4 Days, 55 Surgeries, 108 Patients: Dr. Aboutanos in Honduras with World Pediatric Project

When we think of the work plastic surgeons do, cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation or facelift surgery usually come to mind first. However, many board certified plastic surgeons—Dr. Aboutanos included—devote a significant portion of their practice to helping patients restore a normal appearance and function through plastic surgery.

As a pediatric plastic surgery specialist as well as an accomplished aesthetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Aboutanos has a passion for helping children born with congenital birth defects enjoy healthier, happier lives. She recently returned from Toyos, Honduras, where she spent four days working with World Pediatric Project, a non-profit organization that provides medical treatment and surgical care to children in Central America and the Caribbean.

We asked Dr. Aboutanos to share a bit about the work she does with the organization and reflect on her recent trip.

How did you get involved with World Pediatric Project?

I began working with WPP (World Pediatric Project) several years ago. The mission is headquartered in Richmond, and does so much for children and families in developing countries—not only sending teams to treat patients, but also by helping communities build quality, sustainable health care programs and bringing children with more complex problems to the U.S. for treatment.

Why is it important to you as a plastic surgeon to volunteer with World Pediatric Project?

Like most of my colleagues in the field, I became a plastic surgeon to help patients improve their quality of life, and I love helping my cosmetic and reconstructive patients in Richmond achieve their goals. However, there is unfortunately a significant imbalance in the availability of good medical care worldwide. World Pediatric Project estimates that nearly 90% of the world’s population has access to only about 10% of our total health resources.

Therefore, it is very important to me personally to volunteer my time and skill to help patients who otherwise would not have access to a plastic surgeon. Many children I see have lived for years with a highly treatable condition. I am honored to help these children overcome their physical obstacles and simply enjoy being a kid!

What procedures do you perform while in Honduras?

Our plastic surgery team is made up of 3 surgeons, 1 anesthesiologist, 3 CRNAs, several OR staff and nurses, and 3 World Pediatric Project staff members. We focus on treating congenital birth defects as well as plastic surgery conditions resulting from illness or injury. For example, we will take care of cleft lips, cleft palates, microtia (missing ears), cranial anomalies, duplicate and fused fingers, burns, scars, and abnormal lesions, and other conditions. During this most recent trip, our team performed 55 surgeries in 4 days, and saw 108 patients.

How has your work with World Pediatric Project impacted you?

This was my sixth trip to Honduras with World Pediatric Project—our team goes every year, and we have formed long-lasting relationships with many of the patients and families in Toyos. Watching my patients grow and develop over the years into healthy, happy children is highly rewarding. I have so many stories!

One of my most memorable patients is a 9-year-old girl with microtia who underwent ear reconstruction with rib graft (making an ear out of a rib), which is performed over the course of 3 staged surgeries. I first met her 4 years ago. This year she came to the clinic with her ears pierced and her hair pulled back. She was so happy with her appearance and doing great in school! I also feel so happy when my cleft lip and palate patients are happy with the way they look and speaking clearly for all to hear.

How can others get involved with World Pediatric Project?

As a non-profit, WPP largely operates on volunteer power! You don’t have to be a doctor or even in the medical field to volunteer your time or resources. The WPP website has some great information about how you can contribute to the organization. I also welcome patients to contact me at my Richmond plastic surgery office if they have questions about my work with WPP.