Cosmetic procedures: Breast reconstruction

Reconstructive plastic surgery for breast cancer is performed to replace skin, breast tissue and the nipple-areola complex removed during a mastectomy. The amount of missing tissue varies with each mastectomy. Factors contributing to the amount of tissue removed include the width, size and location of the original tumour and its proximity to the axilla, where the lymph glands are removed.

The ultimate goal of reconstruction is to restore symmetry between the two breasts.

Reconstruction: a personal decision

The choices that are right for one woman won't necessarily be right for another. That's because the long-term prospects of living without a breast or part of a breast affect every woman differently.

After your mastectomy, you may choose to wear external breast forms or pads or make no attempt to alter your appearance. Or you may choose breast reconstruction, using either breast implants or your own tissue.

Continual improvements in plastic surgery techniques offer better results today than ever before and make breast reconstruction an option for most women facing a mastectomy.

The decision, however, is a personal one and is often not easy to make.

Why should I consider breast reconstruction?

Restoring the breast is not considered cosmetic surgery. Operations performed to restore anatomy and symmetry, like breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, are considered reconstructive surgery. Since breast reconstruction after mastectomy is part of the treatment of a disease and not cosmetic surgery, the NHS normally covers the cost of the procedure.

Breast reconstruction not only changes your physical appearance, but has psychological benefits as well. It can help promote a sense of wellness for you and your family.

When should breast reconstruction be performed?

Whenever possible, women are encouraged to begin breast reconstruction at the same time they are having their mastectomy. For many women, immediate reconstruction reduces the trauma of having a breast removed as well as the expense and discomfort of two major operations.

It is also possible to do the reconstruction months or years after a mastectomy. If any chemotherapy or radiation treatments have been started, reconstruction is usually postponed until they are completed. Your surgical team can help you decide the appropriate timing for reconstruction.