Dr. Buthainah Al Shunnar

Dr. Buthainah Al Shunnar is recognized as the first female Emirati plastic surgeon and the only American Board Certified Emirati female plastic surgeon in the United Arab Emirates. Her areas of expertise encompass a broad range of procedures, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with a particular focus on breast surgery, body contouring, aesthetic facial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and cancer reconstruction. Additionally, she is skilled in nonsurgical anti-aging treatments such as Botox, derma fillers, and Platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Dr. Al Shunnar's educational background includes graduating with honors from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, in 1991. She underwent five years of general surgery training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and George Washington University Hospital in Washington D.C., where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society. She completed her plastic surgery training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Following her formal education, Dr. Al Shunnar gained extensive experience in various roles. She worked as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon in York, Pennsylvania, covering reconstructive needs for a major trauma center and holding an academic position at Hershey Medical College. Her career also included a stint as a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center in Abu Dhabi.

In 2005, Dr. Al Shunnar founded her own clinic in Dubai, focusing on both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, in addition to providing anti-aging services, permanent makeup, and skincare. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the Johns Hopkins Medical & Surgical Association.

Dr. Al Shunnar has contributed to the field through numerous publications and presentations at national and international plastic surgery conferences. Her commitment extends to providing breast reconstruction for those affected by breast cancer and adopting innovative trends in plastic surgery.

• M.D. in Medicine - Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland - 1991.
• Residency in General Surgery - Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA - 1992-1995.
• Residency in General Surgery - George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C., USA - 1995-1997.
• Fellowship in Plastic Surgery - Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA - 1997-1999.

• Consultant Plastic Surgeon, York, Pennsylvania, USA (1999-2002)
• Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2002-2004)
• Founder and Managing Director, Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery, Dubai, UAE (2004-present)
• Attending Physician / Consultant Plastic Surgeon, The Center for Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of York, York, Pennsylvania, USA
• Administrative Chief Resident, Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital (1998-1999)
• Administrative Chief Resident, General Surgery, The George Washington University Hospital (1996-1997)

• CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Course, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
• Certification in Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
• Dallas Rhinoplasty Course, Dallas, Texas, USA.
• Obagi Chemical Peel Certification, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
• American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons Basic Maxillofacial Principles and Techniques, Washington, D.C., USA.

• LRCP & SI, MB, Bch, BAO (NUI), Awarded with Honours, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland - 1991.
• American Board of Plastic Surgery Certification, USA.
• American Board of Surgery Certification, USA.
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons, USA.

• Bronze Medal: Joint Second Place in Final Professional Paediatric Examination - Jan 1991.
• MB, BCh. Awarded with Honours Dublin, Ireland - Jan 1991.
• Elected to Alpha Omega Alpha - Jan 1997.
• George Washington University Hospital - Resident of the Year - Jan 1997.
• “Distinguished Surgeon” award, Health award by H.E. Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutami - 2018.
• Selected as one of UAE's 22 Women of Distinction by Brooklands New Media Group - 2018.
• Best Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 2019 & Leading Specialist in Breast & Aesthetic Facial Surgery 2019, UAE Business Award by Middle East Markets Magazine - 2019.

• Member, American Medical Association.
• Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
• Member, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
• Member, Emirates Plastic Surgery Society - UAE (EPSS).
• Member, Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Association.

• Calthorpe DAD, Corigan JP, Stafford-Johnson D, McAdam A, Al-Shunnar B, Colville JM. "Percutaneous K-wire Fixation Followed by Immediate Active Mobilisation of Colles Fractures." Irish Orthopaedic Journal; 1992.
• Nahabedian M.Y., Al-Shunnar B., Manson P.M. "Correction of Frontal Bone Hypertrophy with Setback Osteotomy and Hydroxyapatite Cement." Annals of Plastic Surgery; May 2000.
• Al-Shunnar B and Manson PN. "Cheek Reconstruction with Laterally Based Cervicofacial Flap." Clinics in Plastic Surgery; April 2001.
• Al-Shunnar B., Dabb R.W. "Breast Reconstruction Post Mastectomy, A Woman’s View." York Woman; October 2001.
• Baumholtz M, Al-Shunnar B, Dabb R.W. "The ‘Boomerang Flap’ for Breast Reconstruction." Annals of Plastic Surgery; April 2002.