Immediate Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy

Immediate Reconstruction following mastectomy usually yields the best results.   Reconstruction after mastectomy must be covered by insurance thanks to the only health care mandate that is federal law (1998 federal law). Since her mastectomy will most likely not require radiation treatment, immediate reconstruction would be a great options.

In addition to the cosmetic results, there are psychological benefits to a patient not having to experience the chest wall deformity following mastectomy. There are implant-based and autologous (tissue only) reconstructive options. Please visit with a board certified plastic surgeon (a member of the american society of plastic surgeons) who can work with your general surgeon to set up an immediate reconstruction plan.

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.

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