Breast Reconstruction Surgery FAQs

If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery after breast removal, you are likely overwhelmed by questions. Answered below are some of the most common questions women ask while researching reconstructive surgery.

What is breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgery is performed to reconstruct a breast that has been removed due to cancer, trauma, or another disease. The surgery rebuilds the breast to resemble the original breast as closely as possible in shape, size, and contour. If you wish, the nipple and areola can be reconstructed during the procedure as well. Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed on most women who have had a mastectomy, or breast removal.

Is reconstruction always performed at the time of breast removal?

No; while many women choose to have the beginning stage of breast reconstruction performed at the same time as their mastectomy, breast reconstruction surgery can be performed any time after breast removal. Women may choose to wait for many reasons, including emotional readiness and any health conditions that may inhibit healing.

What breast reconstruction techniques are available?

Breast reconstruction surgery can either be completed using implants or the flap-based reconstruction method, which uses tissue from a different part of the patient’s body to recreate the size and shape of the original breast. The flap technique can be performed using fat, skin, and a small amount of muscle from the abdominal area (TRAM flap breast reconstruction), back (latissimus dorsi technique), or buttocks (gluteal flap breast reconstruction). A newer flap method, called DIEP breast reconstruction, uses fat and skin from the abdominal area, but not muscle.

What do reconstructed breasts look and feel like?

Like any surgery, your breast reconstruction results will vary based on a number of factors, including the degree of your mastectomy, weight, and overall health. Depending on whether you chose reconstruction with implants or flap reconstruction, the shape and feel of your breast(s) will differ. Flap reconstruction tends to produce more realistic looking results, while implants tend to be firmer than a natural breast. Both techniques, however, will restore volume and symmetry to the bust line.

Will the reconstructed breast match my natural breast?

In general, your reconstructed breast will feel firmer than your other breast and appear flatter or rounder. This difference will not be noticeable while wearing a bra and clothing, but it will be apparent to you when undressed. Breast reconstruction surgery is usually quite successful in restoring shape and symmetry to a woman’s bust line after breast removal.

Will breast reconstruction surgery interfere with other treatments?

Breast reconstruction surgery does not have any documented link to the recurrence of breast cancer, and usually will not interfere with any post- breast removal treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy. If your doctor recommends that you continue getting mammograms, be sure to find a radiation center that specializes in performing x-rays on women who have had reconstructive breast surgery.

How do I select a breast reconstruction surgeon?

Above all, you will want to find a surgeon with whom you feel completely comfortable. He or she should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and should be able to clearly explain to you the process for breast removal and reconstruction surgery, as well as the costs and risks involved. See our section on breast reconstruction surgeons for more information about choosing the right doctor.

Contact a Cosmetic Surgeon

To find out about breast reconstruction surgery in your area, consult the DocShop cosmetic surgeon directory. Here you can locate a skilled, board-certified professional in your area that can help restore your shape and confidence after breast removal surgery.