There are many different reconstructive options for breast cancer. For patients that are interested in removing abdominal tissue you should talk to your surgeon about using that tissue to reconstruct your breasts. You can get excellent long term results with a very natural looking breast (most would agree more natural than implants) and get the abdominoplasty at the same time.
You should speak to a board certified plastic surgeon who performs all types of breast reconstruction.
In your case I would consider options like a pedicled TRAM or a free TRAM.
Unless you and your surgeon have specific reasons for wanting to use an implant for reconstruction (sometimes size of the reconstructed breast can be a consideration) the above options definitely should be discussed.
Call your doctor!
I hope this helps.
Steven Williams, MD
