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Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction - Can the Procedures Be Combined?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Fredrick A. Valauri, MD
Question viewed 2,382 times
Tags: cyst, mastectomy

My mom gets really painful cysts in her breasts constantly. It's not cancer, but she is tired of having tons of biopsies and plans to have a mastectomy later this year. From what I recall when my grandmother (my dad's mom) had a mastectomy due to breast cancer, she had to wait some time before having the breast reconstruction. But I was wondering if there is any way the two procedures could be done in succession, during the same surgery session, in cases like this where there is no breast cancer involved.

30 answers to Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction - Can the Procedures Be Combined?

+2

Immediate Breast Reconstruction at the time of Mastectomy.

Breast reconstruction has come a long. Years ago it was believed that the patient had to see how it was not to have a breast to appreciate what ever results she had with breast reconstruction. With the advent of live tissue reconstruction in 1982, the use of breast expanders around the same time and recently the use of allograft dermal matrix, the reconstructions are very successful. Ninety % of the reconstruction that I perform today are immediate, combined with the mastectomy. more
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD

Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast reconstruction can be done immediately or delayed

Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy, or after a period of "delay". In the "old days", the thought was that a woman should live for a period of time without her breast so she would be more likely to be happy with the reconstruction. This is, of course, appalling' and no longer the case. Contemporary plastic surgeons such as myself and others answering this question will tell you that the best aesthetic result will be with an immediate... more
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+2

The two procedures can be done at the same time. In a...

The two procedures can be done at the same time. In a cancer operation not only is the breast tissue removed but the skin is removed as well. In that situation, the reconstructive surgeon may elect to place a tissue expander to stretch the skin over time and return at a later date to place the permanent breast implant. Since this is not a cancer operation no skin will need to be taken, allowing the surgeon to place the permanent implant at the time of the mastectomy. In fact, the nipple and... more
Robert W. Kessler, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reconstruction at the time of mastectomy

Breast reconstruction at the ime of mastectomy is commonly done as: it afford the patient the advantage of having one anesthesia and one hospital stay takes advantage of the mastectomy wounds which allows access to the blood vessel in the chest needed to provide blood supply to the skin and fat (DIEP) free flap some patients preferred not experience a mastectomy deformity Sometimes breast reconstruction is best done at a separate time from the mastectomy: If... more
Fredrick A. Valauri, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drvalauri.com

+1

Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate) or some other time after the mastectomy (delayed). There are many breast reconstruction techniques and a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine the best options.
David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon
+1

Combining Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

As you indicated in your question, many women undergo a mastectomy for reasons other than breast cancer. Chronic pain from cysts such as you describe may be one indication. BRCA positive patients, who are at elevated risk of developing breast cancer, also may choose to have a mastectomy. Many years ago, breast surgeons did not recommend immediate reconstruction. However, today we routinely perform immediate reconstruction. For patients without breast cancer, almost any type of breast... more
James Romanelli, MD

Long Island City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Combined mastectomy and breast reconstruction is possible

The combined procedure is possible, and often times, the preferred method of breast reconstruction. This "immediate" reconstruction allows for the best aesthetic result because the skin of the breast is saved and an implant or "self tissue" (DIEP, TRAM, etc) can be placed inside the original breast pocket. The general surgeon and plastic surgeon work together with the first surgeon removing the breast tissue and the second surgeon reconstructing... more
Charles K. Lee, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.lplasticsurgery.com

+1

Mastectomy and reconstruction

Quite commonly breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as a mastectomy. It is often quite easier to do it in one stage.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Combining mastectomy and breast reconstruction

Once a woman has decided that she wants to have a breast reconstruction procedure and has determined which type of reconstructive procedure will best meet her needs, the next step is to decide on the best time to have the procedure. Breast reconstructions performed at the time of a mastectomy are called “immediate,” while those performed at a later date are called “delayed”. Each approach to the timing of breast reconstruction surgery has advantages and... more
David Greenspun, MD, MSc

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.davidgreenspunmd.com

+1

Immediate vs. delayed breast reconstruction

There is a lot of debate about the relative merits of doing breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy vs. delaying at least a few weeks. It's a complicated question and has a lot to do with the type of mastectomy and how it is done. For someone without cancer, a skin-sparing and probably nipple-sparing technique would be considered. The reconstruction could then be done in one stage with an implant, and possibly also an alloderm graft for better coverage and support.... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction can be done at the same time

Currently, mastectomy and breast reconstruction are often done at the same time.  There are many different reconstructive options.  Which reconstruction is best will depend on many factors.  The best bet is to have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon prior to your mastectomy.
Sanjiv Kayastha, MD

Albany Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy

Breast reconstruction can now be performed immediately after mastectomy. More women are choosing this option because it offers many benefits 1) Psychological benefits. It preserves the essence of femininity 2) It preserves the native breast skin (Prevents skin contraction) 3) Decrease the number of surgery It is very important that you discuss this with your breast surgeon (mastectomy surgeon) and get a referral to a board certified plastic surgeon to get the best result.... more
Stanley Okoro, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

www.georgiaplastic.com

+1

No need to wait to get a new breast after mastectomy

Absolutely, a woman can have a mastectomy and reconstruction done at the same time. It's called an "immediate breast reconstruction."  Your mom will have several options.  She should definitely see a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation before she has the breast removal done.  Best wishes to her!
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mastectomy and reconstruction in the same operation is called "immediate" breast reconstruction

