Reconstruction Options
Reconstructive Surgery
If breast removal (mastectomy) is part of your treatment, it can feel like a big change — not just physically, but emotionally, too. For many young adults, reconstructive breast surgery can help restore a sense of confidence and comfort with their bodies.
Reconstruction is a personal choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people choose to rebuild the shape of the breast (called the breast mound) after surgery. Others who’ve had breast-conserving surgery may be candidates for procedures to reshape the breast (oncoplastic reduction) or for procedures to help the breasts match in size or shape. What’s possible depends on your unique situation.
Understanding Your Options
There are several types of breast reconstruction, and your options will depend on your medical needs and personal preferences. You may be able to choose:
- Immediate reconstruction: Done at the same time as your mastectomy or lumpectomy.
- Delayed reconstruction: Done weeks, months, or even years after your initial breast cancer surgery.
Talking to both your breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon before surgery can help you understand all your options as well as the recovery process, even if you don’t plan to have reconstructive surgery right away or if you are not sure if reconstruction is right for you. Planning ahead can make a difference in your overall treatment experience.
If You Decide Not to Reconstruct (Or Not Yet)
Some people choose not to have reconstruction. Others may need to delay it based on their health, cancer treatment plan, or personal goals. This is your decision to make, and it’s a very personal one. But no matter what direction you choose, your team can be there to guide, support, and empower you along the way.
If you decide not to have reconstruction, or want to wait, you have choices like:
Breast Protheses
Soft, wearable forms that fit inside a bra to restore balance and shape under clothing. Read more on Prostheses.
Going Flat
Embracing your body as it is, without reconstruction or prosthetics. Read more on going flat.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
After a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, you may choose to rebuild the shape of your breast. There are a few ways to do this — each with its own benefits, recovery process, and personal considerations.
Implant Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction uses a saline- or silicone-filled implant to rebuild the shape of your breast. Implants come in different sizes and textures, and can be tailored to your body and goals. You may be able to feel sample implants during your consultation — and it can also be helpful to speak with others who’ve had similar procedures to learn from their experiences.
Tissue expanders are commonly placed at the time of mastectomy and switched to implants after fully expanded and once chemotherapy and/or radiation is complete.
Implant-based reconstruction typically involves less surgery than tissue-based options and may be a good fit for those looking for a shorter recovery time. However, implants are not lifetime devices and will need to be replaced every 10-15 years. Your surgical team will walk you through what to expect, and help you decide what’s right for you.
Tissue Flap Reconstruction
Also called autologous reconstruction, this option uses your own tissue (often from your belly, back, thighs, or buttocks) to recreate the shape of your breast. Because it’s made from living tissue, the reconstructed breast may feel more natural and move more like your body does over time. For instance, it may change with weight gain or loss, just like the rest of you.
Another big difference? Unlike implants — which don’t last forever — tissue flaps don’t need to be replaced down the road.
Tissue flap surgery is more complex than implant reconstruction and typically requires more time for recovery. It also results in two sets of scars: one where the breast is reconstructed, and another where the tissue was taken. These scars usually fade, but they won’t disappear completely.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
Rebuilding the nipple and areola is often the final stage of reconstruction. Some people choose to use skin from other parts of the body to form a new nipple, while others may opt for 3D tattooing — a specialized technique that uses shading and color to create a natural-looking nipple and areola.
If you’re considering this step, ask your surgeon what options are available and whether local experts offer 3D tattooing. Many people find this stage helps them feel more complete after reconstruction, but it’s entirely up to you
Is breast reconstruction right for you?
Deciding whether to have breast reconstruction is deeply personal — there’s no right or wrong choice. What matters most is how you feel. Some people find that reconstruction helps them feel more like themselves, while others prefer to recover without additional surgeries.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Reconstruction:
- How did I feel about my breasts before my diagnosis?
- How do I want to feel in my body after surgery?
- How important is it to me to restore the shape of my breast(s)?
- Am I comfortable with the idea of more surgery and recovery time?
- What does my care team recommend, based on my treatment plan?
- Do I feel informed about the risks and benefits of reconstruction?
- How does this decision impact my sense of identity and confidence?
- Am I open to other options, like going flat (with or without use of prosthesis)?
- Do I want to make this decision now, or give myself more time? Are there downsides to delaying my decision?
Questions to Ask Your Provider:
- Which cancer treatments could affect my reconstruction options?
- How would radiation impact the way my rebuilt breast looks or feels?
- What aspects of my life, my family or my job could affect my choices?
- How many surgeries would different types of reconstruction require?
- What are the pros and cons of these options? What are the possible complications with reconstruction and the chances of a complication?
- How long does it take most people to recover?
- Could I lose feeling in my rebuilt breast?
- How much scarring could I have? Where will the scars be?
- Will I need care related to the surgery in the future?
- Can I see pictures of reconstructive surgeries you’ve done?
- How will my reconstructed breast look and feel? How will it compare with my other breast? Will I need surgery on the other breast?
- How long will I be in the hospital? Will I need someone to care for me while I recuperate?
