Breast reconstruction

A breast reconstruction is a type of surgery to make a new breast shape. Sometimes the reconstructed breast is called a breast mound. The surgery may be done using a silicone implant, tissue from another part of your body, or a combination of both.

Sometimes you can have a breast reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction). You may prefer to wait for several months or years before having a reconstruction (delayed reconstruction).

If you’re not having an immediate reconstruction but might consider it in the future, discuss this with your surgeon before surgery, as it will help them to plan the mastectomy.

Sometimes you may have to travel to a different hospital to have a reconstruction.

If you decide not to have a reconstruction at all, you can choose to wear a breast prosthesis or live with the changes to your body.

For more on this, see our general section on Breast prostheses and reconstruction.

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