Introducing: Drs. Koeijers

We are delighted to welcome Drs. G.F. Koeijers to Boerhaave Clinic. With more than 30 years of experience in plastic surgery and an international background, he brings a wealth of expertise and personal insight. In this blog we tell you more about his career, what drives him, and how he helps his patients realise their expectations and wishes.

Background and training

Vito Koeijers was born and raised in Curaçao. Koeijers' motivation to become a plastic surgeon arose at a young age. “I always wanted to be a magician,” says Koeijers. “But I didn't know anyone around me who was skilled in magic.” A friend of his suffered first-degree burns in an accident in Curaçao. After treatment at a burns centre in Venezuela, his friend recovered completely, without any visible scars. “When I saw what the plastic surgeon had done for my friend, I knew that plastic surgeons were magicians, so that's what I was going to become.”

After finishing secondary school in Curaçao, Koeijers moved to the Netherlands to study medicine. His passion for plastic surgery quickly became clear during his training in Nijmegen, after which he completed part of his specialisation at St. Josef hospital (now Máxima Medical Centre) in Eindhoven and the rest of his specialisation in Nijmegen. In 1994 he completed his training and began his career in the Netherlands as a plastic surgeon, working at places including the Andreas hospital (now part of OLVG) in Amsterdam and the Bergman Clinic, and finally for 15 years at Stedendriehoek, which includes the Gelre hospitals in Apeldoorn and Zutphen and the Deventer hospital. Alongside his work in the Netherlands, Koeijers travelled frequently to South, Central and North America to broaden his knowledge and experience. After working in the Netherlands for 25 years, he moved back to Curaçao for 6 years, and now he works at Boerhaave!

Specialisation

With more than 30 years of experience in plastic surgery, Koeijers has specialised in breast surgery: breast augmentations, reductions, reconstructions and lifts. He also performs liposuction, lipofilling and eyelid corrections.

Approach

For Koeijers, plastic surgery is about more than just the technical execution. “The most important question I ask my patients is: what is your wish?” he explains. Patients often find it difficult to put into words exactly what they want, and it is then up to the surgeon to ask further questions and get a clear picture of their expectations. “If you understand what the patient really wants, you can minimise the chance of disappointment. It is my job to be honest about what is and isn't possible, and to make sure the patient feels well informed before they make a decision.”

Preparation for a cosmetic procedure begins during the consultation. Koeijers stresses that it is important to give detailed information and to give the patient time to take everything in properly. “People can't remember everything at once, and that's perfectly fine. I encourage my patients to always come back if they have any further questions.”

On the day of the operation he creates a relaxed atmosphere. “It's serious work, but it should also stay light-hearted. For example, I ask patients what music they would like to hear during the operation, so that they feel at ease.” It is important that you prepare well for an operation. You can do this by reading the brochures that the clinic sends you before an operation. It is also important to read up thoroughly on the recovery and aftercare.

Tip

People who are considering a cosmetic procedure often have a lot of doubts. This is completely normal and should be taken seriously. Koeijers gives clear advice: “If in doubt, don't do it, until you are more than 90% sure that you really want it.” It is also essential that you have confidence in your plastic surgeon. Even if someone is the most skilled surgeon, as a patient you need to feel comfortable and understood. “Think about whether you feel at ease with the doctor. Do you trust him or her? Does this person understand your concerns and wishes? If it doesn't feel right, don't do it,” says Koeijers. And it works both ways: Koeijers stresses that he himself will not perform a procedure either if he doesn't have a good feeling about a patient. “If the chemistry isn't there, the process can't have a good outcome,” he says.

Misconception about plastic surgery

One of the biggest misconceptions Drs. Koeijers often hears is that plastic surgeons can deliver perfection without leaving scars. Many people expect their body to look effortless and scar-free after a procedure. The reality, however, is different. Every surgical procedure leaves marks, however small they may be.

“There is always a certain margin of precision we can achieve, but the idea that you can undergo an operation without scars just isn't possible,” Koeijers explains. Although plastic surgeons are highly experienced in minimising and concealing scars, no one can fully control the body's natural healing processes. Scars are a normal part of every surgical procedure and need time to heal.

Personal insights

For Koeijers, it is important always to bear in mind that plastic surgery brings about not only physical but also mental changes. He still remembers one of his earlier experiences well: a patient was overjoyed after breast surgery, while he himself felt the result could have been better. “She told me she had come from a very bad place and that for her it was perfect. That was a valuable lesson for me: it's not about my opinion, but about how the patient feels.” Another example is how some patients have become insecure because of their appearance. After the procedure, Koeijers often sees an enormous transformation in their self-confidence. “When women come in ashamed of their breasts and then walk out proud and upright, I know that I have been able to help them not only physically, but mentally too.”

Would you like to book a consultation with Drs. Koeijers? You can! Book a consultation online or call 088 4000 200.