BAPRAS joins forces with RBSPS to highlight latest innovations in plastic surgery

25 June 2015

Today the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) host their annual summer scientific meeting in partnership with the Royal Belgian Society for Plastic Surgery (RBSPS) to showcase the latest developments and research in plastic surgery innovation. 

With a focus on ‘conflict and trauma surgery’, the meeting, which takes place in Bruges, Belgium, from 25 – 27 June, will feature a number of sessions dedicated to the birth of Plastic Surgery on the World War 1 battlefield. Topics within this theme include treatment for chemical warfare agent injuries, achieving excellence in burns care and experiences of a Plastic Surgeon during the Vietnam War. 

The event is being hosted by BAPRAS President and Consultant Plastic Surgeon Nigel Mercer.  

Mr Mercer said: “It’s an absolute honour to be jointly hosting this event in Belgium, where 100 years ago, Plastic Surgery was established as a speciality during WW1. Since then, Plastic Surgeons have played a key role in the military treatment team delivering life and limb saving care immediately after injury, from managing complex wounds and burns to restoring blood flow to limbs, as well as reconstruction of function to various areas of the body.  

“This meeting will gather a range of international Plastic Surgery experts, including military trauma specialists, to celebrate new developments in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. We look forward to sharing lessons and initiatives to further transform the lives of patients in the UK and across the world.” 

The meeting will include a visit to the Menin Gate, in Ypres, where both Associations will be joined by representatives from the British and Belgian Armed Forces. There will also be a guest presentation from Colonel Alan Kay, Defence Consultant Adviser Burns & Plastic Surgery on contemporary military Plastic Surgery.

The military aspect is just one highlight of the three day event, which provides a platform for leading UK and international Plastic Surgeons to meet and share the latest successful pioneering innovations in Plastic Surgery that are having a direct transformative effect on people’s lives.

Other key sessions include recent advances in head and neck reconstruction, made-to-measure partial toe transfers for finger reconstruction and the future use of 3D technology for the correction of bone deformity and bone defects. 

Another important presentation will explore progress in developing an international breast implant registry as part of the work of the International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities (ICOBRA). 

About BAPRAS
BAPRAS, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, is the voice of plastic surgery in the UK. It aims to increase the understanding of the professional specialty and scope of plastic surgery, promoting innovation in teaching, learning and research.

Founded in 1946 (originally as the British Association of Plastic Surgeons), today BAPRAS has over 800 members and is the professional representative body for reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeons providing services to patients on the NHS and privately in the UK. Members of the public can find a member plastic surgeon in their area by logging on to www.bapras.org.uk. Anyone can check the GMC to find out if a surgeon is on the plastic surgery specialist register; http://www.gmc-uk.org/register/search/index.asp
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