Breast Reconstruction Overview

During a mastectomy, many women op to also undergo a breast reconstruction surgery. Breast reconstruction is a complex procedure performed by a plastic surgeon, also called a reconstructive surgeon. If you’re planning breast reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy, you’ll meet with the plastic surgeon before the surgery.

Breast reconstruction may involve:

• Using breast expanders with saline or silicone implants
• Using your body’s own tissue (autologous tissue reconstruction)
• Using a combination of tissue reconstruction and implants

Conversations With Your Doctor

We may recommend a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy(plus radiation) if:

• You have two or more tumors in separate areas of the breast.
• You have widespread or malignant-appearing calcium deposits (microcalcifications) throughout the breast
  that have been determined to be cancer after a breast biopsy.
• You’ve previously had radiation treatment to the breast region and the breast cancer has recurred in the breast.
• You’re pregnant and radiation creates an unacceptable risk to your unborn child.
• You’ve had a lumpectomy, but cancer is still present at the edges (margin) of the operated area and there is concern about cancer extending to elsewhere in the breast.
• You carry a gene mutation that gives you a high risk of developing a second cancer in your breast.
• You have a large tumor relative to the overall size of your breast. You may not have enough healthy tissue left after a lumpectomy to achieve an acceptable cosmetic result.
• You have a connective tissue disease, such as scleroderma or lupus, and may not tolerate the side effects of radiation to the skin.

You might also consider a mastectomy if you don’t have breast cancer, but have a very high risk of developing the disease. A preventive (prophylactic) or risk-reducing mastectomy involves removing both of your breasts and significantly reduces your risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

A prophylactic mastectomy is reserved for those with a very high risk of breast cancer, which is determined by a strong family history of breast cancer or the presence of certain genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer. Click here for more information regarding mastectomies.