Breast Reconstruction in Jeddah
Full video transcript
Reconstruction is your decision — no one else's.
Some women choose it. Some don't. Both are right.
If you do choose it, the goal isn't just to replace volume. It's a shape that looks natural — on you.
We can do it during the same operation as the mastectomy, or wait until treatment is finished.
With implants. With your own tissue. With fat grafting — or a combination.
And if there's radiotherapy, before or ahead, that changes what I'd advise.
Which is why there's no single operation that fits everyone. We build the plan around you.
Breast reconstruction is a highly individualised surgical process designed to restore the shape, volume, symmetry, and overall appearance of the breast following mastectomy, partial breast removal, previous surgery, trauma, or congenital breast differences.
The goal is not simply to recreate breast volume. Modern breast reconstruction aims to restore a natural breast contour that is proportionate to the patient's body while taking into account previous treatment, scars, skin quality, the opposite breast, and the patient's personal priorities.
Breast reconstruction may be performed at the same time as mastectomy, known as immediate reconstruction, or at a later stage after cancer treatment has been completed, known as delayed reconstruction.
Every reconstruction is different, and the appropriate approach is selected after careful evaluation of the patient's anatomy, previous surgery, radiotherapy history, general health, available donor tissue, and expectations.
Book Your Consultation
Care begins with an unhurried consultation with Dr. Khalid Almutairi to assess your case and discuss the options appropriate for you.
Who may benefit from breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction may be considered for patients who have:
- Undergone or are planning mastectomy for breast cancer.
- Had partial breast removal resulting in significant asymmetry or contour deformity.
- Experienced changes following previous breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy.
- Developed implant-related or reconstructive complications requiring revision.
- Breast deformity following trauma or previous surgery.
- Congenital breast asymmetry or developmental differences.
- A desire to revise or improve a previous breast reconstruction.
Is reconstruction necessary?
Breast reconstruction is optional. Some patients choose reconstruction, while others prefer an external prosthesis or no reconstruction. The most appropriate decision is the one that best matches the patient's medical situation and personal priorities.
Types of breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction may involve implants, the patient's own tissue, fat grafting, or a combination of techniques.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant reconstruction may involve placement of a permanent breast implant either immediately or after preliminary expansion of the tissues using a tissue expander.
It can be an appropriate option in selected patients, particularly when there is adequate healthy skin and soft-tissue coverage.
Autologous reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue to recreate the breast.
Tissue may be transferred from areas such as the abdomen, back, thighs, or other donor sites depending on anatomy and reconstructive requirements.
These operations can provide soft, natural tissue but are generally more extensive and involve surgery at both the breast and donor site.
Fat grafting
Fat grafting involves removing fat through gentle liposuction from another part of the body, processing it, and carefully injecting it into the breast.
Fat grafting may be used to:
- Improve contour irregularities.
- Soften visible implant edges.
- Improve symmetry.
- Correct localised volume deficiencies.
- Improve the transition between the reconstructed breast and chest wall.
- Complement other reconstructive procedures.
Hybrid reconstruction
Some patients benefit from a combination of an implant and their own tissue or fat.
This approach can provide additional soft-tissue coverage and allow greater refinement of breast contour.
More than one fat-grafting session may occasionally be required.
Reconstruction after radiotherapy
Previous or planned radiotherapy can significantly influence reconstructive planning because radiation may affect skin elasticity, blood supply, wound healing, and implant-related complication rates.
For some patients, bringing healthy non-irradiated tissue into the breast may provide a more reliable reconstruction than an implant alone.
The reconstruction plan therefore needs to be coordinated carefully with the patient's breast surgeon and oncology team.
Surgery on the opposite breast
Achieving symmetry may sometimes require surgery on the opposite breast. Depending on the situation, this may include:
- Breast lift.
- Breast reduction.
- Breast augmentation.
- Fat grafting.
- Combination procedures.
Nipple and areola reconstruction
When the nipple and areola have been removed, reconstruction may be performed at a later stage.
Options may include local tissue reconstruction, medical tattooing, or a combination of techniques. Not every patient chooses nipple reconstruction.
Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed, but the goal is to achieve a natural and harmonious overall appearance.
Scars
Breast reconstruction always involves scars.
The position and extent of the scars depend on the original breast operation and the type of reconstruction performed.
Scars generally mature and soften over time, but their final appearance varies between patients.
Recovery
Recovery varies considerably depending on the complexity of reconstruction.
Implant-based procedures may have a shorter recovery than free-flap or extensive autologous reconstruction.
Patients should expect swelling, tightness, temporary changes in sensation, and limitations in upper-body activity during the early healing period. A personalised recovery plan is provided according to the operation performed.
Risks and considerations
Potential complications can include:
- Bleeding or haematoma.
- Infection.
- Delayed wound healing.
- Fluid collection or seroma.
- Changes in breast or skin sensation.
- Fat necrosis.
- Partial or complete tissue loss in flap reconstruction.
- Implant exposure or loss.
- Capsular contracture.
- Implant rupture or displacement.
- Asymmetry.
- Scarring.
- Donor-site complications when the patient's own tissue is used.
- Need for additional revision surgery.
Reconstruction is often staged
Breast reconstruction commonly involves more than one stage. Refinement procedures should therefore be considered part of the overall reconstructive journey rather than necessarily a complication.
Your consultation
A detailed consultation includes assessment of:
- Previous breast surgery.
- Cancer treatment and radiotherapy.
- Existing scars.
- Breast and chest-wall anatomy.
- Skin quality.
- Breast volume and symmetry.
- Available donor tissue.
- General medical health.
- Lifestyle and recovery considerations.
- Personal reconstructive priorities.
The objective
The objective is to develop a reconstructive plan that is medically appropriate, realistic, and tailored to the individual patient.