Breast reconstruction is surgery to make a new breast shape (also called a breast mound). There are different ways to construct a breast shape. It can be done using:
- implants
- a flap of your own skin, fat or muscle (an autologous reconstruction)
- a breast implant and your own tissue.
A breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction); or you may prefer to wait for several months or years before having a reconstruction (delayed reconstruction). If you are not having an immediate reconstruction but might consider it in the future, discuss this with your surgeon before surgery. This will help them to plan the mastectomy.
Some people decide not to have a reconstruction and prefer to “go flat”, while others choose to wear a breast prosthesis.
Learn more about breast prostheses and reconstruction.
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Dr Diana Adams, Medical Oncologist, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, NSW; Prof Bruce Mann, Specialist Breast Surgeon and Director, Breast Cancer Services, The Royal Melbourne and The Royal Women’s Hospitals, VIC; Dr Shagun Aggarwal, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Prince of Wales, Sydney Children’s and Royal Hospital for Women, NSW; Andrea Concannon, consumer; Jenny Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner Breast Oncology, Macquarie University Hospital, NSW; Monica Graham, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Natasha Keir, Nurse Practitioner Breast Oncology, GenesisCare, QLD; Dr Bronwyn Kennedy, Breast Physician, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, NSW; Lisa Montgomery, consumer; A/Prof Sanjay Warrier, Specialist Breast Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Dr Janice Yeh, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.
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