Introduction
Dr. Li Wei (李伟) is a Chief Physician and Professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院), affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. One of Shanghai's foremost reconstructive surgeons, Dr. Li is internationally recognized for his expertise in microsurgical reconstruction, breast reconstruction following cancer surgery, and complex soft tissue repair. His department — one of China's most prestigious plastic and reconstructive surgery centers — attracts patients from across China and around the world seeking advanced reconstructive solutions that restore both form and function after trauma, cancer surgery, or congenital conditions.
Academic Distinctions & Leadership
- Chief Physician & Professor, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Director, Microsurgery Research Laboratory, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital
- Member, Chinese Society of Plastic Surgery (CSPS)
- Member, Microsurgery Group, Chinese Society of Plastic Surgery
- Member, Breast Reconstruction Group, Chinese Society of Plastic Surgery
- Member, Chinese Society of Microsurgery
- Reviewer, multiple peer-reviewed plastic and reconstructive surgery journals
- Recipient, Shanghai Medical Science and Technology Award
- Recipient, National Science and Technology Progress Award (collaborative)
Specializations & Expertise
Microsurgical Reconstruction
- Free flap reconstruction for head & neck, trunk, and extremity defects
- Perforator flap surgery (DIEP, SIEA, ALT, PAP flaps)
- Lymphatic microsurgery — lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for lymphedema
- Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT)
- Nerve repair and reconstruction
- Replantation and revascularization of amputated parts
- Super-microsurgery techniques
Breast Reconstruction
- Immediate and delayed breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- DIEP flap breast reconstruction (deep inferior epigastric perforator)
- Latissimus dorsi (LD) flap breast reconstruction
- Implant-based breast reconstruction (tissue expander / implant)
- Hybrid reconstruction (implant + autologous tissue)
- Nipple-areola complex reconstruction
- Contralateral symmetrization procedures
- Revision breast reconstruction
- Oncoplastic breast surgery coordination with breast oncology team
Complex Soft Tissue Reconstruction
- Post-oncologic reconstruction (head & neck, trunk, extremity)
- Post-traumatic soft tissue reconstruction
- Pressure ulcer reconstruction
- Radiation wound reconstruction
- Abdominal wall reconstruction
- Chest wall reconstruction
- Perineal and pelvic reconstruction
Lymphedema Surgery
- Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for upper and lower limb lymphedema
- Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT)
- Liposuction for chronic lymphedema
- Combined surgical and conservative lymphedema management
- Post-mastectomy lymphedema treatment
Scar & Wound Management
- Hypertrophic scar and keloid treatment
- Scar revision surgery
- Complex wound management
- Skin graft surgery
- Local and regional flap reconstruction
Clinical Excellence
Dr. Li Wei's practice is defined by his mastery of microsurgical technique and his commitment to achieving the best possible reconstructive outcomes for patients who have undergone cancer surgery, trauma, or who live with congenital conditions affecting form and function.
- Breast Reconstruction Leadership: Dr. Li is one of Shanghai's leading breast reconstruction surgeons, offering the full spectrum of autologous and implant-based options. His DIEP flap program — using the patient's own abdominal tissue to reconstruct the breast without sacrificing the abdominal muscle — represents the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction, offering natural results and long-term durability.
- Lymphedema Microsurgery: A pioneer in lymphatic microsurgery in China, Dr. Li performs lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) for patients with upper and lower limb lymphedema — including the large population of breast cancer survivors who develop arm lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection.
- Complex Oncologic Reconstruction: Works in close collaboration with the oncology, head & neck surgery, and breast surgery teams at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital to provide seamless reconstructive care for cancer patients, restoring appearance and function after major resections.
- Super-Microsurgery: Proficient in super-microsurgical techniques operating on vessels less than 0.8mm in diameter — enabling reconstruction in anatomically challenging locations and lymphatic surgery requiring the finest level of precision.
- International Patient Experience: Experienced in treating international patients from across Asia, Europe, and North America seeking reconstructive surgery in Shanghai at a fraction of Western costs without compromising on quality.
Research & Academic Contributions
Dr. Li Wei is an active researcher with peer-reviewed publications in leading Chinese and international plastic and reconstructive surgery journals. His research focuses on:
- Perforator flap design and clinical outcomes
- Lymphatic microsurgery — LVA and VLNT outcomes for lymphedema
- Breast reconstruction outcomes — autologous vs. implant-based
- Wound healing and tissue engineering
- Microsurgical training and education
He regularly presents at major national and international plastic surgery conferences and contributes to the training of reconstructive surgeons across China.
