ISAPS Visiting Professor Program
Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic

On August 15–16, Visiting Professor Program event took place in Hluboká nad Vltavou. It was the first ever VPP in the Czech Republic. ISAPS National Secretary for the Czech Republic, Vladimír Mařík M.D., invited Prof. Fabio Nahas M.D., PhD., FACS, MBA. Expectations were high; audience was full of residents as well as some of the leading Czech plastic surgeons. Capacity was completely full. Nearly one third of all Czech plastic surgeons found time to attend.

The first day of the course was devoted to live operations conducted by prof. Nahas. Two main procedures were presented – abdominoplasty and mastopexy. Prof. Nahas pointed out important news and techniques during each operation. Only small group of surgeons was at the operating theatre, therefore video was captured and edited for the others. Lectures started early in the morning of the second day. Program was opened by Vladimír Mařík M.D., who introduced prof. Fabio Nahas and ISAPS Visiting Professor Program to the audience. Then, Prof. Nahas took over the conference for nearly the whole day. He presented excellent lectures on the following topics: Treatment of excess skin and fat of the abdomen, Treatment of myoaponeurotic layer of the abdomen – recent trends, Abdominoplasty versus lipoabdominoplasty – what is the best technique?, Secondary abdominoplasty and atypical cases, Limits of liposuction, The internal bra technique for breast reduction, Breast augmentation – some technical considerations. Rich discussion followed after every lecture, many ideas were shared, including lots of different opinions. Level of discussion was very high and atmosphere respectful. Some important conclusions were made. Next part of the program was video presentation from the previous operation day – this was commented live by Prof. Nahas. Once again with many questions from the audience. Each participant received a copy of video on CD-ROM. At the end of the day, Vladimír Mařík M.D. took over the conference once again. This time together with his colleague, Pavel Kurial M.D. They presented difficult cases from their practice with results and Prof. Nahas commented with interest in their approach.

Despite the exhaustive course of the program, organizers found some time for social events. Prof. Nahas had the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of revolving auditorium in the city theatre of Český Krumlov. Physical health was also taken into account – cycling trip through Czech landscape was an icing on the cake.

Response to VPP event was huge; all participants went back home satisfied and full of new ideas. Thanks go to organizers and prof. Nahas for this wonderful and enriching course. Hopefully, this has been the beginning of a new tradition. Everyone looks forward to the next Visiting Professor Program event in the Czech Republic.