Plastic surgery has long been synonymous with enhancing one’s appearance, but its potential goes far beyond mere vanity. MACS Clinic, under the leadership of Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria, collaborated with Help Smile Trust to bring hope and healing to children from remote villages burdened with cleft lip and palate deformities at Global Hospital Mount Abu in Rajasthan, India.
Among the visiting team members were individuals like Dr. Stefano Cortufo- London , Dr. Santosh Bhatia- Mumbai, Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria-London , and Nikhita’s Tandon-Mumbai . Alongside them, the local team members at Global Hospital, Mount Abu, such as Dr. Sharad Mehta, anaesthetist, Dr. Pratap Medha, and Brother Rishi, ensured hospitality with warmth and care. All these people worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this noble mission. In the morning the entire team used to gather for meditation to relax before starting their work. These doctors performed life-changing surgeries on 30 patients with cleft lip and/or palate deformities, post-traumatic injuries, and vascular malformations.
One crucial aspect of this charitable endeavour was the generous provision of surgical instruments for cleft lip and palate operations, courtesy of the Help Smile Trust. This charitable organization, founded in 2010 by Mr. Rajeev Subhedar, Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria, Dr. Bela Vadodaria and Mrs. Mohini Subhedar, and, has a profound impact in facilitating provision of health and education in developing world.
Indeed, the collaboration between MACS Clinic and Help Smile Trust serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts that aesthetic plastic and reconstructive surgery can have on people’s lives. One of the most compelling examples of this is the repair of cleft palate or lip in children.
For a child born with a cleft palate or lip, the impact extends far beyond cosmetic appearance. It directly affects their ability to eat, speak, hear and even breathe properly. Without surgical intervention, these children may face significant challenges in basic functions such as feeding, leading to malnutrition and developmental delays. Additionally, the cleft may cause social stigma and isolation, impacting the child’s emotional well-being.
However, through the plastic and reconstructive surgical interventions, these challenges can be overcome. Repairing a cleft palate or lip not only improves the child’s physical appearance but also enables them to feed properly, develop speech, and smile confidently. Moreover, it reduces their susceptibility to frequent ear infections, which are common complications associated with untreated clefts. In essence, such surgeries are life-changing for these children, providing them with the opportunity to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
In conclusion, the synergy between MACS Clinic and Help Smile Trust is a testament to the transformative power of plastic and reconstructive surgery. By repairing cleft palates and lips, they are not just correcting physical deformities but also restoring hope, dignity, and the opportunity for a better life to those in need. It is a reminder that compassion, skill, and dedication can truly change significant difference in children’s lives in rural underprivileged area of the world – one life-changing surgery at a time.