Immediate breast reconstruction involves two surgical specialists: a Breast (General) Surgeon, who performs the mastectomy, and a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, who performs the reconstruction of the breast in the same operation. Immediate reconstruction is felt by most Plastic Surgeons to be the best way to reconstruct a breast, because it has the following advantages: Preserves all or most of the skin of the breast, including the nipple and areola skin in many... more
Karen M. Horton, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.drkarenhorton.com

+1

Immediate Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

Immediate breast reconstructijon is commonly performed with mastectomy. It is important to know that your breast surgeon works directly with a plastic surgeon for planning. Options for immediate reconstruc tion when cancer is not present icnlude immediate implant or expander reconstruction, or reconstruction with a patients own tummy tissue, Factors that go into decsion making include the patients's overall health, smoking history, weight, and body shape. Often, the nipples can... more
Karen Vaniver, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction combined with mastectomy

Immediate Breast Reconstruction can be performed safely in experienced hands and has many advantages. The overall scarring is generally reduced since much of the skin is preserved and there is a psychological benefit to most patients. There is a some cases, such as the need for radiation treatment, that one should consider delaying the reconstruction until after all treatment is complete.
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy

Yes, a breast reconstruction can be done during the same procedure as a mastectomy. This is known as an "immediate reconstruction." In fact, the technique of reconstruction, whether with abdominal tissue or implants, can be done. The decision to perform an immediate reconstruction depends on many factors such as: Reason for the mastectomy Skin remaining after mastectomy History of radiation or anticipated need for radiation Previous breast... more
David Bogue, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

+1

Talk to a Plastic Surgeon before having a mastectomy

Immediate reconstruction following mastectomy offers many great advantages. Particulaly in cases of prophylactic mastectomy, immediate reconstruction should be considered. This is why it is so important to consult with a plastic surgeon prior to having the breast removed. Reconstructed breasts can have a great aesthetic outcome, especially when skin-sparing and nipple-sparring techniques are used.
Kevin Brenner, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mastectomy and breast reconstruction

I am sorry that your mom has had to suffer with these painful cysts. The first thing I would recommend would be to identify a breast surgeon (General surgeon) to agrees that mastectomy in your mom's case would be a reasonable treatment. If this is the case then most certainly breast reconstruction can be performed at the same operation. Since this is not a cancer operation there is little reason to delay or not perform the operation at the same time. I hope you all find this helpful. more
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Consider combining Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can be done immediate (combined with the mastectomy) or delayed (allowing the skin to heal and then doing the reconstruction months or years out). Advantage of immediate, you do not let the skin contract and you can have a better cosmetic result. If Radiotherapy is planned, there are others who will argue that delayed may be better. For those who are not totally convinced they want a reconstruction, it may be better to wait it out.
J. Vicente P. Poblete, MD

Cleveland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mastectomy and breast reconstruction can be done together

Yes, do not wait. Go see 3 boarded Plastic Surgeons. They can determine which reconstruction is appropriate for your needs. Best of Luck and Holiday Greetings.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction can be started at the time of the mastectomy

Hello, Breast reconstruction can be started just following mastectomy and yields better results overall than the delayed reconstruction particularly for benign disease or low grade cancers. In the best of circumstances the mastectomy is of the skin sparing type and the plastic surgeon is present helping the procedure along from the beginning.
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate breast reconstruction is the gold standard

Immediate breast reconstruction (at the same time of the mastectomy) is the gold standard following mastectomy. In your mom's case, no further treatment will be needed and the reconstruction could be even done in one stage (nipple reconstruction done later). Hope that helps!
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

www.drseify.com

+1

Mastectomy and breast reconstruction can be performed in one surgery

Yes, this is the ideal situation. The breast surgeon will remove the breast and the plastic surgeon will perform the breast reconstruction. The plastic surgeon will coordinate with the breast surgeon to optimize the results of the surgery. By working together and planning the surgery ahead of time, your Mom will get the optimal result. Hope this helps.
Tracy Pfeifer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction is now done at the same time as the mastectomy.

Hi. For most women, delayed breast reconstruction is really obsolete.  The results are better, and there are fewer operations, when the breast reecostruction is done together with the mastectomy.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate breast reconstruction gives the best results

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... more
Joseph M. Perlman, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

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... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Immediate breast reconstruction is becoming standard of care

You are quite right. In the "old days" we used to think that patients needed to wait to be reconstructed because of fears about recurrent cancer. That has proven to be an unwarranted concern and it is now typical for the reconstruction to begin right away. As a matter of fact, in this case it is the preferred choice, since your mom has no cancer. She should have a nipple sparing mastectomy with the immediate insertion of a permanent prosthesis. That is, she may not need to undergo... more
Thomas P. Sterry, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate breast reconstruction

Now a days, it is very common to have immediate reconstruction following a breast removal. In your mom's case she would probably be seen by a general surgeon or breast surgeon who would do the removal and then immediately after the removal would have the reconstruction. Very often no expander is needed and an implant can be placed without the need for expansion. There are other types of procedures including the tummy tuck or TRAM flap reconstruction which can also be done but this is to be... more
Steven Schuster, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate breast reconstruction is preferred

Immediate reconstruction following mastectomy is preferred since it preserves skin if necessary, reduces scarring, reduces time to completion and number of procedures, and obviated problems associated with delayed reconstruction. However, your general surgeon, if he/she is doing the mastectomy, needs to coordinate both procedures with your plastic surgeon. A prophylactic mastectomy is different than a "curative" mastectomy for cancer and may, in fact, be a partial, or subcutaneous... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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