Breast Reconstruction

During breast reconstruction surgery, an oncoplastic breast surgeon or plastic surgeon reconstructs all or part of a breast that has been surgically removed. An implant or tissue from another part of the body may be used in this procedure. Breast reconstruction is intended to make the breasts appear natural and balanced when the patient wears the clothing.

Among the candidates for breast reconstruction are women who have:

• An individual diagnosed with breast cancer has had or will undergo a mastectomy (surgical removal of a breast).
• Having been diagnosed with breast cancer and having undergone or will undergo breast conservation surgery, such as a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy (removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue). Surrounding tissue are used to reconstruct the defect to near normal contour.
• She was found to have a genetic mutation and will undergo a prophylactic mastectomy (removal of a non-cancerous breast to prevent cancer).

Many options are available due to improved treatments, breast reconstruction techniques, and advances in medical devices. Surgeons can recreate a breast at the time of a mastectomy or after you have had a mastectomy. A breast conservation procedure may result in misshapen breasts, which may be corrected by these procedures.

You will discuss which reconstruction method is best for you during your consultation with a breast surgeon. This will consider your personal preferences, as well as your body shape, prior surgical procedures, current medical conditions, and cancer treatment needs. In general, all reconstructive options have risks and benefits, requiring multiple procedures to achieve the desired outcome.