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:
- a breast implant
- a flap of your own skin or fat (an autologous reconstruction)
- a breast implant and your own tissue.
A breast reconstruction can sometimes be done at the same time as a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction); or you may need or choose 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/or wear a breast prosthesis.
Learn more about breast prostheses and reconstruction.
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Key resource
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More resources
A/Prof Cindy Mak, Breast Surgeon and Director of Breast Services, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; A/Prof Nick Murray, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Royal Adelaide Hospital and GenesisCare Adelaide, SA; Caroline Bennett, Consumer; Tamara Casey, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Assessment Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; A/Prof Joe Dusseldorp, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Lauren Lores, Consumer; Dr Linda Madigan, Breast Physician, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; Catherine Meredith, Consumer; Ash Mondolo, Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Private Hospital, QLD; Chris Rivett, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Catrina Ross, McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW; Prof Christobel Saunders AO, James Stewart Chair of Surgery and Director of Research, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Janice Yeh, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Yvonne Zissiadis, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Director, GenesisCare WA and Adjunct A/Prof, Curtin University, WA.
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