MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a surgical process that may be performed to recreate a breast mound following breast removal, which is commonly part of breast cancer management or risk-reduction surgery. Reconstruction planning is individualised and considers factors such as your anatomy, the type of mastectomy, overall health, and any current or planned cancer treatments (including radiotherapy). A consultation is required to discuss suitability, the stages of reconstruction, expected outcomes and limitations, risks, scarring, recovery, and alternatives.
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy may involve rebuilding the breast using:
– Implants, or
– Your own tissue (autologous reconstruction / flap surgery), or
– A combination of both approaches.
Reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). Some people have reconstruction in multiple stages. The aim is to create a breast shape that is appropriate for the individual and the clinical context. Symmetry cannot be guaranteed, and additional procedures may be recommended to refine contour or address balance between sides.
The decision to undergo breast reconstruction is personal and should be made with appropriate clinical advice. Depending on individual circumstances, potential outcomes may include:
– Recreating a breast mound: which may assist with overall chest contour.
– Reducing reliance on external prostheses: some people may reduce or stop using external breast forms; this varies.
– Clothing fit considerations: some people report changes in how clothing fits; this varies.
– Staged reconstruction options: reconstruction can be planned around medical treatment and recovery needs.
Outcomes vary and depend on the type of reconstruction, healing, cancer treatment factors (including radiotherapy), and individual anatomy.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
A suitable candidate is generally someone who has had (or is planning) a mastectomy and is seeking advice on reconstruction options. Suitability depends on medical history, current health, cancer treatment planning, smoking status, and individual risk factors. A consultation is required to discuss goals, limitations, and whether immediate or delayed reconstruction is appropriate.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate for breast reconstruction if you:
– Are in good overall physical health (as assessed clinically)
– Have discussed reconstruction timing with your treating team (e.g., breast surgeon/oncology team)
– Have realistic expectations about variability in outcomes, scarring, and the possibility of staged procedures
– Do not smoke or are willing to stop nicotine use for a specified period before and after surgery (as directed)
– Have anatomy that supports the planned reconstruction method (for example, adequate donor tissue for a flap, or suitability for an implant-based approach)
Reconstruction may be unsuitable or higher risk for individuals who:
– Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
– Have an active infection
– Are unable to stop nicotine use where clinically required
– Have factors that significantly increase healing risks (for example, compromised blood supply to the chest area)
– Have unrealistic expectations regarding symmetry, scarring, or the number of stages required
Breast reconstruction is individualised. The choice of technique depends on anatomy, the mastectomy type, skin quality, previous surgery, and whether radiotherapy is planned or has occurred. Broad approaches include:
Implant-Based Reconstruction:
This approach uses an implant to create the breast mound. It may be performed as:
– A two-stage process with a tissue expander followed by exchange to a permanent implant, or
– A single-stage approach in selected cases, depending on clinical factors.
Your surgeon will explain implant options, the likely number of stages, and implant-related risks. Implants are not lifetime devices and may require future surgery.
Tissue-Based (Flap) Reconstruction:
This approach uses your own tissue (skin and fat, and sometimes muscle) from another part of the body. Common donor sites include the abdomen, back, or buttock region. Examples of flap techniques include DIEP flap and latissimus dorsi flap, among others. Flap procedures are complex operations and involve scarring at both the breast and donor site. Suitability depends on anatomy and medical factors, and not every patient is a candidate for every flap type.
Your surgeon will explain recommended options, incision planning, scarring expectations, and the trade-offs of each approach.
Anesthesia
Breast reconstruction is commonly performed under general anaesthesia. The anaesthesia plan depends on the type and extent of reconstruction, patient factors, and the operating facility’s protocols and will be discussed during consultation.
Preparation typically includes:
– Medical review: including medications, supplements, and relevant investigations (where required).
– Medication guidance: you may be asked to stop certain medications/supplements that can increase bleeding risk (where clinically appropriate).
– Nicotine cessation: nicotine can impair healing; you may be asked to stop smoking/vaping/nicotine products for a specified period before and after surgery.
– Fasting instructions: follow the facility’s requirements prior to anaesthesia.
– Support planning: arrange transport and post-operative support after discharge.
Return to Work: Timing varies depending on the type of reconstruction, whether a donor site is involved, and the physical demands of your work.
Return to Exercise: Light activity may be resumed as advised. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for a period determined by your surgeon, especially after flap reconstruction.
Appearance over time: Changes in swelling and contour occur over months. Reconstruction may involve multiple stages, and there is no single timeline that applies to everyone.
A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.
