Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction involves making a new breast either at the same time, or sometime after, a mastectomy. There are several different ways of doing a breast reconstruction and many things to consider before deciding to have one. Many women decide not to have a breast reconstruction and have a simple mastectomy and wear an external prosthesis in the bra. All women who need a mastectomy should however, have the option of breast reconstruction. Even if you are fairly sure that you don't want one it is, perhaps, good to know a little bit about what can be done. In this way you make the decision that is best for you being fully aware of the options.

Issues to Consider

One of the first issues to consider is "Do I want a breast reconstruction or not?" To answer this question you need to know what is involved with a breast reconstruction and what options there are. Once you know this, as a guiding basic principle, if you are not convinced about this then the best thing to do is not to have one. Another important issue, on which you will be strongly guided, is whether or not a breast reconstruction performed during the same operation as a mastectomy (immediate breast reconstruction) is a good option for you. For some women the extent of the breast cancer is such that surgery should be kept as simple as possible and reconstruction would be much better performed once all the breast cancer treatment is finished (delayed breast reconstruction). All breast reconstruction involves additional surgery and additional risk of complications. It therefore involves more time in hospital (in the ward or clinic) than if the simplest surgical procedure was performed. If you are advised that a breast reconstruction is an option for you then this advice is based upon the fact that a breast reconstruction will not adversely affect your treatment in any way.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

In general terms, a breast is either reconstructed from artificial means (silicone implants) or from your own tissue (flap reconstruction). Sometimes a combination of the two is used. Not every woman is suitable for every option. Some women may have two or three options for breast reconstruction available, others have only one and just occasionally there are no good options. Having more than one option is good but this can also mean that you have more information about pros and cons of different types of reconstruction to consider. Where possible, if you have more than one option for breast reconstruction you will be advised about which is the one you are most ideally suited for.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction (at the same time as a mastectomy)

Delayed Breast Reconstruction (at some time after a mastectomy)

Nipple Reconstruction

This can often be performed at the same time as an LD flap of DIEP/TRAM flap reconstruction. If not it can be performed (under local anaesthetic) once breast reconstruction is complete. The area around the nipple can be tattooed. Most reconstructed nipples tend to flatten with time. Some women choose not to have a nipple reconstruction. They have the option of having a mould made from the other nipple that can be worn as required. See separate page on Nipple Reconstruction and Tattooing.

Admission and Aftercare

You are generally admitted on the day of surgery, occasionally the day before. You will be re-examined and the site of the scar / scars drawn on your body. The length of the operation will vary depending on the extent of surgery required as outlined above. Dissolvable stitches are used and a waterproofdressing consisting of a special type of glue is applied. Sometimes a support dressing is used for 24 hrs and you may be advised to wear a supportive bra or specialist garment day and night for a couple of weeks.

Complications - What can go wrong?

Any operation can be associated with infection or bleeding. Wound healing can be particularly affected by infection and smoking. If you are a smoker you will be strongly advised to stop smoking before having a breast reconstruction. Any operation can be associated with anaesthetic problems (nausea in particular), venous thrombosis (although precautions are taken routinely) and allergic reaction to drugs or dressings. Any breast reconstruction will feel quite numb. It is probably fair to say that you are less aware of this with time.

How do I decide?

You may need more than one consultation to fully appreciate all the options and pros / cons. The breast care nurse will help guide you and direct you to other sources of information. Once you are focused on one or maybe two options, you should ideally have a chat with someone who has undergone that operation. This will give you the best insight into what it is like and a realistic impression of what can (and can't) be achieved. Again, if you are not convinced about undergoing a breast reconstruction then the best thing to do is not to have one.

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