Post-Graduate Fellowship in Advanced Cosmetic Surgery and MIBIS: Minimal Invasive Breast Implant Surgery.
M.B.B.S, M.S. (General Surgery); M.Ch. (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Dr. Manashree Sankhe
It gives me joy to write about my experience during the Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship at the Wellness Kliniek in Genk, Belgium. This immersive training from the brilliant surgeons at the clinic has helped me transition from a general plastic surgery to a confident aesthetic surgeon and it is a privilege to be a fellow at this one-of-its-kind program.
Wellness Kliniek is a large and busy healthcare set-up completely devoted to aesthetic surgery and cosmetic procedures in Genk, Belgium. Situated in a large complex with 3 floors, the entire ambience is chic and welcoming. The Operation Theatre Complex is extremely well organized with cutting edge technology and equipment. Efficient, excellent quality patient care, high surgical standards and accessible, affordable surgeries are a few reasons for their immense popularity with patients. The clinic attracts patients from all over Europe and they have the highest number of aesthetic breast surgical procedures in Europe over the years.
My sincerest gratitude to, Ms. Marly-Ann Spronken, President of the Spronken Group and Mr. Caius Spronken, CEO of Wellness Kliniek for establishing and developing such a successful centre of excellence for Aesthetic Surgery. Every fellow is indebted to your insightful vision of creating this unique fellowship program.
As a fellow, I was encouraged to discuss and ask questions as well as assist and perform under guided supervision a wide variety of cosmetic surgical scenarios. I was encouraged to attend consultations so as to properly evaluate the surgical indication for every case. The ingenious MIBIS breast augmentation, breast-lifts, liposuctions, lipo-fillings and BBL tech, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, facelifts, mento-plasty, labia-plasty, as well as non surgical techniques like BOTOX and fillers are performed in large numbers, allowing me to build my knowledge and gain confidence about performing these highly trained surgeries. I was also able to gain an insight into the working of a successful private practice. Thus, it was a very intensive learning experience unlike any I ever comprehended.
Dr. Luc Damen, the Medical Director and Chief Plastic Surgeon in the Clinic is a maestro with unbound knowledge and experience. He is a dynamic surgeon and patient teacher who readily shares his knowledge, takes the time to explain minute details with sound reasoning. Under his tutelage, I learnt about all aspects of aesthetic surgery, right from the ingenious MIBIS technique to challenging surgeries like closed rhinoplasty. His effortless surgical finesse and impressive results (with speed!), natural ‘problem solving’ ability and leadership are a few qualities I humbly aspire for. I shall forever be grateful for the many clinical and life lessons I learnt from him.
Distinguished mention to the very experienced Dr. Linda Visser, an excellent facial plastic surgeon, who graciously explained every single surgical detail and shared her vast experiences in facelifts, blepharoplasties, body contouring. From Dr. Taraquois I learnt about aesthetic breast surgery, rhinoplasty, BBL, body contouring, abdominoplasties. His calm demeanor, surgical skills and results are gratifying and there was so much to learn from him in each procedure. Dr. Parys, an excellent breast surgeon with proficiency in aesthetic genital surgery is very precise and knowledgeable. His attention to detail and meticulous high standards pushes you to deliver your best.
Dr. Cromheecke specialises in minimally invasive breast surgery and it is a pleasure to learn from her. Her humble and friendly nature puts one at ease and she encouraged both surgical and consultation skills development as part of my training. High regards for Dr Duijsters and Dr Kupilas for sharing their expertise and experience about aspects of eyelid corrections and liposculpture. Under Dr Ponet, an expert in minimally invasive aesthetic medicine, I learnt about non surgical facial rejuvenation with BOTOX and fillers as did I the importance of great patient interactions skills.
I am thankful to all the surgeons for motivating me to make the most during my fellowship and to have been shown such trust as a fellow. Special note of thanks to the dynamic anaesthetists, Dr. Matasic and Dr. Cojucaro for a wonderful working experience and the many trinkets of knowledge!
The entire staff at Wellness is very friendly and welcoming. The fellowship is perfectly organized and every care is taken to avoid any inconvenience. My biggest, heartfelt thanks to Stephanie for being extremely kind and patient with the planning of my fellowship despite the delays in visa documentation formalities during the difficult COVID times. Thanks to her friendly, helpful nature I had a wonderful time both personally and professionally.
A huge thank you to each and everyone from the nursing staff for making me a part of your special team. Both in terms of efficiency and the wonderful working environment, this was the best team of colleagues I ever worked with and learnt from! Clinical Manager Danielle as the head nurse and her dashing team – Annemie, Jana, Kirsten, Laura, Karolien, Kelly, Lante, Usha, Jessica, Melissa, Wendy, Hilde, Magda - dank je wel for being so friendly and helpful. You guys made everyday enriching and happy. Sweetest thanks to Khadija for her warmth and chats. I shall deeply miss being a part of this healthy Wellness Kliniek camaraderie!
Warmest regards to Noella (Hospitality manager) and Lisa, Krystal, Katleen & Katrien whose jolly smiles made for the perfect start to the day. and Regina, Cristina, Sabrina, Vinka for making sure everything was comfortable. My heart is full of the kinship I made here.
Team Wellness Kliniek, you are a shining example of success and will be sorely missed. No words will do true justice expressing my thanks for the respect, kindness and friendship shown by everyone in the Wellness Kliniek family. Thank you for taking such good care of your fellow and making them feel at home. I wish you ever-growing success and many many more ‘Happy Patients’ !
