Whether or not a mastectomy recipient chooses to be reconstructed is a very personal decision. Most women are candidates for immediate reconstruction, but some may choose to wait for a few years, or decide not to be reconstructed at all.

Silicone or saline implants are the most common and simplest form of reconstruction. Sometimes an expander, which is a partially filled implant, is used to stretch the skin first. The surgeon then injects additional fluid into the expander a few times over the next several weeks until the desired size is reached. The expander may then be removed and replaced with a "permanent" implant.

Tissue transfer is a more complex method of reconstruction. Natural tissue and muscle is removed from other body sites - often the upper back or the tummy -- and transferred to the chest to recreate a natural breast mound.

Nipple reconstruction is an option for any patient who has their breast reconstructed. Sometimes a nipple is tattooed onto the reconstructed breast, and sometimes it is created using a skin graft.

Additional Reading:

• Breast Reconstruction - from the American Cancer Society - http://www2.cancer.org/bcn/info/recon.html

• Breast Reconstruction Surgery - from the American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) - www.plasticsurgery.org

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This page was last updated on Monday, February 25, 2008