ACTION PLAN : BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
MASTECTOMY
A mastectomy is a surgical operation to remove your entire breast. Total breast reconstruction is a procedure to create a breast shape using an implant or tissue from your own body. Please be aware that some of the material that follows may be upsetting. There are pictures and descriptions of pathological conditions, operations, procedures and complications related to breast cancer, breast reconstruction, and other medical conditions. Viewer discretion is advised.
Rebuilding a breast is more complicated than removing it. The reconstruction process usually involves from 2 to 4 separate surgeries over about a year.
A reconstructed breast will not look or function like a natural breast, but it will give you a breast shape that will look close to the real thing in your bra and clothes.
Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or weeks, months, or even years later (delayed reconstruction).
All surgery leaves a scar. Your plastic surgeon will work to minimize your scars but you will have some scarring on your breast and on your belly or back if you choose to use your own tissue.