An implant reconstruction uses a sac filled with silicone gel or saline to create a breast shape. You may have an implant reconstruction as a one-stage or two-stage operation.
Learn more about:
- Overview
- Types of implants
- How an implant reconstruction is done
- Risks of having an implant reconstruction
- Keeping up to date about the safety of your implants
- What to consider – implant reconstruction
Overview
In the one-stage operation, the surgeon puts in a permanent implant during the mastectomy. In the two-stage operation a tissue expander is used to inflate and stretch the skin so there is room for the implant. A tissue expander is used for some people whose skin may need this expansion step in the process, or if you want to significantly increase the size of the reconstructed breast compared to the breast size before.
There are benefits and drawbacks to having an implant.
Types of implants
All implants are made with an outer layer (shell) of silicone. They can be filled with silicone gel or saline (salt water).
Silicone implants
These are used in almost all implant reconstructions. Implants are now made with a soft, semi-solid filling called cohesive gel. This gel is quite firm and holds its shape like jelly. A softer, honey-like type of gel was previously used.
The surface of these implants can feel smooth or have a rough (textured) surface. The rougher textured implants are called macro textured; the less textured implants are called micro textured. Textured implants grip to tissue better and are less likely to move position than smooth implants. Some textured implants have been removed from sale because of a rare side effect called BIA–ALCL.
Saline implants
These are no longer commonly used in breast reconstruction. Saline breast implants don’t look and feel as natural as silicone implants. They may wrinkle under the skin and may leak. If the saline leaks, the implant deflates and needs to be replaced.
Reconstruction with an implant
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After the reconstruction you will have a scar on your breast. The type of scar will depend on the type of cut (incision) that your breast and reconstructive (plastic) surgeons choose. |
→ READ MORE: What to consider – implant reconstruction
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
Dr Jane O’Brien, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, VIC; Clare Bradshaw, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Assessment Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Rene Hahn, Consumer; Sinead Hanley, Consumer; Dr Marc Langbart, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Randwick Plastic Surgery, NSW; Melanie Law, Consumer; Sally Levy, Consumer; Annmaree Mitchell, Consumer; Ashleigh Mondolo, Breast Cancer Nurse Clinical Consultant, Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, QLD; Rochelle Osgood, Clinical Nurse Consultant – McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, QLD: Dr Kallyani Ponniah, Head of Department, Breast Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA; Meg Rynderman OAM, Consumer; Sarah Stewart, Breast Care Nurse, The Royal Women’s Hospital, VIC; Erin Tidball, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Jane Turner, Senior Exercise Physiologist, Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre, Concord Cancer Centre, NSW.
The photograph above has been reproduced with permission from Breast Cancer: Taking Control © Boycare Publishing 2010
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