Breast reconstruction is surgery to rebuild a breast's shape after a mastectomy. The surgery offers a result that looks like a breast. Most women who have had breast reconstruction are glad they did.
In breast reconstruction, a surgeon forms a breast mound by:
- Using an implant (sac filled with saline or silicone)
- Moving tissue from another part of the body (for example, tissue from the belly, back or buttocks)
- Combining these techniques
The aim is to match as closely as possible the remaining natural breast. The type of reconstruction depends on your body type, age and cancer treatment.
Breast reconstruction usually takes more than one surgery. Extra steps may include:
- Adding a nipple
- Changing the shape or size of the reconstructed breast
- Operating on the opposite breast for a better match
References - National Cancer Institute