Breast Reconstruction in the UAE: Understanding Your Options

For women who have undergone a mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment, breast reconstruction offers a way to restore their body image and sense of self. In the UAE, there are several options available for breast reconstruction, each with its own benefits and considerations. This blog post will delve into the details of breast reconstruction UAE, helping you understand the procedures and make informed decisions.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction 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 breast reconstruction:

1. Implant Reconstruction

This method involves using silicone or saline implants to create the breast shape.

Two-Stage Process: 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.
Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: This technique preserves most of the breast skin, providing a more natural-looking result.

2. Autologous Tissue Reconstruction (Flap Reconstruction)

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:

Abdomen:
- DIEP Flap: Uses skin and fat from the abdomen without taking muscle.
- TRAM Flap: Uses abdominal muscle, fat, and skin.
- SIEA Flap: Similar to DIEP, but uses different blood vessels.
Back:
- Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap: Uses muscle, skin, and fat from the upper back.
Buttocks:
- IGAP Flap: Uses skin, fat, and blood vessels from the buttocks.
- SGAP Flap: Similar to IGAP, but uses a different set of blood vessels.
Thigh:
- PAP Flap: Uses tissue from the upper inner thigh without muscle.
- TUG Flap: Includes muscle from the upper inner thigh.

Flaps can be either:

Pedicled: The flap remains attached to its original blood supply and is tunneled to the breast area.
Free: The flap is completely detached and reconnected to blood vessels in the chest using microsurgery.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

In the final stage of breast reconstruction, 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.

Contralateral Breast Procedures

To ensure symmetry, surgery on the opposite breast (contralateral breast) may be performed to match the size and shape of the reconstructed breast.

New Developments in Breast Reconstruction

Oncoplastic Surgery: Combines breast cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast during a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Autologous Fat Grafting: Transfers fat from other parts of the body to the reconstructed breast to correct asymmetries and deformities.

Finding the Right Surgeon in the UAE

If you are considering breast reconstruction in the UAE, 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. Breast Reconstruction UAE can significantly improve your quality of life and help you regain confidence after breast cancer treatment.