Overview
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The Plastic Surgery Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Surgical Subspecialties Institute offers a wide range of medical and surgical treatments for patients. Plastic surgery is a diverse field and surgical procedures generally fall into two different categories: reconstructive and cosmetic (aesthetic). Reconstructive surgery aims to repair, reconstruct, or replace physical defects, such as following cancer surgery or trauma. Aesthetic surgery is a very important part of plastic surgery and is aimed at improving or enhancing the overall appearance of normal parts of the body.
Our Plastic Surgery Program is at the forefront of breast reconstruction, and we work with a multidisciplinary breast team providing care to patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Women who have surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment can choose reconstruction to recreate and rebuild the missing breast with prosthetic reconstructions (implants) or autologous reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue. We were one of the first centers in the UAE to offer autologous reconstruction, specifically called the DIEP flap. We are also in the process of establishing a Lymphedema Service, which will offer prophylactic lymphovenous anastomosis. Currently only performed in a handful of centers worldwide, the cutting-edge procedure can prevent post-surgery swelling and fluid build-up in the upper extremities.
We are recognized as a world class center for body contouring and sculpting after weight loss. We help with the surgical removal of excess skin and improving the overall shape of the body. Our North American/European board certified (or equivalent) plastic surgeons are also highly experienced in nasal reshaping (rhinoplasty or nose job).
The Plastic Surgery Program provides patients with the highest standard of care in all our areas of expertise, and we respect the patient’s privacy and cultural beliefs. The program team takes pride in always putting Patients First, with recommendations and treatments that are focused on what is best for each individual patient.
What We Treat
The Plastic Surgery Program offers consultation and treatment on a wide range of surgery options for the following conditions:
- Body contour abnormalities: Treatments include tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), body lift (belt lipectomy), arm lift (brachioplasty), upper body lift, thigh reduction, liposuction (fat removal), and fat injections.
- Face: Treatment includes rhinoplasty otherwise known as nasal reshaping surgery to create a more symmetrical nose (keep in mind that no one’s face is completely symmetrical and results may not be completely symmetric). Our goal is to create a balanced and proportional face. We also work with experts from the Otolaryngology Department to help improve breathing in patients who have deviated septum and we offer treatment for protruding ears with ear pinning surgery (Otoplasty). This provides a cosmetic improvement for the shape and the location of the ear.
- Cosmetic Breast conditions: Treatments include breast augmentation with either implants or fat for small breasts, breast reduction for large breasts, and breast lift for sagging breasts. We also treat men who suffer from enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia) with male breast reduction surgery.
- Breast Cancer Reconstruction: This can be done immediately at the time of mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) or delayed at any time after the patient finishes her cancer treatment. It is also possible to reconstruct breasts after partial removal of the breast (lumpectomy). Whatever the patients age or relationship status we can always offer reconstruction to recreate the breast and improve overall self-image. We offer prosthetic reconstruction with silicone implants and we also offer more complex microsurgical reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue. The most common tissue that we use is the lower abdominal tissue, otherwise known as the DIEP flap. We are one of the few centers in the UAE that provide this gold standard treatment for breast reconstruction. Treatment also includes secondary procedures such as fat transfer to the breast and nipple reconstruction.
- Skin lesions: Treatment includes excision of skin nevi, cysts, and lesions with immediate reconstruction of the defects.
- Non-Surgical injectables: Dermal fillers are gel like substances that are injected in the clinic to help increase the volume and enhance the face. Botox is also an injectable used to smooth out wrinkles and give the face a younger look. Both are usually done in the clinic with no surgical down time.
Diagnosis & Treatment
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Diagnosis for Plastic Surgery
On the first visit to the Plastic Surgery Program, patients have a consultation with a plastic surgeon, who discusses the patient’s concerns, performs a complete medical history, and conducts a physical examination. Following this evaluation, the physician determines whether plastic surgery can be utilized to treat the problem.
If the condition is treatable with plastic surgery, the physician and patient discuss the potential treatment, its benefits, alternatives, and possible complications. The Plastic Surgery Program is committed to thorough discussions to assist the patient in making an informed decision, with expectations that correspond to what can actually be delivered by the surgery. Almost all potential plastic surgeries require multiple visits to the plastic surgeon prior to the operation.
Treatment with Plastic Surgery
Before surgery, patients have a consultation with a financial advisor to determine the method of payment. Some procedures are covered by insurance while others are not.
Surgery is scheduled and performed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi itself. Admission to the hospital for one or more nights will depend on the extent of the procedures. For smaller procedures, patients can usually go home the same day.
After surgery, patients are required to attend follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon. The length of follow-up depends on the healing and specific treatment.
Medical Education
The Plastic Surgery Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides clinic training for national, as well as international trainees who are interested in all kinds of breast reconstruction including DIEP flap, lymphedema prevention surgery, and rhinoplasty. Click here to learn more about our education programs.
Meet Our Team
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The Plastic Surgery Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Surgical Subspecialties Institute is staffed by a highly experienced team of caregivers.
Caregivers involved in patient care for this program include:
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Plastic surgeons
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Anesthesiologists
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Plastic surgery nurses
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Preparatory room nurses
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Operating room nurses
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Operating room technicians
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Physical therapists.
