Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction surgery aims to provide a sense of wholeness, femininity, and confidence for women stores by restoring the appearance of one or both breasts following mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast) or lumpectomy (removal of a portion of the breast) due to breast cancer or other conditions.

Breast reconstruction surgery is a very personal decision, and not all women choose to undergo this procedure. Factors such as individual preferences, medical considerations and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the decision-making process. Additionally, there are various techniques and options available for breast reconstruction, and the choice of approach depends on factors such as the patient's anatomy, cancer treatment plan and personal preferences.

Surgery Objectives

• Restore Breast Shape and Volume: Plastic surgeons use various techniques to recreate a breast mound that closely resembles the natural breast in terms of size, shape, and symmetry.
• Improve Body Image and Self-Esteem: Reconstruction can help women feel more comfortable with their bodies and regain confidence in their appearance after breast cancer treatment.
• Provide Psychological Benefits: Many women experience emotional distress after losing a breast to cancer surgery. Breast reconstruction can alleviate some of this distress by restoring a sense of normalcy and completeness.
• Enhance Clothing Fit and Prosthesis Use: Reconstructed breasts allow for more comfortable and natural fitting of clothing and bras, and they may reduce the need for external breast prostheses.
• Support Physical Recovery: Breast reconstruction can aid in the overall physical recovery process by addressing the aesthetic concerns associated with breast surgery and promoting a sense of healing and closure.

Breast Reconstruction and Cancer Patients

Our plastic surgeons work closely with oncology centers to coordinate services for breast reconstruction and management of breast cancer. We work closely with the patient and their multidisciplinary care team, including general surgeons, to determine the best treatment plan.

If a patient needs surgery to treat breast cancer, they can also choose to have reconstructive surgery to rebuild the shape and look of their breast. We advise all patients speak with their surgeon and a plastic surgeon before their tumor or breast removal surgery so a treatment plan is in place before surgery.  

Breast reconstruction can occur at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later date. Timing of the breast reconstruction depends on the physical exam by a plastic surgeon, a patient's surgical risk factors and required cancer treatments needed after surgery.