Breast Reconstruction

If you choose a mastectomy, the complete removal of your breast, you may want to consider breast reconstruction surgery.  Some women who have lumpectomies also elect to have reconstructive surgery to improve the appearance of the breast.  If you are interested in breast reconstructive surgery, you should have a discussion with your surgeon when you plan your treatment.  Breast reconstructive surgery is done by plastic surgeons who have specialized training and experience, not by the surgeon who removes your tumor.
 

Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction
For some women with early breast cancer, immediate reconstruction done at the time of the mastectomy is a good choice.  This approach involves two different surgical procedures and two separate surgical teams. 

• Women with more advanced breast cancer will typically need additional treatment following their surgery, in the form of radiation therapy.  Some institutions will start the reconstruction process the day of the mastectomy; however, some surgeons prefer to delay the reconstruction for 6-12 months following the end of treatment.
• Women with inflammatory breast cancer or locally advanced breast cancer should not have immediate reconstruction, which can interfere with both treatment and detecting a recurrence.  Women with inflammatory breast cancer are treated with systemic therapy first, followed by mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and adjuvant radiation therapy.

Read more about Types of Breast Reconstruction on the next page.