Reconstructive · Breast
Breast reconstruction.
Time to understand your options.
Understanding reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy, with space to ask questions at your own pace alongside your cancer care team.
Understanding the options
What it may involve.
Breast reconstruction rebuilds the shape of the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can begin at the time of mastectomy or later, after treatment. Options generally include implant-based reconstruction and flap, or autologous, reconstruction using your own tissue, sometimes combined. Reconstruction is a choice, and choosing not to reconstruct is also valid.
Who this is for
Often part of a wider care plan.
Many people are referred by a breast surgeon or oncologist, and others reach out on their own. Timing is usually coordinated with your cancer treatment, including any chemotherapy or radiation.
- People planning mastectomy or lumpectomy.
- People who had mastectomy and are considering reconstruction later.
- People with concerns about a previous reconstruction.
- Referring physicians coordinating a patient’s care.
A first visit
What to expect and bring.
There is no need to have decisions made before you arrive. A first visit is for questions.
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Your history
Share your diagnosis, treatment plan, and any prior surgery or radiation.
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Your records
Bring imaging, pathology, and notes from your care team, or ask that they be sent ahead.
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Your options
Discuss implant and flap approaches, timing, and how treatment could affect each.
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Your next steps
Talk through risks, recovery, coordination with your other doctors, and coverage questions.
Benefits & limitations
Understand the risks alongside the possibilities.
Understand the alternatives and limitations as well as the potential benefits. Outcomes vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular result.
Risks depend on the approach. Your health and the planned operation affect the risk assessment. Possible risks include:
- Implant reconstruction: infection, capsular contracture, implant rupture or displacement, and future surgery
- Flap reconstruction, which involves a donor site: partial or total flap loss, wound-healing problems, and donor-site weakness or hernia
- Either approach: bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, asymmetry, blood clots, and anesthesia complications
- Radiation can affect healing
Recovery planning
Make room for healing.
Recovery differs a great deal between implant and flap reconstruction, and reconstruction is often completed in more than one stage.
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Before surgery
Coordinate with your care team
Plan around treatment dates, and arrange transport, help at home, and time away from work.
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Early recovery
Follow your care instructions
Understand dressings, any drains, medication instructions, follow-up, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.
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Over the following months
Plan for later stages
Ask about any additional procedures, such as revision or nipple reconstruction, and when activity can increase.
Recovery varies with the operation and the individual. Follow the instructions given by your surgical team.
Questions
What people ask before they call.
Do I have to decide before my mastectomy?
Not always. Reconstruction can be immediate or delayed. Ask your care team how timing fits your treatment plan.
What is the difference between implant and flap reconstruction?
Implants use a silicone or saline device. Flap reconstruction uses your own tissue, often from the abdomen. Each has different surgery, recovery, and long-term considerations.
Will insurance cover reconstruction?
A federal law, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, addresses coverage for reconstruction after mastectomy for many health plans. Details vary, so confirm your benefits directly with your insurer.
Do I need a referral?
Some people are referred by a physician and others call directly. Insurance plans may require a referral. Ask the office what is needed before your first visit.
Continue exploring
Compare your options.
These pages can help you prepare for a consultation.
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