Breast Reconstruction
Every year, thousands of women are affected by breast cancer, often necessitating a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Breast reconstruction helps to restore a natural-looking breast or nipple using either your tissues or an implant. Various procedures are available, and the choice will rely on your unique anatomy, health history, and specific needs.
About Breast Reconstruction in Dubai
Although breast reconstruction can restore your breasts, the outcomes may vary:
- The feel and touch of a reconstructed breast differs from that of the original breast.
- Some surgical treatments leave incision lines at the donor site, which is typically located in less visible areas of the body, such as the back, abdomen, or buttocks.
- The incision lines will be visible on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy. If only one breast is affected, a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to enhance the symmetry of the size and position.
What is treated with Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction in Dubai commonly follows a procedure aimed at treating or preventing breast cancer. It helps to restore lost or damaged tissue and reshape breasts to regain symmetry.
Reconstructing breast tissue that results from congenital anomalies (birth deformities) is a less common procedure.
Types of Breast Reconstruction in Dubai
There are several types of breast reconstruction in Dubai, each with its benefits and considerations. Here are the main types:
1.Implant-Based Reconstruction:
- Two-Stage Reconstruction: Initially, a tissue expander is placed beneath the skin and chest muscle. The expander is gradually filled over time to stretch the skin. Once the desired size is achieved, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant.
- Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction: This procedure skips the tissue expander stage and involves placing the implant directly after the mastectomy, reducing the number of surgeries needed.
3.Nipple and Areola Reconstruction:
- This can be performed as a final step after the reconstruction has healed. Techniques include tattooing to recreate the areola and a small flap or graft to create a new nipple.
5.Fat Grafting:
- This technique involves taking fat from another body part (like the abdomen or thighs) using liposuction and injecting it into the breast area to improve the shape and smoothness. It is often used as an adjunct to other reconstruction techniques to refine the breast contour.
2. Autologous or Flap Reconstruction:
- Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap (TRAM Flap): This method utilizes tissue from the lower abdomen, including skin, fat, and sometimes part of the muscle, to reconstruct the breast.
- Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap (DIEP Flap): Similar to the TRAM flap, it preserves all the abdominal muscles, using only skin and fat.
- Latissimus Dorsi Flap: This procedure utilizes muscle, skin, and fat from the upper back to recreate the breast. It’s often used when a woman doesn’t have enough abdominal tissue or has had previous abdominal surgeries.
- Gluteal Flap: This procedure uses tissue from the buttocks to reconstruct the breast, and it is suitable for women who may not have enough abdominal tissue.
4.Combination Reconstruction:
- Some women might opt for a combination of both implant and flap techniques to achieve a more natural result, especially if one technique alone does not offer sufficient volume or shape.
Types of Breast Reconstruction in Dubai
There are several types of breast reconstruction in Dubai, each with its benefits and considerations. Here are the main types:
1.Implant-Based Reconstruction:
- Two-Stage Reconstruction: Initially, a tissue expander is placed beneath the skin and chest muscle. The expander is gradually filled over time to stretch the skin. Once the desired size is achieved, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant.
- Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction: This procedure skips the tissue expander stage and involves placing the implant directly after the mastectomy, reducing the number of surgeries needed.
2. Autologous or Flap Reconstruction:
- Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap (TRAM Flap): This method utilizes tissue from the lower abdomen, including skin, fat, and sometimes part of the muscle, to reconstruct the breast.
- Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap (DIEP Flap): Similar to the TRAM flap, it preserves all the abdominal muscles, using only skin and fat.
- Latissimus Dorsi Flap: This procedure utilizes muscle, skin, and fat from the upper back to recreate the breast. It’s often used when a woman doesn’t have enough abdominal tissue or has had previous abdominal surgeries.
- Gluteal Flap: This procedure uses tissue from the buttocks to reconstruct the breast, and it is suitable for women who may not have enough abdominal tissue.
3.Nipple and Areola Reconstruction:
- This can be performed as a final step after the reconstruction has healed. Techniques include tattooing to recreate the areola and a small flap or graft to create a new nipple.
4.Combination Reconstruction:
- Some women might opt for a combination of both implant and flap techniques to achieve a more natural result, especially if one technique alone does not offer sufficient volume or shape.
5.Fat Grafting:
- This technique involves taking fat from another body part (like the abdomen or thighs) using liposuction and injecting it into the breast area to improve the shape and smoothness. It is often used as an adjunct to other reconstruction techniques to refine the breast contour.