Q: I work as a breast cancer surgeon. I reconstruct the breast after it has been removed for cancer. The reconstruction is done by utilising patients own tissue and and silicone implants. Research has shown that patients who lose their breasts have a higher psychological morbidity than patient who have breast reconstruction. Is this islamically permissible to reconstruct the breast?
الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما ومنه الصدق والصواب A: There are two pertinent areas of discussion in the question. The first relates to breast reconstruction surgery using the patient's own tissue and silicone implants following removal due to cancer. Reconstruction in this case is permitted provided the procedure is safe. However, purely cosmetic reconstruction surgery is not permitted. The second relates to treating the opposite gender. In the first instance such treatment should be provided by a suitably qualified female practitioner. If such is not available a male practitioner may provide the treatment.