Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery – Is it right for you?

Not so many years ago, the only treatment for breast cancer was mastectomy. Women who survived the disease had no reconstructive options and were forced to live with the disfiguring aftermath of mastectomy. Today, mastectomy is less radical. Surgical reconstruction is sophisticated, commonly performed and can be accomplished in a variety of different ways to suit personal preferences.

If you decide not to have reconstruction, your breast, nipple, areola and much of the remaining breast skin will be removed during mastectomy and the incision will be closed. The mastectomy scar will remain across the chest. You may want to wear a prosthesis-an artificial breast made of foam or silicone that fits into special bras and swimsuits-to restore your shape after mastectomy. Or you may be comfortable without prostheses.

If you decide to pursue breast reconstruction, you’ll need to make several other decisions: When should the procedures be performed? Which plastic surgeon should you choose? Where will the reconstruction take place? What reconstructive procedure is best for you?