Breast reconstruction is the process of recreating breast volume and shape following mastectomy – this may be as a result of cancer, prophylaxis due to a genetic predisposition to cancer, after trauma or to correct a congenital breast problem.

The decision to undergo breast reconstruction is a very personal one but as new techniques have been developed that both give excellent results and minimise side effects, more and more women are choosing to undergo breast reconstruction. These reconstructions are available under the Medicare system as well as privately, as they have been shown to benefit self-esteem and confidence. They offer a new phase of reclaiming health and happiness for women who have undergone a mastectomy, particularly after breast cancer.

There are many factors that influence the timing (immediate breast reconstruction versus delayed breast reconstruction) and type of reconstruction used (autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction vs. prosthetic breast reconstruction). Dr Clarke will help you to understand these factors and select a procedure that is best for you.

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure designed to help alleviate the discomfort and health problems caused by large breasts, such as back and neck pain, postural problems, chronic skin irritation, infection beneath the breast and self-consciousness. Large breasts can also be a barrier to comfortable exercise and weight loss.

Dr Clarke uses best practice mammoplasty techniques (vertical or short scar technique) and will give you a reduced and comfortable breast with minimal scarring, relieving the day-to-day physical problems of large breasts and improving your ability to function pain free.

The aim of head and neck reconstruction is to restore the normal anatomy and function to the mouth, head, neck and throat using a person’s own tissue. This type of reconstruction is often necessary after surgical treatment of cancers occurring in the mouth, the pharynx (throat), larynx (or voicebox), paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and the salivary glands, where removal of tissue has left a defect that is both functionally and aesthetically problematic.

Dr Clarke will work closely with your wider medical team to enhance the results achieved from your reconstruction.

Without adequate skin coverage the orthopaedically corrected fracture is prone to infections and non-union of fractures. Plastic surgery is used to reconstruct the skin and soft tissue using skin grafts, local flaps and free flap reconstruction. Dr Clarke has a particular interest in microsurgical reconstruction and thus can offer the full complement of reconstructive surgery techniques to his patients.

Dr Clarke has extensive training and experience in the removal of complex cancerous lesions such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and uses plastic surgical techniques which significantly minimise scarring.

Mohs surgery is performed by a dermatologist. This is a highly specialised technique for the removal of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Mohs surgery allows complex skin cancers to be detected under a microscope and maximises the chance of cure.

Once the cancer has been removed by the dermatologist, Dr Fred Clarke will complete the reconstruction of the surgical defect. It is not always possible to predict the precise reconstruction required. The size of the wound will determine the type of reconstruction performed to ensure the best result.

Oculoplastics is the specialty field of plastic surgery concerned with the region surrounding the eye. Oculoplastics includes the reconstruction of the skin and eyelids affected by trauma or cancer, correction of droopy eyelids (ptosis), correction of excessive tearing (epiphora) and correction of out-turned eyelids (ectropion).

Dr Clarke has a subspecialty interest in oculoplastics and has worked in Australia and the USA with internationally recognised leaders in this field, allowing him to offer enhanced surgical techniques and better results.