Adj Asst Prof Vigneswaran Nallathamby is an accredited plastic surgeon (FAMS, Plastic Surgery) and Head of Division & Senior Consultant in the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.
His clinical work includes reconstructive microsurgery, such as free-flap and breast reconstruction within the public hospital setting.
Clinical focus
Reconstructive microsurgery.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MB BCh BAO, LRCP & SI (NUI), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Surg), FAMS (Plastic Surgery).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Division of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital — Jurong East
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
Getting to the clinic
Adj Asst Prof Vigneswaran Nallathamby practises in the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in Jurong East. The hospital is well connected, sitting close to Jurong East MRT, an interchange on the East-West and North-South Lines, with sheltered links and bus interchange nearby, making public transport a convenient option. Numerous bus routes serve the Jurong East transport hub adjacent to the hospital.
As a public hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital has a visitor carpark on site for those who prefer to drive, with taxi and ride-hailing drop-off at the main entrance. The integrated transport links around Jurong East make this one of the more accessible hospitals in the western part of Singapore. On arrival, follow signage to the specialist outpatient clinics and bring your appointment details so registration is smooth.
What reconstructive microsurgery covers
Reconstructive microsurgery uses magnification to repair or transfer tissue, blood vessels and nerves, allowing reconstruction that would otherwise be very difficult. Adj Asst Prof Vigneswaran’s stated work includes reconstructive microsurgery such as free-flap and breast reconstruction within the public hospital setting.
- Free-flap reconstruction, where tissue is transferred from one part of the body to rebuild another, with its blood supply reconnected under the microscope.
- Breast reconstruction after cancer surgery, restoring shape using the patient’s own tissue or other techniques.
- Repair of complex defects following trauma, cancer removal or other conditions.
- Restoration of both function and appearance as part of a coordinated treatment plan.
Reconstructive microsurgery is among the more technically demanding areas of plastic surgery, and it is often delivered within a public hospital as part of a wider team caring for patients after cancer, trauma or other major surgery. The principle of a free flap is that living tissue, with its artery and vein, is detached from one site and reconnected under the microscope at another, so it survives and heals in its new position. This makes it possible to rebuild areas where there is simply not enough local tissue. Breast reconstruction is a common application, restoring shape after mastectomy, and the timing is coordinated carefully with the patient’s cancer treatment.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit begins with a history of your condition, how it arose, your general health, previous surgery and medications. The surgeon examines the affected area and, for reconstruction, assesses both the defect and the potential donor sites, often taking photographs and measurements for planning. Imaging or other investigations may be arranged. Because microsurgical reconstruction is complex and often coordinated with other specialists, the consultation focuses on the plan, the likely stages, expected recovery and what reconstruction can realistically achieve.
Preparing for your appointment
Bring photo identification and your referral letter, which is usual for a public hospital appointment and may affect subsidy eligibility. Gather previous records, operation notes, scans and reports, including any cancer or trauma treatment history. Prepare a current list of medications and supplements with doses. Note your symptoms, how the problem affects daily life, and the questions you want answered. For breast reconstruction, details of your cancer treatment plan and timing are useful for coordinating care.
After your consultation and follow-up
Reconstructive care is often staged and coordinated with other teams, so after the visit you will receive a plan with a clear timeline. Where investigations were ordered, the clinic will advise when results are ready. Follow-up visits track wound healing and flap viability and adjust the plan; continuity of care across stages is important, particularly after free-flap surgery. If surgery is recommended, the team will explain it and arrange scheduling. A second opinion is your right. Seek urgent care for signs of infection, fever, or changes in a reconstructed area such as colour change, increasing pain or swelling.
Booking, referrals and fees
As this is a public hospital practice, a GP or polyclinic referral is usually needed and helps you access subsidised care where you are eligible. Medically necessary reconstructive procedures may be supported by MediSave, MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans within set limits, and subsidy applies to eligible patients in the public setting. Consultation and procedure charges depend on your subsidy status and the treatment, so confirm fees, subsidy eligibility and any approvals directly with the hospital.
Common questions
What is a free flap?
A free flap is tissue moved from one part of the body to another, with its blood vessels reconnected under the microscope so it survives in its new position. It is used to rebuild areas where local tissue is insufficient.
Can breast reconstruction use my own tissue?
Yes, breast reconstruction can use the patient’s own tissue through microsurgical techniques, or other methods. The right approach depends on your anatomy, cancer treatment and preferences.
Do I need a referral for this public hospital?
A GP or polyclinic referral is usually required for a public hospital specialist appointment and helps you access subsidised care if you are eligible.
How long is recovery after microsurgical reconstruction?
Recovery varies with the procedure and is often staged. Early monitoring of the flap is important, and your team will give a timeline specific to your operation.
Will my care be coordinated with other specialists?
Often yes. Reconstructive microsurgery in a public hospital is usually delivered alongside the teams managing your cancer, trauma or other condition, so the plan and timing are coordinated across specialties.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of plastic surgeons in Singapore and our shortlist of plastic surgery clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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