Either way is ok

This is a complex issue that has been bandied about fo over 20 years by my count.  Both ways have pluses and minuses. My personal opinion that it is safer to do a delayed reconstruction, but others may disagree.

Remember, ablation of the cancer is the first priority, and you want to get that done  ASAP. There is no imperative to get the reconstruction.  Some people forgo the reconstruction totally.

Just be sure that you are not smoking, and have a heart to heart with everyone so you are comfortable on your surgical day.  You may want counseling to find out the root of your fear. One thing that you should consider is asking your surgeon to give you an RX for valium to take before you go to the hospital to help with anxiety.

Best of luck to you.

Hi,

The priority of all doctors is to treat your breast cancer; reconstruction always is a secondary concern.  That being said, in the vast majority of patients, immediate breast reconstruction not only is safe, but ultimately leads to better reconstructive results.

For many patients. immediate reconstruction consists of tissue expander placement.  This prevents the breast skin envelope from fully contracting and preserves the inframammary fold (fold below the breast) during subsequent chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  Once all other treatment is completed, the final reconstruction can be performed, which may involve a permanent breast implant or the patient's own tissue.

In patients who clearly will not need postoperative radiation therapy, immediate reconstruction can proceed with a permament breast implant, tissue expander, or the patient's own tissue (autologous tissue reconstruction).  Radiation therapy can cause fibrosis (scarring) of tissue and plastic surgeons therefore like to defer autologous tissue reconstruction until a time that they can be confident that it will not be irradiated.

So, in summary, immediate breast reconstruction is a safe option; do not feel as though you are compromising your cancer treatment by having it done.

Best of luck.

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