Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

We are qualified and experienced in a range of modern surgical techniques, all of which share a common goal of achieving maximal breast symmetry. The particular reconstructive method will be chosen according to the patient’s functional and aesthetic needs, such as:

• Partial or total breast reconstruction (post lumpectomy or mastectomy)
• Immediate or delayed reconstruction
• Unilateral or bilateral breast reconstruction
• Post skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction
• Bilateral reconstruction
• Post-prophylactic mastectomy

Reconstruction can be done with a silicone implant or by using autologous tissues (the patient’s tissues). Our surgeons excel in the most advanced techniques of microsurgery for breast reconstruction, including Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP), which uses tissue from the abdominal wall without damaging abdominal muscles. Alternatively, the microsurgical technique is sometimes done using buttock tissue, skin and/or back muscle combined with insertion of a silicon prosthesis.

This clinic serves as the National Referral Unit for treatment of burns in Israel. It is a first-level burn center, equipped to provide respiratory and intensive care treatments. We have nine patient beds, three of which are designed for treatment of ventilated patients under full intensive care. A multidisciplinary team, including plastic surgeons, specially qualified nurses, clinical psychologist, physiotherapists, and social workers collaborate to design effective treatments and rehabilitation. We also work in close cooperation with the microsurgery unit for complex reconstructions.

A burn injury affects the skin immediately, but quickly becomes systemic and often affects the kidneys, cardiovascular, and respiratory system. When a patient has a large burn surface, the hospitalization period can be very long. Our unit is designed to offer a comfortable atmosphere for patients and their families during this time.

We use progressive surgical techniques to treat malformations. Our multidisciplinary approach helps to achieve exceptional reconstructions that enable each patient to live a normal life. Additionally, we provide comprehensive follow-up. Conditions we treat:

Cleft Lip and Palate
A staff of plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, ortognatica specialists, a pediatrician, a communication clinician, social workers, and a psychologist work together to provide thorough care for each child from birth through different developmental stages and surgery. Often, several reconstructions are performed up until the child reaches maturity.

Microtia
Microtia surgery addresses both deformities of the external ear and inner ear canal deficiencies. In general, it is performed at the age of 6-8 years old, when the ear reaches 85% of its final dimensions, and the cartilage is large enough to provide reconstruction material. We have a team of specialists who perform microtia surgery and provide long-term follow-up.

Vascular Malformations
Our Sheba team includes prominent leaders in the field who are associated with the National Laser Center, as well as imaging-interventional physicians who perform embolization of the malformation. We treat patients of all ages, from birth to adulthood, with a total range of laser treatments.

The Melanoma Clinic of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery takes a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of this dangerous disease. Our team is composed of plastic surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists, general surgeons, social workers, psychologists and other specialists, as required. Every case of melanoma is unique, and we personalize each treatment program.

Our Microsurgery Unit was established in 1990, and became the National Microsurgery Unit of the Israeli Ministry of Health. At this advanced center, Sheba surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including elective surgery and emergency operations, such as:

Replantation of accidentally severed body parts
Treatment of injuries to peripheral nerves
Free tissue transfer procedures to cover extensive wounds
Emergency treatments for extensive wounds sustained in accidents or war
Reconstructive surgery for congenital defects, oncological resection, or trauma
Toe-to-hand transfers
Reconstruction of facial, maxillary or mandibular defects
Post facial nerve palsy reconstructions
Breast reconstructions
Complex reconstruction of extremities

Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced treatment for skin cancer that offers a high cure rate, even if the skin cancer has been treated unsuccessfully in the past. The physician functions as the surgeon, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. This procedure relies upon microscopic accuracy to trace and remove skin cancer down to its roots, decreasing the chances of regrowth. In addition, minimal damage to healthy tissue and minimal scarring or disfigurement are caused.

Mohs micrographic surgery is typically used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.This unit is the first surgical center of its kind in Israel and the entire Middle East. Since its establishment in 1989, we have performed thousands of successful operations.