Hospital Affiliation
Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (上海九院)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
639 Zhizaoju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011
The Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital is one of China's premier reconstructive surgery centers, featuring:
- Dedicated microsurgery operating suites with advanced intraoperative monitoring
- Lymphedema surgery program (LVA, VLNT)
- Breast reconstruction program (autologous and implant-based)
- Complex wound and oncologic reconstruction program
- Microsurgery research laboratory
- International patient services with English-speaking coordinators
Patient Care Philosophy
- Restoration of Wholeness: Reconstruction is not merely technical — it is about restoring a patient's sense of self, confidence, and quality of life after illness or injury.
- Individualized Planning: Every reconstructive plan is tailored to the patient's anatomy, oncologic history, lifestyle, and personal goals.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Works closely with oncologists, breast surgeons, and other specialists to ensure reconstruction is integrated seamlessly into the overall treatment plan.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Treatment decisions guided by the latest international reconstructive surgery guidelines and research.
- Long-term Outcomes: Committed to achieving durable, natural results that stand the test of time.
Why Choose Dr. Li Wei?
- Microsurgical Mastery: One of Shanghai's most skilled microsurgeons, with expertise in the most technically demanding reconstructive procedures including DIEP flap and lymphatic microsurgery.
- Breast Reconstruction Specialist: Comprehensive breast reconstruction program offering the full range of autologous and implant-based options — ideal for breast cancer survivors seeking reconstruction in Shanghai.
- Lymphedema Surgery Pioneer: Leading lymphatic microsurgery program for patients with upper and lower limb lymphedema.
- World-Class Institution: Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital's plastic surgery department is consistently ranked among China's top three — combining academic excellence with clinical volume and expertise.
- Cost-Effective Excellence: Reconstructive surgery costs in Shanghai are typically 60-75% lower than equivalent procedures in the US, UK, or Australia.
- International Patient Support: CMCS provides end-to-end concierge support for international patients — from medical record review and virtual consultation to on-site interpretation and post-operative coordination.
Conditions Treated
Breast
- Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (immediate and delayed)
- Breast asymmetry correction
- Nipple-areola reconstruction
Lymphedema
- Upper limb lymphedema (post-mastectomy)
- Lower limb lymphedema (post-cancer surgery or primary)
Oncologic Reconstruction
- Head & neck reconstruction after cancer resection
- Trunk and extremity reconstruction after sarcoma or skin cancer resection
- Abdominal and chest wall reconstruction
Trauma & Wound
- Complex traumatic soft tissue defects
- Pressure ulcers
- Radiation wounds
- Hypertrophic scars and keloids
International Patient Services
China Medical Concierge - Shanghai (CMCS) provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking reconstructive surgery with Dr. Li Wei at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital.
Pre-Treatment Support
- Medical Record Review: Review of operative reports, pathology, imaging, and oncology treatment history
- Virtual Consultation: Video consultation with Dr. Li's team to discuss reconstruction options and timing
- Surgical Planning: CT angiography for perforator mapping prior to DIEP flap surgery
- Lymphedema Assessment: Lymphoscintigraphy and ICG lymphography for lymphedema staging
- Cost Transparency: Detailed cost estimate for surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and follow-up
- Visa Assistance: Medical visa invitation letters and guidance
- Accommodation: Hotel recommendations near Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital
During Treatment
- Professional Medical Interpretation: Experienced interpreters for all consultations and surgical discussions
- Hospital Navigation: Assistance with registration, admission, and payment
- Family Support: Coordination of accommodation and logistics for accompanying family members
- 24/7 Emergency Support: Round-the-clock assistance throughout your stay in Shanghai
Post-Treatment Care
- Medical Report Translation: Complete translation of operative reports and discharge summaries
- Compression Garment Coordination: Assistance with lymphedema compression garment fitting and supply
- Follow-up Coordination: Arrange post-operative clinic visits and wound checks
- Telemedicine Follow-up: Virtual consultations for ongoing monitoring after returning home
- Coordination with Home Surgeons: Communication with your local plastic surgeon or oncologist
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are a breast cancer survivor considering reconstruction, a lymphedema patient seeking surgical treatment, or require complex reconstructive surgery following cancer or trauma, Dr. Li Wei at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offers world-class reconstructive expertise at a fraction of Western costs.
Contact China Medical Concierge - Shanghai today to:
- Request a review of your medical records and imaging
- Schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Li Wei's reconstructive surgery team
- Discuss breast reconstruction options and timing relative to your cancer treatment
- Explore lymphedema surgical options (LVA, VLNT)
- Receive a comprehensive surgical plan and cost estimate
Bridging international patients with Shanghai's finest reconstructive surgeons — because restoring form and function is the final chapter of your healing journey.
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