Breast Reconstruction

Women who have surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment may choose breast reconstruction surgery to rebuild the shape and look of the breast. There are different types of breast reconstruction. Learn about all your options and what to expect before and after your surgery.

If you are thinking about having this done, it is best to talk about it with your plastic surgeon experienced in breast reconstruction before you have surgery to remove the tumor or breast. This lets the surgical teams plan the best treatment for you, even if you decide to wait and have reconstructive surgery late..

Reason to Have Breast Reconstruction

A woman might choose to have breast reconstruction for many reasons:

  • To make her chest look balanced when she is wearing a bra or swimsuit
  • To help make clothes fit better
  • To permanently regain her breast shape
  • So she won’t have to use a breast form that fits inside the bra (an external prosthesis)
  • To feel better about her body.

Types of breast reconstruction procedures

Several types of reconstructive surgery are available, and often the process means more than one operation. Give yourself plenty of time to make the best decision for you. You should make your decision about breast reconstruction only after you are fully informed.

The two main types of breast reconstruction are:

  • Implant reconstruction
  • Tissue (flap) reconstruction

Sometimes the implant and flap procedures are used together to rebuild a breast.

Breast-Reconstruction
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