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Breastcancer.org is the number one online resource
for breast cancer information and support, providing
over 8,000 pages of expert-reviewed information
on all aspects of breast cancer—from diagnosis
through treatment and beyond. Breastcancer.org
also hosts a vibrant peer support community with
over 150,000 registered members. Breastcancer.org
reaches millions of people around the world. Our
goal is to empower everyone to face breast cancer
with knowledge, clarity, and confidence.
Visit us online at www.breastcancer.org.
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© Breastcancer.org 2015
Printing and distribution of this brochure made possible by:
Our mission is to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical and personal
information about breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives.
Committed to Our Mission
Real-World Advice From Women Like You
Breastcancer.org invites you to our Discussion Boards
on breast reconstruction, where you can connect
with women who are talking about their options,
going through reconstruction now, or have finished
reconstruction. Learn from their experiences,
ask questions, and benefit from straight talk
with women who’ve been there.
Visit the Breast Reconstruction forum on Breastcancer.org and join the conversation:
community.breastcancer.org/forum/44
WWW.BR EA S TC ENT E R . COM
“Being told that I needed a mastectomy was one of the
scariest moments of my life. I had to make reconstructive surgery
decisions with very little guidance. I had no idea that there were so many surgical procedures, and
Breastcancer.org provided me with the information that I needed to
make my decision with confidence.”Jennifer F., Breastcancer.org
Community member
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION: Know Your Options
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Website is also available in Spanish.
Understanding Your Reconstruction Options
Finding a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon
Making Decisions About Breast Reconstruction
DIEP Flap Reconstruction – Before and After*
There are two main ways to reconstruct your breast(s):
n Implant reconstruction uses a silicone- or saline-filled implant to recreate the breast shape.
n Flap reconstruction uses tissue from another location in your body, such as the belly, hips, back, thighs, or buttocks. The newest techniques require expertise in microsurgery, which connects the blood vessels of the tissue flap to its new blood supply in the chest.
Each technique has pros and cons. Talk to your treatment team about what makes sense for you.
You can visit Breastcancer.org’s Breast Reconstruction section (www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction) for:
n details on specific reconstruction techniques
n before-and-after photos
n information about nipple reconstruction
n options if you had mastectomy in the past and are considering reconstruction now
n options if you’re unsatisfied with a previous reconstruction and want to have it corrected
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you and
your doctor will talk about surgery to remove the
cancer. Your doctor should also tell you about breast
reconstruction: surgery to rebuild the breast after the
cancer is removed. Reconstruction can often start at
the same time as mastectomy (breast removal) and
at least 6 months after lumpectomy.
While some women decide to have reconstruction,
others choose to go “breast free” or wear a prosthesis
(breast form). It’s important to learn about all the
options so you can make a decision that’s right
for you. Ask your doctor to recommend a plastic
surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction.
Some factors to consider:
n your desire to have a permanent breast shape
n whether you feel you need reconstruction
for mental and emotional healing
n willingness to have more surgery
beyond mastectomy or lumpectomy
n other health issues that can make
reconstruction too risky
A plastic surgeon may be recommended to you
or you may need to find one on your own. Take
time to do homework on any surgeon you are
considering. Plastic surgeons vary widely in
their level of skill and the range of procedures
they can perform. It is rare for any surgeon to
excel at every type of reconstruction.
Some questions to ask:
n What types of reconstruction do you offer?
n Which procedures do you perform most often? How many per month?
n Do you offer flap reconstruction that requires microsurgery?
n Can you provide before-and-after photos of your work?
n Do you have patients who would be willing to share their experiences?
Visit Breastcancer.org’s Breast Reconstruction
section (www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/
reconstruction) for more advice about finding
the right plastic surgeon for your needs.
*Image used with permission from the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery.