Breast Reconstruction - FAQs and Concerns

Often after a woman recovers from breast cancer, one of her top priorities is returning her body to how it was before she got sick. Because breast cancer can often result in a mastectomy, or removal of the breast, one common procedure for women after breast cancer is breast reconstruction. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this procedure.

Does breast reconstruction return breast tissue to my breasts?

No. Unfortunately, the risk of cancer returning is too great to reintroduce breast tissue into your body. What is done instead is that tissue from other parts of the body, such as the buttocks or belly, is used instead. The doctor uses it to form a breast mound that resembles a breast. He may also use implants instead of transplanting tissue. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed if the woman also wants to add a nipple or make the breast more natural looking.

Are breast implants used in breast reconstruction?

Sometimes. It really depends on the woman and what she and her doctor determine to be the best method of choice for her situation. As discussed above, a breast can be made using other tissues. However, many women prefer to get breast implants so that they can have larger breasts than what a tissue transfer would allow. This is especially common for women who had large breasts prior to the surgery and women who had only one breast removed and want the new breast to match the remaining one. There is little good to come of a breast reconstruction if it still results in uneven breasts.

Do I have to wait a long time after my mastectomy to get the surgery?

In most cases, you won’t have to wait too long and some doctors will even perform the surgery at the same time as the mastectomy. All of this will depend on your current treatment plan, as well as the current state of your health.

Will this surgery increase my risk of recurring cancer?

No, because breast tissue is not used it will not cause a return of your cancer. Of course, there is no guarantee that your cancer will not return at some point on its own, but it will not be because of the breast reconstruction surgery.