Treatment overview
What this treatment can — and cannot — do.
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy, major breast surgery, trauma or selected congenital differences. The timing and method depend on the original condition, available tissue, previous surgery or radiotherapy, overall health and the patient’s priorities.
GoalRestore breast shape and symmetry after tissue loss while coordinating reconstruction with the patient’s wider medical care.Restore breast shape and symmetry after tissue loss while coordinating reconstruction with the patient’s wider medical care.
Best fitPatients considering reconstruction after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or previous breast surgery who need an individualized reconstructive plan.Patients considering reconstruction after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or previous breast surgery who need an individualized reconstructive plan.
PlanReview of medical and surgical history, breast/chest examination, reconstruction options, timing, surgery and staged follow-up.Review of medical and surgical history, breast/chest examination, reconstruction options, timing, surgery and staged follow-up.
RecoveryRecovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed.Recovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed.
The consultation separates the concern this treatment can address from problems that need another approach, so treatment is not recommended simply because a procedure is popular.
Who may benefit
Who may benefit — and what we assess first.
Patients considering reconstruction after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or previous breast surgery who need an individualized reconstructive plan.
Potential fitWhen Breast Reconstruction may make sense
Realistic expectationsWhat Breast Reconstruction cannot promise
Treatment pathway
A clear plan from assessment to follow-up.
Review of medical and surgical history, breast/chest examination, reconstruction options, timing, surgery and staged follow-up.
01AssessmentReview the reason for reconstruction, previous treatment, scars and current health.
02PlanningDiscuss realistic reconstructive options, timing and whether more than one stage may be needed.
03TreatmentPerform the agreed reconstruction in the appropriate surgical setting.
04Follow-upCoordinate wound care, follow-up and any later symmetry or refinement decisions.
Recovery & expectations
Recovery, downtime and what to expect.
Recovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed.
EarlyFollow your aftercare planRecovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed.
Short termProtect healing tissueAvoid activities that could irritate, stretch or traumatize the treated area until the advised stage of recovery.
ProgressJudge the result at the right timeSwelling and healing can temporarily distort the early appearance, so final assessment should follow the treatment-specific healing timeline.
Long termMaintain realistic expectationsBreast reconstruction can require more than one stage and cannot recreate an identical natural breast or guarantee perfect symmetry.