FAQs: Understanding Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it seemed like an appropriate time to discuss the options that women have available to restore their breasts following breast cancer surgery. Here at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons have decades of combined experience performing breast reconstruction surgery. Our experts use breast reconstruction to help recreate the natural shape and symmetry of the breasts following either a mastectomy (total removal of the breast or breasts) or a lumpectomy (partial removal). To further reinforce the power that this incredible procedure can have, we wanted to answer a few common questions about breast reconstruction and its benefits.

Question #1: What Is The Best Timing for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

This ultimately depends on the specific circumstances and preferences of each woman. Breast reconstruction is often performed at the same time as a mastectomy. This is known as immediate breast reconstruction. However, this approach is not always right for everyone and breast reconstruction can be performed later on. This is known as delayed breast reconstruction. Some women may need a delayed reconstruction depending on their physical exam, certain risk factors, or additional breast cancer treatments that may be needed after surgery. In cases where a patient isn’t sure that they want to undergo breast reconstruction at the time of their breast cancer surgery, but decide to have it later on, this can be done.

Question #2: How Will My Breasts Feel After Breast Reconstruction?

This can depend on which type of breast reconstruction procedure that you undergo. Some women use breast implants as part of their breast reconstruction. Others use natural tissue from other areas of the body (autologous breast reconstruction). In all cases, the goal is to create a new breast contour that looks and feels as natural as the patient’s original breast or breasts, but there are subtle differences for each that we will discuss at the initial consultation appointment before surgery.

Question #3: Is Breast Reconstruction Always Needed After Breast Cancer Surgery?

It is not. The choice to undergo breast reconstruction or not is a very personal one that is unique to every woman. Women can absolutely choose not to have breast reconstruction and to simply begin their transition into life after cancer once their mastectomy is completed. Some people use the term “going flat” to describe the new chest contour following breast cancer surgery. It’s simply a matter of personal preference.

Here at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons offer a wide variety of breast reconstruction procedure options such as DIEP and Tram Flap, in addition to implants, and more in order to help every woman we treat have the most satisfactory and comforting experience possible. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consult, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Cumming, or Canton area locations. You can also follow along with us on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more.