Because it is important that you are in professional hands for your cosmetic procedure.

Dr. Patrick Dedoncker is a certified plastic surgeon, a member of the Royal Belgian Society for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which performs more than 500 major and minor aesthetic procedures per year against competitive prices. 

At the initial consultation, your doctor will take the time to listen to your needs and be happy to answer all your questions.

Dr. Patrick Dedoncker performs his procedures in a general hospital that meets high safety standards - which are continuously adapted to new developments - imposed by the Ministry of Health. This is in contrast to private clinics for which this standardisation and government control does not apply.

Other specialised services such as cardiology, pneumology, emergency medicine and intensive care are available if needed.

Your care at the hospital is in the hands of a professional team of highly trained nurses and anaesthetists, who receive continuous training.

Our surgeries are performed in a state-of-the-art infrastructure. Thus, all our operating theatres are brand new and equipped with state-of-the-art, high-tech equipment in terms of anaesthesia, surgical techniques and bacteria-free airflow.

After your procedure, you can reach your surgeon on mobile phone for any questions.

The safety standards used in a general hospital are very high.

Moreover, safety standards are continuously updated to reflect new developments imposed by the Ministry of Health. This is in contrast to private clinics for which these standards and government control do not apply.

If necessary, immediate recourse can be made to other specialised services such as cardiology, pneumology, emergency medicine and intensive care.

Your care in hospital is in the hands of a professional team of highly trained nurses and anaesthetists, who receive continuous training.

Our interventions are performed in a state-of-the-art infrastructure. For example, all our operating theatres are brand new and equipped with the very latest, high-tech equipment in anaesthesia, surgical techniques and bacteria-free airflow.

Belgian healthcare does not have waiting lists. Depending on the procedure, you can be treated within a month.

This is only possible for non-surgical treatments. Legislation prohibits immediate surgery. A reflection period must be observed.

Normally, yes, but there are exceptions. For breast augmentation, one must be of age. However, a breast reduction is possible as early as teenage age when it can be shown that there is a huge burden.

Check whether your surgeon is registered as a certified plastic surgeon. Make a list of all your questions about your surgery. Go over this list with your surgeon. Take your time to make a decision and be critical of the cost. 

Certain operations may be reimbursed, in part or in full, by the Belgian national health security or by the hospitalisation insurance under certain conditions. The first condition is that the operation takes place in a general hospital certified by the government.

If so, contact Dr. Patrick Dedoncker on his personal mobile number. You will receive this number after the operation. He can be reached day and night, including at week-ends, for urgent cases.

Usually not, because most of the surgery is done on the surface of the body. There is never contact with intestines. Of course, minor complications such as post-operative bleeding or infection are always possible. 

Bring your identity card. Take off your jewellery and any piercings and leave them at home. There is no need to bring special clothing. In hospital, we will provide you with an operation shirt.

For most treatments, this is recommended. You can usually go home fairly soon after your procedure. But sometimes you may still have some pain or be drowsy. Then it is helpful if you have an attendant to take you home.

During your procedure, your companion can wait in the waiting room. But in good weather, your companion can explore the city centre for a while. Both Vilvoorde and Lokeren have a pleasant centre within walking distance of the hospital. When your operation is over, we will inform your companion. 

No, you need not be afraid of pain. By taking the classic painkillers such as paracetemol and ibuprofen, you will be completely pain-free. Usually, these painkillers are only needed for about three days. In pain-sensitive patients, a more powerful painkiller is sometimes prescribed. If you are in pain despite the painkillers, this may indicate a complication, such as a post-operative haemorrhage or infection. In this case, simply call your plastic surgeon for an early follow-up check-up.

The aftercare after your aesthetic procedure is done only by your own plastic surgeon. It is not necessary to have a nurse come to your home. After all, the care after an aesthetic procedure requires a specialised and specific approach. Immediately after your operation Dr. Patrick Dedoncker will give you an appointment for a first check-up. This way your plastic surgeon can assess the first results of your operation himself. The first check-up usually takes place within a week. In the meantime, you do not have to do anything. The bandage is left nicely closed for healing until then.