Three children receive life-changing reconstructive surgery at Tygerberg Hospital

Three children received a life-changing reconstructive surgery at Tygerberg Hospital last week, through a partnership between the Smile Foundation and a private company.

The procedures were performed as part of a “Smile Slate”, an initiative that provides free reconstructive surgery for children with facial anomalies, according to spokesperson of the foundation, Elle Velalis.

The surgical team was led by Tygerberg Hospital plastic consultant Dr Mosadi Mahoko, supported by registrar Dr Kirthi Ramdhani. 

Among the children undergoing surgery was nine-month-old Luan Pieterse from Barrydale, who was born with an incomplete cleft lip. Although his diagnosis came as a surprise, his mother, Lashay, said the family remained hopeful because the condition runs in their family.

“My father was also born with a cleft lip, so when Luan arrived, we knew there was a chance for him to thrive. We are so grateful to the doctors, Smile Foundation, and Milky Lane for giving our little boy the chance to smile brightly,” she said.

Also benefiting from the initiative was two-year-old Carla Field, who underwent cranial vault remodelling on Tuesday, November 18. She was born prematurely at 29 weeks and was diagnosed soon after birth with spina bifida, according to Ms Velalis. She also lives with Foetal Valproate Syndrome, a rare condition linked to medication used to treat her mother’s epilepsy, which has affected her skull development and contributed to developmental delays.

Tshidi Chabane-Xaba, the chief operating officer of Smile Foundation, said: “Behind every surgery is a family that has carried fear and hope in equal measure. When a child receives reconstructive care, a community exhales. These surgeries are not just medical procedures; it is a chance at a fresh start."

The marketing manager from the company that partnered with Smile Foundation, Patricia Kasuka, said the brand was proud to contribute to the initiative.

Dr Kitesh Moodley, the manager for medical and surgical services at Tygerberg Hospital, said, “Restoring smiles means restoring childhoods, confidence, and hope for every child we care for.”