There are many different options and types of breast reconstruction procedures. Some are done (or started) at the same time as mastectomy, while others are done later. Learn more about your options.

If you’re planning to have breast reconstruction surgery, it’s important to be prepared. Find out what you should ask your surgeon, and what to expect before and after your surgery.

A woman who has surgery to treat breast cancer might choose to have additional surgery to rebuild the shape and look of her breast. This is called breast reconstruction surgery. If you are thinking about having this done, it is best to talk about it with your surgeon and a plastic surgeon experienced in breast reconstruction before you have surgery to remove the tumor or breast. This lets the surgical teams plan the best treatment for you, even if you decide to wait and have reconstructive surgery later.

A woman might choose to have breast reconstruction for many reasons:

• To make her chest look balanced when she is wearing a bra or swimsuit
• To help make clothes fit better
• To permanently regain her breast shape
• So she won’t have to use a breast form that fits inside the bra (an external
  prosthesis)
• To feel better about her body

Breast reconstruction often leaves scars, but they usually fade over time. Newer techniques have also reduced the amount of scarring. When you’re wearing a bra, your breasts should be alike enough in size and shape to let you feel comfortable about how you look in most types of clothes.

After a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can make you feel better about how you look and renew your self-confidence. But keep in mind that the reconstructed breast will not be a perfect match or substitute for your natural breast. If tissue from your tummy, back, or buttocks was used as part of the reconstruction, those areas will also look different after surgery. Talk with your surgeon about scars and changes in shape or contour. Ask where they will be, and how they will look and feel after they heal