Joseph Perlman, MD

From a reconstructive surgery standpoint, immediate breast reconstruction is much easier technically ,since the wounds are fresh and you're not dealing with scar tissue. Not everyone is a candidate for immediate breast reconstruction, especially patients who had been irradiated or are being scheduled for immediate postmastectomy radiation.

Most general surgeons will discuss breast reconstruction with the patients and oftentimes, refer the patient to the reconstructive plastic surgeon, prior to any surgery ,so the procedures can be scheduled together. At the time of the mastectomy ,the plastic surgeon is also involved with planning the incision , in order to allow for the best cosmetic result. This is regardless of whether the reconstructive surgeon is using an expander (implant), local flap or distant flap.