Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure in which the shape of the breast is reconstructed and recreated. It is most often performed on women who have undergone surgery to remove breast cancer.

There are several types of techniques used for breast reconstruction:

• Breast reconstruction with implants – this is possible only if after mastectomy or radiation therapy there is enough tissue left on the chest wall to cover and adhere a breast implant.
• Breast reconstruction with soft tissue flap – this procedure is suitable for those patients who do not want implants or do not have enough breast tissue to adhere the implant. This method relies on natural (“autologous”) donor tissue. It is “moved” to the required treatment site by a specific flap technique. The most common approach to breast reconstruction is using the skin of the lower abdomen and fat to create the shape of the breast. The femoral and sciatic areas can also be used as donor lamp sites, and the choice of donor site depends on the characteristics of the applicant.

What does the operation include?

The purpose of breast reconstruction is to restore the normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size of one or both breasts after mastectomy, lumpectomy or in patients with congenital malformations.

The modern possibilities of plastic surgery allow the breast to be reconstructed so that it looks almost exactly like its natural equivalent. This can be achieved either by using implants or by tissue grafting.

Although there will probably be subtle differences in contour, volume and feel with the previous breast, the new shape will be aesthetically appealing and convincingly mimicking the natural shape and appearance.