Breast Reconstruction Q&A
88%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
91 Reviews
Breast Reconstructionbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Reconstruction Cost: $8,900

Learn about Breast Reconstruction

487 people and 265 doctors are talking about Breast Reconstruction

Get Free Email Updates

Is It Best to Have Reconstruction Right After a Mastectomy or Delay It a While?

asked 9 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Vivek Bansal, MD
Question viewed 169 times
Tags: breasts, breast cancer, recommendation, reconstructive, results, scar tissue, surgery, timing

This is my second battle with breast cancer and I did not have a full mastectomy the first time, so I am this time. There is a significant amount of scar tissue.

8 answers to Is It Best to Have Reconstruction Right After a Mastectomy or Delay It a While?

+1

Breast Reconstruction

Arguments could be made for both approaches. I recommend you follow the approach your surgeon is familiar and comfortable with. The same surgery can have two different surgeons follow slightly different approaches, and achieve the same outcome. Thus, discuss this with a surgeon you trust and believe is a good fit for you.
Vivek Bansal, MD

Danville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is It Best to Have Reconstruction Right After a Mastectomy or Delay It a While?

This is a very personal decision that you and your surgeons need to discuss in detail all your options. Over the internet very very hard to advise what is best for you and your circumstances.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reconstruction

I am sorry that you are having another episode of breast cancer that requires surgery. Usually it is easier to perform the reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate reconstruction will give you the best result

I am sorry to hear about your cancer recurrence. You have limited options because of the previous radiation. The best result would be from autologous immediate reconstruction. If you are a candidate for the nipple sparing mastectomy ,immediate DIEP flap will give the fastest recovery( no abdominal muscle used). The next option would be delayed reconstruction if your oncologist may recommend radiation. If would do expander at the time of mastectomy and delay to autologous reconstruction till... more
Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate vs Delayed Mastectomy Reconstruction

Given that you stated you previously had breast cancer surgery, I am assuming you've already undergone a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. I am also assuming that now you will need a completion mastectomy. In most cases, immediate reconstruction does yield superior cosmetic results. But delayed reconstruction still remains a good alternative. Given that you have likely undergone radiation therapy, I will generally recommend autologous (using your own tissue)... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

+1

Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction

As a rule, it is best to have the reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction). Broadly speaking, you will get a better cosmetic result because more of the skin will be spared and there are psychological benefits in not having a period without your breast. However, when radiotherapy is planned, it may damage the reconstruction and so there is an argument to delay it, although it is not written in stone. Also, having an immediate reconstruction... more
Jonathan J Staiano, MBBS

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

It is not clear if you have a recurrence in the same breast or another breast cancer in the opposite breast. What was done the first tome, lumpectomy? Radiation? these are important issues in the decision making for breast reconstruction. If it is the opposite breast, what needs to be done skin sparing mastectomy, type of cancer? expected plan for further treatment/ these are important issues for the decision making. your plastic surgeon, general surgeon and oncolodgist... more
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy is almost always best.

Hi. You probably have had radiation, and with the scarring that you describe I would recommend flap reconstruction using your own abdominal skin and fat.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question