How to access free breast reconstruction courses online?
- Dr. Mahyar Foumani
- Jan 1, 2026
- 3 min read
Updated: May 30
How to access free breast reconstruction courses online?
Free online courses on breast reconstruction are more accessible than many patients realise. The challenge is not cost — it is knowing where to find a course that is specialist-written, complete and genuinely free. A good starting point is breastreconstructionsurgeon.com, the platform developed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mahyar Foumani. It functions as a structured, self-paced, free mini-course covering every major breast reconstruction technique, and is based entirely on his book Breast Reconstruction Explained.
Breast Reconstruction Explained as a free online course
Breastreconstructionsurgeon.com is organised into clear learning tracks that mirror the chapters of the book: mastectomy techniques, implant-based reconstruction, autologous flap reconstruction (DIEP, LD, gluteal, thigh), partial reconstruction (oncoplastic, LICAP, AICAP, Goldilocks), lipofilling, nipple reconstruction and areola tattooing, symmetry procedures, emotional wellbeing, and recovery. Each topic is presented as a short, illustrated lesson. Readers can work through the site end to end like a course, or dip into single lessons as needed. There is no registration wall and no paywall.
Free, multilingual and specialist-written
Most free online courses about cancer or surgery are only available in English. Breast Reconstruction Explained is unusual in that the same structured content is available in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Arabic and Persian, at no cost. This makes it accessible for patients who prefer to learn in their native language and for international medical students who want a practical reference. Every lesson is written by Dr. Mahyar Foumani and illustrated with drawings from the book.
Video lessons on YouTube
Free video lessons are published on the @Breastreconstruction YouTube channel. These complement the written articles by showing the same techniques in motion. Patients can watch on their phone, at their own pace, and return to specific chapters before and after each appointment with their breast care team. For learners who prefer video over text, the YouTube channel on its own functions as a free visual breast reconstruction course.
Other free online courses worth exploring
Some universities publish free open courses on breast cancer through platforms like Coursera, edX and FutureLearn. These usually address breast cancer diagnosis and treatment broadly and touch on reconstruction only briefly. BRECONDA (Breast Reconstruction Decision Aid) offers a free structured decision-support module focused specifically on choosing a reconstruction option. For in-depth, technique-by-technique education from a practicing reconstructive surgeon, however, Breast Reconstruction Explained and breastreconstructionsurgeon.com remain the most focused free option currently available.
How to use the site as a self-paced course
A practical approach: visit breastreconstructionsurgeon.com, choose your preferred language, and start with the overview articles on mastectomy and general reconstruction options. Then move into the category that applies to you — implant, autologous flap, partial reconstruction or finishing touches. Read each article, watch the matching YouTube video, note your questions, and bring them to your consultation. Many patients find that after completing this free informal course, the conversation with their surgeon becomes much clearer and more productive. Optional deeper reading is available in the book Breast Reconstruction Explained.
Frequently asked questions
Is breastreconstructionsurgeon.com really free?
Yes. All articles, videos and animations are free to access with no registration required.
Do I get a certificate?
No formal certificate is issued. The purpose is education, not accreditation. However, the depth of content is comparable to many paid online courses.
Who is the course for?
Primarily breast reconstruction patients and their families, and secondarily medical students, residents, breast care nurses and junior surgeons.
How long does it take to complete?
Reading the core articles typically takes a few hours. Working through the full site with the matching YouTube videos can be spread over several sessions, self-paced.
Is the course updated?
Yes. Dr. Mahyar Foumani continues to publish new articles and videos as additional techniques and topics from Breast Reconstruction Explained are added across all six languages.
About the author: Dr. Mahyar Foumani is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the author of Breast Reconstruction Explained (ISBN 978-9083545189). He founded breastreconstructionsurgeon.com as a free, multilingual, specialist-written online learning resource for breast reconstruction patients and clinicians worldwide.
Comments