Dr. Nancy Yvonne Van Laeken is a highly skilled Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, committed to excellence in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Based at Nancy Van Laeken MD Inc. in Vancouver, BC, she also practices at affiliated hospitals for specific cases requiring hospital-based procedures, serving a diverse patient population seeking expert plastic surgical care. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring the highest quality of care. Her role encompasses a broad scope of practice, with a focus on restoring form and function to the body while enhancing aesthetic outcomes. The practice is dedicated to providing a professional, private, and patient-focused environment for consultations and procedures, emphasizing safety, comfort, and personalized care.
Dr. Van Laeken is an experienced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with extensive postgraduate training. She graduated with an MD from the University of Ottawa in 1981 and has since specialized in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, which signifies her adherence to rigorous standards of training and clinical competence. Her dedication to ongoing education ensures she remains at the forefront of advancements in plastic surgery, providing her patients with the latest and most effective treatment options.
Her professional philosophy centers on achieving natural-looking, harmonious results that align with each patient's individual goals. She prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality within a supportive environment. Dr. Van Laeken conducts thorough consultations to ensure patients are fully informed and empowered in their decision-making process. She utilizes the latest proven techniques in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, with a commitment to continuing education and refinement of her surgical skills. Her dedication to patient well-being in Vancouver reflects her passion for helping individuals restore and enhance their appearance and confidence through expert surgical care.
Dr. Nancy Van Laeken addresses a wide array of conditions requiring plastic and reconstructive expertise, including:
Reconstructive Surgery (Trauma, Burns, Post-Mastectomy)
Dr. Van Laeken addresses utilizing advanced techniques like microsurgery, tissue transfer, and skin grafting for challenging reconstructive needs.
- Facial Trauma and Lacerations: Often requires collaboration with other specialists like oral and maxillofacial surgeons or ophthalmologists.
- Burn Reconstruction (Acute and Secondary): Techniques include skin grafts, tissue expansion, flap surgery, and scar revision.
- Breast Reconstruction (Post-Mastectomy or Lumpectomy): Options include implant-based reconstruction (tissue expanders and permanent implants) or autologous tissue reconstruction (using the patient's own tissue from abdomen, back, or buttocks - e.g., TRAM, DIEP, latissimus flaps).
Skin Cancer and Benign Skin Lesion Removal
Dr. Van Laeken addresses removal of benign lesions such as cysts, lipomas, and moles for medical or cosmetic reasons.
- Reconstructive Surgery after Skin Cancer Removal: Techniques include direct closure, skin grafts, local flaps, or more complex tissue transfer.
- Melanoma Excision and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Surgical removal of melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer) with appropriate safety margins.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Excision: Techniques include simple excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (performed by Mohs surgeons, plastic surgeons do reconstruction), or curettage and electrodesiccation.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your specific needs, a consultation with Dr. Nancy Van Laeken is essential.
- Reconstructive Surgery Planning (Post-Trauma, Post-Cancer, Congenital): Specialized consultation and planning for reconstructive procedures following accidents, cancer removal (e.g., breast reconstruction), or for congenital deformities.
- Congenital Anomaly Repair (e.g., Cleft Lip/Palate, Craniofacial): Requires specialized pediatric plastic surgery expertise.
- Facial Reconstruction (Post-Trauma or Cancer): May involve bone grafting, tissue flaps, and meticulous soft tissue repair.
- Pre-operative Assessment for Plastic Surgery: Ensuring patient suitability and optimizing health prior to elective plastic or reconstructive surgery.
- Hand Surgery (Reconstructive and Trauma): Microsurgical techniques are often employed for delicate repairs.
- Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Aimed at limb salvage and functional restoration.
- Skin Cancer Reconstruction (Mohs Defect Repair): Surgical repair of skin defects resulting from the removal of skin cancers, particularly after Mohs surgery.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures and suitability are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Van Laeken.
All plastic and reconstructive surgery services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada guidelines. A referral from a physician may be required for consultations regarding medically necessary procedures.
Dr. Van Laeken's primary clinic, Nancy Van Laeken MD Inc., is located in Vancouver's vibrant Downtown Vancouver (West End South) neighbourhood. The clinic is easily accessible, situated near the Hotel Vancouver, and conveniently reachable via TransLink services including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, offering a professional, private, and welcoming environment for consultations and procedures. Patients usually find convenient parking options nearby, making their visit as seamless as possible.
- What are some common procedures performed by a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Van Laeken?
- As a Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Van Laeken is skilled in numerous operations. These can range from reconstructive work like repairing burn scars or facial trauma, to cosmetic enhancements such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and various breast surgeries. a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, specializing in restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer.
- Why is it important for a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Van Laeken to be board-certified?
- Board certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Plastic Surgery (FRCSC) signifies that a surgeon like Dr. Van Laeken has completed an accredited residency training program and has passed comprehensive written and oral examinations covering all aspects of plastic surgery, both reconstructive and cosmetic. It's a mark of high standards in training, knowledge, and surgical competence, ensuring she is qualified to perform a wide range of plastic surgery procedures safely and effectively.
- What is the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, and does Dr. Van Laeken perform both?
- Reconstructive plastic surgery addresses physical abnormalities to improve function and normalize appearance (e.g., breast reconstruction after mastectomy, cleft lip repair). Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on enhancing aesthetic features (e.g., facelift, breast augmentation). Dr. Van Laeken, as a board-certified Plastic Surgeon, is skilled in aspects of both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. specializing in restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer.
- What does a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Van Laeken specialize in?
- Dr. Van Laeken is a Plastic Surgeon with expertise in a broad range of surgical procedures. This includes reconstructive surgery to restore form and function, and cosmetic surgery to improve aesthetic appearance. specializing in restoring form and function to the body due to congenital defects, trauma, burns, or medical conditions like cancer.
- Why is a consultation with Dr. Van Laeken important before deciding on a procedure?
- The consultation with Dr. Van Laeken is essential because it provides an opportunity for a thorough evaluation of your specific needs and aesthetic or reconstructive goals. Dr. Van Laeken can then explain the most appropriate surgical or non-surgical options, what you can realistically expect from the outcomes, and ensure you have all the information needed to proceed confidently and safely.
Nancy Van Laeken MD Inc.
1788-1111 Georgia St W
Vancouver, BC V6E 4M3
Office Phone: (604) 669-1633 | Office Fax: (604) 669-4516 | Practice Website: http://www.vanlaeken.com/
Dr. Van Laeken is a licensed Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician may be required for consultations regarding medically necessary procedures covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP). For cosmetic procedures, a referral is often not required, but it's advisable to discuss with your family doctor. Please contact the office for details.
Verify Dr. Van Laeken's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/352749/Van%20Laeken%2CNancy