the equipment needed in the theatres, he was instrumental in bringing Erbium resurfacing laser and reciprocating powered liposuction cannulas for very even and effective procedures into the hospital.

      Dr Vucak developed Chrysalis Medispa in the early 2000’s as a response to the North Queensland environment. As we age in North Queensland the environment is not kind and sun damage can advance the ageing process. Dr Vucak became aware of this and has since developed Chrysalis Medispa; which offers a suite of lasers and modern technology including IPL, vascular laser rejuvenation, Cool sculpt, Dermapen, Protégé RF treatment, high intensity LED skin care, acne light treatment, Zimmer cooling machines, Fraxel and Pearl lasers as well as carbon dioxide laser and a range of medical grade skin care. It provides a very comprehensive clinic not often found in any capital city.
      The clinic has six staff including two general practitioners, an injectable nurse, a dermal therapist and a skin care therapist. The staff can often diagnose and successfully treat many non-surgical skin diagnoses and provide a range of treatments including.

      Featured Articles

      Personalities in Business – Dr. Mark Vucak: Life is a game of strategy
      As seen in Definitive Guide to Breast Augmentation – Reducing Risk

      Other Articles of Interest

      Cosmetic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon

      Dr. Ian Tassan

      M.B., C.H.B.(U.T.C)

      Degrees & Training

      University of Cape Town – Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery – 1978

      Fellowships

      College of Surgeons of South Africa – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – 1988
      Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic & Reconstruction 2001

      Memberships

      South African Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons
      The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
      The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons

      Dr. Tassan and his family then decided to emigrate to Australia, to enjoy a better quality of life, because violent crime in South Africa poses a constant threat to one’s safety and security. Dr. Tassan arrived in Townsville in July 2000 and joined Dr. Mark Vucak in practice of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeries.
      His Practice is General Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and includes Skin Cancer Treatment, Hand Surgery, Breast Reconstruction and Cosmetic Surgery.
      Dr. Tassan is married to a Medical Doctor who teaches at James Cook University, Townsville.
      Dr. Tassan’s interests include music, art, running, cycling and the outdoors.

      Dr Malcolm Linsell

      BSc, MBBS, FRACS, MS

      Degrees & Training

      Bachelor of Science 1975 Monash University
      Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 1979 Monash University
      Masters of Surgery 1995 Monash University

      Fellowships

      Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic and Reconstructive 1991
      Memberships
      Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
      Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
      American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
      International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

      Memberships

      South African Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons
      The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
      The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons

      Malcolm has a rich heritage in the Salvation Army and wanting to ‘make a difference’ has been at his core for many years. At the age of 13, he was inspired to become a Plastic Surgeon following a Plastic Surgical procedure performed on his hand.

      Almost 25 years later, he graduated as a Plastic Surgeon becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He studied at Monash University, initially attaining a Bachelor of Science (BSc) before attaining the basic medical degree, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and a subsequent Masters of Surgery (MS).

      Malcolm spends time to listen and fully understand his patient’s desires before discussing the expected outcome, so that every patient feels heard and fully informed.
      Malcolm has recently published his first book, An Ordinary Man, An Extraordinary Life, which parallels his own life with that of one of his patients, Wesley Koni, the story of which was screened on 60 Minutes.
      Malcolm is married to Dr Kim Carr, a dentist in Sydney and together they have 4 adult children.

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