A silicone or saline implant can give you a breast shape. However, implants won’t give you the same look and feel as a natural breast. Chances are, you’ll need to replace your implant every 10 to 15 years.

Tissue from your lower belly can be used to create a new breast that looks and feels more natural than an implant. This is the most complicated reconstruction procedure and involves the longest recovery time.

Tissue from your back, just below your shoulder blade, can be used to create a new breast for you. This may be an option if you don’t have enough belly tissue to create a breast.

Usually, a reconstructed breast mound will not have a nipple or areola. Many women choose to add these “finishing touches” in an outpatient procedure.

Nipple-sparing breast reconstruction is a special kind of mastectomy that removes just the breast tissue and leaves behind the breast skin, nipple and areola. This procedure is usually done only if you have an early stage tumor far away from the nipple or if you’re having a mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. Your surgeons can help you decide if you’re a good candidate for this procedure.

Often, a reconstructed breast and your opposite breast will not match. There are a number of procedures that can be done on your opposite breast to get a closer match.

Radiation destroys cancer cells, but it can also increase the chance of complications and poor outcomes in breast reconstruction. If you need radiation, chances are you will need to delay reconstruction or choose a procedure that’s more compatible with skin exposed to radiation. Remember, radiation always takes priority over reconstruction.

Your plastic surgeon is your partner in choosing which breast reconstruction options are right for you. Here are some ideas to get the conversation started.