Patient information on plastic surgery: Well informed for your consultation.
Preparing for your consultation
- Write down what you would like to change and why. Photos of results you like are welcome too.
- Bring a list of your medication, previous operations and allergies.
- Do you know your bra size, height and weight? That helps with breast surgery.
- Feel free to bring someone with you. Two people remember more than one.
- Ask about the risks, recovery, scars and what happens if the result is disappointing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic doctor?
After medical school, a plastic surgeon completes six years of specialist training and is registered as a specialist in the BIG register. A cosmetic doctor is a general medical doctor who has focused on non-surgical treatments. You can check any doctor's registration yourself in the BIG register.
Does Daniëlle operate herself?
Yes. I carry out the operation myself, at the same location where you have your consultation.
Can I have a video consultation?
In exceptional cases, yes. Usually an appointment at the clinic is needed, because I also want to examine you.
How long do I get to think it over?
For a cosmetic procedure, you always get time to think it over. You only decide once you have all the information and are sure of your choice. You decide, not me.
Can I ask for a second opinion?
Yes, that is always a good idea. A second consultation with me, or a second opinion from a colleague, helps you make a well-considered choice.
Which treatments are covered by health insurance?
Reconstruction after breast cancer and breast reductions are often covered, but your health insurer sets the conditions. Upper eyelid surgery can be covered if it is shown to limit your field of vision. Cosmetic procedures are not covered. Each treatment page explains what applies.
What does a treatment cost?
Prices and consultation fees are set by the clinic where you are treated: Velthuis Kliniek for cosmetic care and the Alexander Monro Hospital for reconstruction.
Can I have my consultation in English?
Yes. I speak English, so we can have the whole consultation in English. Some forms and the clinics' websites are in Dutch; we will go through anything you are unsure about together.
Research: the BREAST trial
Daniëlle worked on the BREAST trials I and II and is involved in the follow-up studies EVE and BREAST-R.
The BREAST trial investigated whether a complete breast can be rebuilt after a mastectomy using only your own fat. The study ran from 2015 to 2021 in 7 Dutch hospitals, including the Alexander Monro Hospital.
193 women were randomly assigned to a reconstruction with their own fat or with implants. After a year, the women in the fat group had a higher quality of life, measured with the BREAST-Q questionnaire. No evidence was found that the technique is unsafe.
Follow-up research showed that sensation in the breast often returns better after a reconstruction with your own fat, and that about a third of the injected fat takes permanently.
NVPC information leaflets
The Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery publishes official patient information for each procedure. The leaflets are in Dutch.
- NVPC information leaflet on silicone breast implants (in Dutch)
- NVPC information leaflet on breast reduction (in Dutch)
- NVPC information leaflet on upper eyelid surgery (in Dutch)
- NVPC patient leaflet on breast reconstruction with lipofilling (in Dutch)
- NVPC information on BIA-ALCL and breast implants (in Dutch)
Feel free to read them before your consultation, for example with a translation tool. In the consultation I always explain more, in English, tailored to your situation.
Key terms
- Lipofilling
- Moving your own fat from one part of the body to another. Also called fat transfer, fat grafting or AFT.
- Capsular contracture
- The body always forms a capsule of scar tissue around an implant. If that capsule hardens and tightens, the breast can become hard, painful or misshapen.
- BIA-ALCL
- A rare type of lymphoma (a cancer of the immune system) that occurs in women with textured breast implants.
- Tissue expander
- A temporary, inflatable implant that gradually stretches the skin in preparation for a breast reconstruction.
- DBIR
- The Dutch Breast Implant Registry, the national register in which breast implants are recorded.
- Tuberous breast
- A congenital difference in shape, where the breast has a narrow base and the areola is large and puffy.
- Basisverzekering
- The basic health insurance that everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must have. It covers medically necessary care, such as reconstruction after breast cancer, but not cosmetic treatment.
- Huisarts
- Your GP, or family doctor. For hospital care in the Netherlands you usually need a referral from your huisarts. For cosmetic treatment at Velthuis Kliniek you do not.
- BIG register
- The official Dutch register of healthcare professionals. You can check any doctor's registration and specialism there.
Information by treatment
Breasts
Reconstruction after breast cancer
Lipofilling with your own fat
Eyelids
Body and intimate
A good conversation is the first step.
In the consultation I take the time to answer your questions. You go home with honest advice and no obligation.