Rising Demand for Breast Surgery as Mulago Reaches More Women
By Skika Reporter
Women in Uganda are increasingly gaining access to specialized procedures that allow them to reshape, reduce, or enhance their breasts—thanks to growing medical expertise and advancing technology in the country. While such services often come at a high cost in private facilities, recent initiatives at Mulago National Referral Hospital are making them more accessible, restoring both health and dignity.
At the heart of this transformation is a recently concluded breast reconstruction camp at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where more than 20 patients underwent life-changing procedures. The beneficiaries included breast cancer survivors and women seeking breast reduction to improve their quality of life.
Dr Irene Asaba Mugisha, head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mulago, explained that the camp mainly targeted women who had undergone mastectomy following cancer treatment.
“Many of these patients have gone through chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, but were never informed that reconstruction is possible. This service helps them regain their sense of femininity and confidence,” she said.
She noted that candidates for surgery are carefully assessed, especially those with underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, to ensure their safety during the lengthy procedures, which can take between four and eight hours.
The camp also catered to a wider group, including men with enlarged breast tissue and individuals with benign lumps, reflecting the growing demand for both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery in Uganda.
Although the procedures were offered free during the camp, Dr Mugisha acknowledged that similar services remain expensive in private hospitals, putting them out of reach for many.
Beyond physical transformation, she emphasised the emotional and psychological benefits.
“These procedures are not just medical—they restore dignity, especially for women who have lost their breasts due to cancer,” she said.
Interest in such surgeries is rising steadily, with awareness spreading following similar camps held in the past. However, the hospital faces challenges in meeting demand due to limited staffing, with only two specialists currently available in the unit.
Doctors also caution that breast surgery comes with considerations. For instance, breastfeeding may not always be possible after certain procedures, especially when the nipple cannot be preserved. However, many reduction techniques aim to maintain the milk ducts, giving some women a chance to breastfeed in the future.
Despite these challenges, the message is clear: Ugandan women now have options. Whether driven by medical need or personal choice, the ability to reshape or reconstruct breasts is no longer out of reach—provided one can access the expertise or afford the cost.
As technology and skills continue to grow, more women are expected to take advantage of these services, marking a new chapter in healthcare and self-care in Uganda.
