Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction may be an option during your breast cancer treatment. With advances in breast reconstruction surgery, about one-third of women undergoing breast removal have one or both of their breasts rebuilt. Breast reconstruction involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the form and appearance of the natural breast. 

The goal of reconstruction surgery is to create a breast mound that matches the opposite breast and to achieve symmetry. If both breasts have been removed during cancer surgery, the goal of breast reconstructive surgery is to create both breast mounds approximately the size of the patient’s natural breasts. 

The two most effective approaches available for monolateral (one breast) and bilateral (both breasts) reconstruction surgery include:

• Expander/implant reconstruction: The use of an expander to create a breast mound followed by placement of a permanently filled breast implant.
• Autologous tissue reconstruction: The use of the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct a new breast mound.
• DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery: DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforators) flap surgery is an innovative breast reconstruction procedure that uses a flap of complete tissue from a woman’s lower abdomen as donor tissue. This delicate procedure provides significant benefits for breast cancer patients, such as a slimmer appearance, a natural-looking breast, maintained core strength and a quick recovery. 

Timing of Reconstruction 

Prior to undergoing breast cancer surgery, the patient will talk to her doctor about whether to undergo reconstruction surgery and when it is most appropriate.

• Immediate reconstruction: Reconstruction surgery performed at the same time as the mastectomy.
• Delayed reconstruction: Reconstruction surgery performed after recovery from the mastectomy is complete. If chemotherapy is part of the treatment protocol, the surgeon may recommend delayed reconstruction. 

There are certain factors may prevent breast reconstruction, including:

• Size and location of the cancer
• Damaged breast tissue from radiation therapy or age
• Past medical history
• Co-existing illnesses