Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

Mastectomy is the removal of all or part of the breast. Depending upon the type of mastectomy, breast reconstruction will be performed, either immediately following the mastectomy or at a later date.

• Immediate breast reconstruction - has the advantagethat the chest tissues are not damaged by radiation therapy or scarring. Typically this means better results, and also less surgery. There are several steps following the initial reconstruction surgery to complete the process. Be sure to ask what will need to be done afterward and how long it will take.
• Delayed breast reconstruction - may be a better choice for some women who need radiation to the chest area after the mastectomy. Radiation therapy given after breast reconstruction surgery can cause problems.

Breast reconstruction is a personal choice, as is the method chosen. Options include:

• Breast Implants
• Tissue Implants - see TRAM flap method and DIEP flap method

This video shows a real surgery to reconstruct the breast and nipple. [4:02mins]

TRAM breast reconstruction is the most popular of all reconstruction options, although newer methods such as DIEP are proving to result in a more natural looking breast.

For breast reconstruction surgery showing the TRAM flap method

For breast reconstruction surgery using newer breast reconstruction techniques that rebuild the breasts in the most natural way possible, see the DIEP method.

Also See Video on Total Mastectomy

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