The diagnosis of breast cancer and the prospect of surgical removal of the breast can be an emotionally traumatic event for most women. Breasts are important to many women both physically and emotionally, and many women experience a loss of femininity or lack of completeness after mastectomy.

 

Fortunately, new techniques and technology have advanced the field of breast reconstruction such that plastic and reconstructive surgeons are able to create a new breast that very closely matches the opposite natural breast. There are a variety of surgical options that can be performed either at the time of mastectomy or at a later date. These options include tissue expansion and implant placement as well as use of the body's own tissue to reconstruct the breast (flap reconstruction), or a combination of both.

Most patients will require two to three surgical procedures to recreate the final breast appearance. Usually the second and third procedures are very minor.

 

The best form of reconstruction will depend on individual patient characteristics and desires.