Breast Reconstruction in the UAE: Understanding Your Options

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<p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">For women who have undergone a mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment, <strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">breast reconstruction</strong> offers a way to restore their body image and sense of self. In the <strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">UAE</strong>, there are several options available for <strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">breast reconstruction</strong>, each with its own benefits and considerations. This blog post will delve into the details of <strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">breast reconstruction UAE</strong>, helping you understand the procedures and make informed decisions.</p><h2 class="mb-3 mt-6 font-serif text-2xl font-semibold leading-[38px] md:text-3xl md:leading-[42px]">Types of Breast Reconstruction</h2><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Breast reconstruction</strong> aims to recreate the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. The procedure can be performed at the time of the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or later (delayed reconstruction). There are two main types of <strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">breast reconstruction</strong>:</p><h3 class="mb-2 mt-4 font-serif text-xl font-medium leading-8 md:text-2xl md:leading-[38px]">1. Implant Reconstruction</h3><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">This method involves using silicone or saline implants to create the breast shape.</p><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Two-Stage Process:</strong> Typically, a tissue expander is placed under the chest muscle or skin. Over time, saline is injected to gradually expand the tissue. Once the tissue has stretched sufficiently, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant.</li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Skin-Sparing Mastectomy:</strong> This technique preserves most of the breast skin, providing a more natural-looking result.</li></ul><h3 class="mb-2 mt-4 font-serif text-xl font-medium leading-8 md:text-2xl md:leading-[38px]">2. Autologous Tissue Reconstruction (Flap Reconstruction)</h3><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">This technique uses tissue from other parts of your body to reconstruct the breast. The tissue, including skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, is called a flap. Common donor sites include:</p><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Abdomen:</strong><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">DIEP Flap:</strong> Uses skin and fat from the abdomen without taking muscle.</li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">TRAM Flap:</strong> Uses abdominal muscle, fat, and skin.</li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">SIEA Flap:</strong> Similar to DIEP, but uses different blood vessels.</li></ul></li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Back:</strong><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap:</strong> Uses muscle, skin, and fat from the upper back.</li></ul></li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Buttocks:</strong><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">IGAP Flap:</strong> Uses skin, fat, and blood vessels from the buttocks.</li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">SGAP Flap:</strong> Similar to IGAP, but uses a different set of blood vessels.</li></ul></li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Thigh:</strong><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">PAP Flap:</strong> Uses tissue from the upper inner thigh without muscle.</li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">TUG Flap:</strong> Includes muscle from the upper inner thigh.</li></ul></li></ul><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">Flaps can be either:</p><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Pedicled:</strong> The flap remains attached to its original blood supply and is tunneled to the breast area.</li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Free:</strong> The flap is completely detached and reconnected to blood vessels in the chest using microsurgery.</li></ul><h2 class="mb-3 mt-6 font-serif text-2xl font-semibold leading-[38px] md:text-3xl md:leading-[42px]">Nipple and Areola Reconstruction</h2><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">In the final stage of <strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">breast reconstruction</strong>, the nipple and areola can be recreated if they were not preserved during the mastectomy. This can involve skin grafts and tattooing to achieve a natural appearance.</p><h2 class="mb-3 mt-6 font-serif text-2xl font-semibold leading-[38px] md:text-3xl md:leading-[42px]">Contralateral Breast Procedures</h2><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">To ensure symmetry, surgery on the opposite breast (contralateral breast) may be performed to match the size and shape of the reconstructed breast.</p><h2 class="mb-3 mt-6 font-serif text-2xl font-semibold leading-[38px] md:text-3xl md:leading-[42px]">New Developments in Breast Reconstruction</h2><ul class="my-1 list-disc pl-4"><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Oncoplastic Surgery:</strong> Combines breast cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast during a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy.</li><li class="my-1"><strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">Autologous Fat Grafting:</strong> Transfers fat from other parts of the body to the reconstructed breast to correct asymmetries and deformities.</li></ul><h2 class="mb-3 mt-6 font-serif text-2xl font-semibold leading-[38px] md:text-3xl md:leading-[42px]">Finding the Right Surgeon in the UAE</h2><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">If you are considering <strong class="font-serif text-lg font-medium">breast reconstruction in the UAE</strong>, it is essential to consult with an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Haytham El Salhat is a specialist in this field, offering a range of options to meet your individual needs and preferences. <a class="text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-400 dark:hover:text-blue-300 group inline break-all text-sm font-medium hover:underline md:text-base" href="https://www.haythamelsalhat.com/breast-reconstruction-uae">Breast Reconstruction UAE</a> can significantly improve your quality of life and help you regain confidence after breast cancer treatment.</p><h2 class="mb-3 mt-6 font-serif text-2xl font-semibold leading-[38px] md:text-3xl md:leading-[42px]">Contact Dr. Haytham El Salhat</h2><p class="mb-1.5 mt-3 text-base">If you're experiencing discomfort or considering reconstructive options, you're encouraged to seek Dr. Haytham’s expert guidance.</p>

haytham

Dr. Haytham El-Salhat is a leading surgical oncologist in the UAE with expertise in breast cancer, sarcoma, GI, and pancreatic surgery. He is a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon and is one of the few surgeons in Abu Dhabi who perform laparoscopic oncological surgery. He is also a passionate educator and researcher, and is committed to providing his patients with the best possible care.