Breast reconstruction: what are my options?

Breast reconstruction surgery is a popular procedure done to restore the appearance of the breast following mastectomy. In her latest article, leading oncoplastic breast surgeon Dr Tasha Gandamihardja.

What is a breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction essentially creating a new breast in patients who have had a mastectomy as part of their cancer treatment.

What is the most common breast reconstruction surgery?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of breast reconstruction surgery: using an implant to reconstruct the breast or our own body tissue, which is known as an autologous based-reconstruction.

There are a few different options of tissue that can be used during an autologous base-reconstruction. One option is using tissue from the latissimus dorsi muscle behind the scapula. Another is the DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses tissue from the lower part of the tummy. We could also use the inner part of your thighs, which is known as the TUG flap reconstruction.

Is breast reconstruction a major surgery?

If you compare it to someone who just had a simple mastectomy, a breast reconstruction procedure is a little bit more involved. The complexity also increases from an implant to an autologous-based reconstruction. The surgery time and recovery time also increase. It can be considered a major surgery, especially if you choose to have an autologous based-reconstruction.

If you have an implant-based reconstruction you can go home on the same day as your surgery. If you have a DIEP reconstruction, you would normally stay in hospital for up to 4-5 days.

Can it be done at the same time as a mastectomy?

You can have the reconstruction done at the same time as your cancer operation, which is known as an immediate-based reconstruction.

The other option is to have the reconstruction in the delayed setting. After your simple mastectomy, you can revisit the idea of having a reconstruction done months or years down the line.

Should you wear a bra after breast reconstruction?

Yes, you should wear a bra. There are post-operative bras that we advise wearing after either an implant or autologous based-reconstruction.  These bras provide support, aiding recovery and minimising discomfort.

Does breast reconstruction increase the risk of recurrence?

No, breast reconstruction does not impact the recurrence rate of cancer. The cancer can be treated in several different ways (mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). These treatments are done to minimise the risk of the cancer coming back. Reconstruction surgery itself does not increase that risk. 

Dr Tasha Gandamihardja is a leading oncoplastic breast surgeon, with more than 25 years of experience. If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Gandamihardja you can do so today via her Top Doctors profile.