Mastectomy patients have the option to reconstruct their breasts back to their original look and shape immediately after the procedure. Most women who have had a mastectomy can have reconstruction. Women who have had a lumpectomy usually do not need reconstruction.
Although breast reconstruction is a personal choice and is optional, the breasts are considered as a symbol of beauty, motherhood and vitality. Some women choose to undergo breast reconstruction to feel more like their former selves before mastectomy.
You can have your mastectomy and breast reconstruction at the same time with immediate breast reconstruction. Multiple surgeries and hospitalizations can be avoided, as well as the need to make additional decisions in the future.
Patients need to consult with their breast surgeon to find out which type of breast reconstruction surgery would work best for them.