Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery restores form and function after injury, cancer treatment, congenital differences or chronic wounds. As a dual-accredited (UK & Singapore) Plastic Surgeon practising in Singapore, I provide evidence-based reconstructive care tailored to each individual’s needs and context. Unlike specialties focused on a single region, reconstructive surgery applies specialised techniques across all ages and anatomical areas, from the face and scalp to the hands and body.

Scar Management

Scars are among the most common reasons patients seek the expertise of a Plastic Surgeon. They may result from surgery, burns, or injury, and can sometimes become thick, raised, or uncomfortable. Managing scars is often complex and may require a combination of approaches. Depending on your needs, I may recommend treatments such as surgical scar release, steroid injections, silicone therapy, microneedling, nanofat grafting, or even radiotherapy - all with the goal of improving both comfort and appearance.

Breast Reconstruction

Another important area where Plastic Surgeons play a key role is breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Once cancer treatment is complete, there are several options to restore balance, comfort, and confidence, including:

Restoring breast volume with implants or fat grafting
Symmetrisation procedures such as breast reduction or uplift to achieve balance between both sides (latest studies have shown that such procedures can also be done before the mastectomy to fix the position of the nipple and improve aesthetic outcomes following reconstruction)
Nipple reconstruction using a local flap, with or without areola reconstruction (usually tattooed; or skin graft taken from darker skin e.g. groin crease)
Treatment of radiation-related wounds with nanofat, helping improve healing and skin quality

Common Conditions I Treat

Facial Palsy & Synkinesis: When the facial nerve is damaged, it can cause weakness such as drooping at the corner of the mouth or loss of movement in the forehead. For some patients, surgery to reanimate the face is not an option. In these cases, botulinum toxin can help restore balance and confidence. Another related problem, called synkinesis, happens when the regenerating nerve “miswires,” so actions like blinking may cause the neck or cheek to contract at the same time. This can be frustrating, but again, treatment with botulinum toxin often brings significant relief.
Lumps & Bumps: Not every lump is dangerous - many turn out to be harmless cysts or lipomas. However, some may be more serious, such as skin cancers or soft tissue tumours, which is why it’s always worth getting them assessed. My training allows me to manage these safely from diagnosis through to treatment. If surgery is needed, I aim not only to remove the growth safely but also to restore the appearance and function of the area using reconstructive techniques such as local flaps or skin grafts.

In selected and clinically appropriate cases, some patients can have assessment and treatment on the same day. Where this is deemed unsuitable during consultation, a staged or alternative plan will be advised accordingly.

I also have extensive experience in skin cancer management, following the UK guidelines (BAD, BAPRAS, NICE). This includes:
- Non-surgical options such as topical creams (e.g., Efudix)
- Surgical treatments including wide local excision and, where appropriate, sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node dissection
- Follow-up care with regular surveillance checks after treatment

Reconstructive surgery spans far and wide. I am also happy to see patients with vascular anomalies, congenital conditions affecting the ears, clefts or extra digits, and non-healing wounds etc. If you have a less common condition (e.g. chronic migraine, neuroma), I would also be most happy to provide an opinion as a Plastic Surgeon as our coverage and breadth is far and wide.

A Note on Fees

Fees for reconstructive surgery are determined on a case-by-case basis and are generally guided by the Ministry of Health Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP), where applicable.

My Research & Publications

Alongside my clinical practice, I’ve published internationally on:

Burn contracture reconstruction (Archives of Plastic Surgery, 2019)
Surgery for vascular anomalies of the lip (Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2017)
Medical management of infantile haemangioma (Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2016)
Duplicate thumb in twins (Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2015)
Anatomical basis for facial flap reconstruction (Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 2009)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery focuses on restoring function, structure and comfort when tissues have been affected by injury, cancer treatment, congenital differences or chronic wounds. It is built on the core principles of plastic surgery - understanding tissue behaviour, planning carefully, and using appropriate techniques to rebuild what has been lost or impaired. The aim is to help people return to daily life with confidence and improved function, not to alter appearance or purely for aesthetic reasons.

2. Why might I need reconstructive surgery?

Reconstructive surgery may be appropriate if you have scars that restrict movement, defects after trauma or cancer excision, congenital differences affecting function, or wounds that are slow to heal. In these situations, surgery can improve comfort, mobility and overall quality of life by restoring more natural movement, covering exposed structures or recreating missing tissue.

3. Is reconstructive surgery only for scars and wounds?

No. While scar-related problems are common, reconstructive surgery covers a wide spectrum of conditions. This includes restoring tissue after tumour removal, treating vascular or soft-tissue anomalies, improving congenital hand or limb differences, and addressing problems caused by radiation or previous surgery. Techniques range from simple releases to grafts, local flaps and more complex reconstructions depending on what each situation requires.

4. How long does recovery take?

Recovery depends on the type of reconstruction and the tissues involved. Some straightforward procedures heal within a few weeks, while more complex repairs, such as tendon reconstruction, flap surgery or treatment of chronic wounds, may require a longer period of rehabilitation. Guidance on expected timelines, therapy and return to activity will be tailored to your specific condition and goals.

5. Are all reconstructive procedures elective?

No. Certain reconstructions are performed urgently after trauma or during cancer surgery to protect vital structures or restore essential function. Others are planned, especially when symptoms affect comfort, movement or daily activities. The decision to proceed is always based on whether surgery offers a clear and meaningful benefit.

6. Will reconstructive surgery change how I look?

Reconstruction aims to restore normality, but appearance is naturally part of that goal. Techniques are chosen to achieve the most natural contour and the least visible impact while prioritising form and function. How much appearance changes depends on the underlying problem, but expectations and likely outcomes are always discussed carefully beforehand.

7. Do reconstructive procedures involve techniques like grafts or flaps?

Often, yes. Depending on the defect, reconstruction may involve moving tissue from nearby areas (local flaps), using grafts, or in more complex cases, transferring tissue with its own blood supply (microsurgical reconstruction). These techniques allow damaged or missing tissue to be replaced with healthy, well-vascularised tissue that supports durable healing and function.