College of Surgeons, Singapore

Overview of Plastic Surgery in Singapore

Plastic Surgery was first established in 1972 as a one Consultant unit in Singapore General Hospital. It has since grown in the last 34 years into a full-fledged Specialty offering the full range of Plastic Surgery services. At present, there are two Departments of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Singapore General Hospital and KK Women's and Children's Hospital and one Division of Plastic Surgery in National University Hospital. Between them, they provide 24-hour Emergency call for all burns cases, craniomaxillofacial trauma and soft tissue injuries, serving not only the Republic of Singapore but also the surrounding region.

In addition, the Specialty can be divided into five different sub-specialities such as, Burns, Congenital abnormalities and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Reconstructive and Microsurgery, Head and Neck Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery.

Whilst Service and Training remain the main pillars of our work, Research has become an equally important activity of the Specialty. Through the years, the excellent contributions of the staff in all aspects of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery has enabled the Specialty in Singapore to grow into an internationally recognized centre of excellence for service, training and research in the field of plastic surgery.

Message from the Chapter Chairman, Adjunct A/Prof Ivor Lim

The Chapter of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, within the College of Surgeons, Singapore, represents the interests of Plastic Surgeons in Singapore. The three key principles we look to are as follows:

To direct progressive development in the specialty of Plastic Surgery
To foster and coordinate study and research in Plastic Surgery
To enable dissemination of knowledge among Plastic Surgeons and the profession as a whole

Currently, the key and most important role is to refine, with the Singapore Medical Council and the Ministry of Health, guidelines on aesthetic procedures practised in Singapore to ensure consistency and safety in the procedures performed.

Academically, the Chapter is looking to have a stronger representation within the Specialist Training Committee in the training of specialist trainees, especially when the new American Residency training implements for the specialty.

Last but not least, we will continue to work with the Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons, and the Singapore Society of Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Plastic Surgeons in the continued training and maintenance of standards for qualified Plastic Surgeons in CME activities ranging from lectures to congresses.

Announcement – Change of Chapter Name

Please be informed that the "Chapter of Plastic Surgeons" has now changed name to "Chapter of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons" with effect from 31 August 2010 after receipt of the approval from the regulatory authorities on the proposed change of name through the amendment of the College of Surgeons, Singapore’s constitutions via a special resolution.