What is breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery occurs after mastectomy. The mastectomy is usually performed for the treatment of breast cancer or as a prevention technique against breast cancer in genetically at risk patients. The aim of breast reconstruction surgery is to re-create your breast after it has been removed. Although the reconstructed breast will not look identical to your breast prior to mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery aims to restore your breast to a shape that you are satisfied with.
What are the different types of breast reconstruction surgery?
There are multiple different options for breast reconstruction surgery. These can range from the use of breast implants, your own fat and muscle (autologous reconstruction), or a combination of both. Breast reconstruction surgery can occur at the same operation as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or after your mastectomy (delayed reconstruction). It may occur in one operation (single stage reconstruction) or over two operations (first and second stage operations). It is important to note that not everyone is suitable for all forms of breast reconstruction. The decision on which type of breast reconstruction to chose will be discussed with you at your appointment.