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Breast reconstruction is performed to improve the appearance, shape, symmetry, and size of one or both of the breasts following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities.
View Patient Stories
Dana’s Story: DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Martha’s Story: DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction
When breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as your mastectomy, it is known as “immediate reconstruction.” When reconstruction is performed after you have healed from your mastectomy, it is referred to as “delayed reconstruction.” There are many factors that can determine which type of reconstruction is best for you, including the stage of your breast cancer, your medical condition, your lifestyle and preference, and any additional therapies that may be needed to treat your breast cancer.
There are both advantages of disadvantages to both immediate and delayed reconstruction, which should be discussed with your doctor before deciding on a procedure. These include:
Immediate Reconstruction
Advantages include
A decreased risk of social or emotional obstacles, due to avoiding being “flat”, may avoid fewer surgeries overall.
Disadvantages include
Longer surgery and recovery time. May require revision surgery to address mastectomy skin healing issues
Delayed Reconstruction
Advantages include
Allows patients option to complete breast cancer treatment prior to underdoing reconstruction; patients have more time to consider their breast reconstruction options.
Disadvantages include
May limit options for reconstruction; final cosmetic outcome of breast reconstruction may be compromised.
Before + After
Patient Results
Breast reconstruction surgery is often a life-changing experience for our patients. Our goal is to help our patients feel whole again after undergoing breast cancer treatment. View our gallery to learn more about the various reconstructive surgeries performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons at Tucson Plastic Surgery.
BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is performed to improve the appearance, shape, symmetry, and size of one or both of the breasts following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities. There are several different types of breast reconstruction procedures to choose from. You and your doctor can discuss which type is best for you based on your health and personal preferences. It is important to take the time to educate yourself on the different types of breast reconstruction procedures before making a final decision.
There are generally two categories of breast reconstruction procedures, including flap reconstruction and implant-based reconstruction. Flap reconstruction uses a patient’s own tissue from another area of the body to form a new breast or breasts, while implant reconstruction used breast implants to help form new breasts. There are also different options when it comes to when you would like your breast reconstruction performed following your mastectomy.
- KJ
- MM
- SC
Who is a good candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or are at a very high risk of developing breast cancer in the future, often undergo a mastectomy or a procedure in which one or both of the breasts are surgically removed. Following a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is an option to help rebuild your breast or breasts to improve your self-confidence or your sense of being “whole” again. The best way to determine if breast reconstruction is a good option for you is to discuss it with your doctor. There are many factors that can determine whether this procedure is right for you, including your health, your personal preferences, your lifestyle, and more.
Silvia Kurtovic, MD & Raman Mahabir, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeons
At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have a patient-centric approach that sets us apart from the rest. We take the time to really get to know you and your aesthetic goals during one-on-one conversations which help us to fully understand your motivations.