Options for Breast Reconstruction

There are many techniques for breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Breast reconstruction for breast cancer can be categorized into two major categories: immediate reconstruction or delayed reconstruction. Techniques can be further categorized into procedures that use prosthetic materials (implants), procedures that use the body’s own tissue for reconstruction, or procedures that use a combination of both.

What is Immediate Breast Reconstruction?

Immediate breast reconstruction refers to a single surgery in which both the mastectomy and the reconstruction are performed at the same time. Immediate reconstruction preserves all of the breast skin in addition to the nipple and areola in many cases (“nipple-sparing mastectomy”), maintaining the natural shape and contour of the breast.