Useful information for patients on Post Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction procedures
Breast reconstruction after breast removal surgery (mastectomy) is a procedure designed to rebuild the shape of the breast following treatment for breast cancer or other medical conditions. It is considered an important part of recovery and rehabilitation for many patients.
There are several ways to reconstruct the breast, and your plastic surgeon will help guide you through the most suitable option based on your body, treatment history, and personal goals.
Being treated by a qualified professional means they have the necessary knowledge and experience to minimize risks and achieve an effective outcome. However, even the best and most experienced specialists can still encounter setbacks and complications.
Reconstruction options generally fall into three categories:
In many cases, reconstruction is completed in more than one stage to refine breast shape, size, or symmetry, particularly when fat transfer (lipofilling) is included.
Breast reconstruction may be suitable for patients who:
The most suitable reconstruction approach depends on factors such as:
Reconstruction can be:
A second-stage procedure is often needed to refine shape, size, or symmetry, or to adjust the opposite breast.
The patient's breast cancer stage, treatment completion status, and ongoing therapeutic requirements must always be evaluated. Personal preferences should subsequently be incorporated into the reconstruction planning whenever feasible, without ever losing sight of the fact that this remains reconstructive surgery.
Implant-based reconstruction:
This option is best suited for small to medium-sized breasts that have not undergone radiotherapy. In some cases, a temporary tissue expander is used to gradually stretch the skin before placing the final implant. Breast implants are long-term devices but are not lifetime devices and will require replacement in the future.
Implant plus your own tissue reconstruction:
This approach uses tissue (commonly skin and muscle from the back) combined with an implant. The tissue provides additional coverage and padding, creating a softer, more natural shape and allowing for reconstruction of medium to larger breasts.
Reconstruction using your own tissue only:
This option is often recommended for patients who have had radiotherapy or have larger breasts. Tissue may be taken from areas such as:
Most of these procedures involve microsurgery. While they are longer operations, they usually provide long-term, natural-feeling results without the need for future implant replacement.
Additional procedures may include:
After surgery, you will wear a support bra and may also need garments for donor sites if tissue transfer is performed.
Before surgery, patients typically undergo:
The recovery process will also be more prompt for patients who maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
How Long Is the Procedure?
1-8 hours, depending on reconstruction type.
Do I Need Anesthesia?
General anaesthesia is most commonly used.
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Day surgery for implant-only procedures. 2-5 night hospital stay for tissue transfer procedures.
Side effects may include:
Possible risks include:
Implant-related risks (if implants are used):
Additional risks may relate to the donor area used for tissue transfer.
Potential complications include infection, fluid build-up (seroma), or bleeding under the skin (haematoma). These complications may affect healing and, in some cases, delay further treatment, such as chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may also affect the body's ability to heal and fight infection, depending on its timing and the type of treatment.
Risks can be reduced by having your surgery at a steady weight, planning your surgery in relation to pregnancies and your lifestyle, avoiding nicotine, optimising any health conditions e.g. diabetes, and following your plastic surgeon’s aftercare advice.
Breasts are usually swollen, tight, and tender for the first 2-6 weeks. A supportive bra is required, and donor areas may also require compression garments. Time off work ranges from 1-4 weeks depending on the type of reconstruction. Return to exercise is usually after 6-8 weeks.
Some targeted cancer treatments may affect wound healing and recovery after breast reconstruction. Depending on the medication, they may increase the risk of complications or delay healing. Your plastic surgeon and oncology team will advise you on the timing of treatment to support a safe recovery.
It is a complex procedure primarily aimed at reconstructing pathological defects. Every effort is made to achieve the best possible aesthetic result, while ensuring the patient maintains realistic expectations
Results are long-lasting but may be affected by weight changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and natural ageing. Implants typically last 10-15 years and may require future replacement. Tissue ageing continues but from a reconstructed position.
Please note that individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with a qualified plastic surgeon.