Treatment overview
What this treatment can — and cannot — do.
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy, major breast surgery, trauma or selected congenital differences. The timing and method depend on the original condition, available tissue, previous surgery or radiotherapy, overall health and the patient’s priorities.
Goal Restore breast shape and symmetry after tissue loss while coordinating reconstruction with the patient’s wider medical care. Restore breast shape and symmetry after tissue loss while coordinating reconstruction with the patient’s wider medical care.
Best fit Patients considering reconstruction after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or previous breast surgery who need an individualized reconstructive plan. Patients considering reconstruction after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or previous breast surgery who need an individualized reconstructive plan.
Plan Review of medical and surgical history, breast/chest examination, reconstruction options, timing, surgery and staged follow-up. Review of medical and surgical history, breast/chest examination, reconstruction options, timing, surgery and staged follow-up.
Recovery Recovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed. Recovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed.
The consultation separates the concern this treatment can address from problems that need another approach, so treatment is not recommended simply because a procedure is popular.
Who may benefit
Who may benefit — and what we assess first.
Patients considering reconstruction after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or previous breast surgery who need an individualized reconstructive plan.
Potential fit When Breast Reconstruction may make sense
Breast Reconstruction may be suitable for patients considering reconstruction after mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma or previous breast surgery who need an individualized reconstructive plan. Suitability also depends on medical history, examination and realistic expectations.
Realistic expectations What Breast Reconstruction cannot promise
Breast reconstruction can require more than one stage and cannot recreate an identical natural breast or guarantee perfect symmetry.
Treatment pathway
A clear plan from assessment to follow-up.
Review of medical and surgical history, breast/chest examination, reconstruction options, timing, surgery and staged follow-up.
01 Assessment Review the reason for reconstruction, previous treatment, scars and current health.
02 Planning Discuss realistic reconstructive options, timing and whether more than one stage may be needed.
03 Treatment Perform the agreed reconstruction in the appropriate surgical setting.
04 Follow-up Coordinate wound care, follow-up and any later symmetry or refinement decisions.
Recovery & expectations
Recovery, downtime and what to expect.
Recovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed.
Early Follow your aftercare plan Recovery depends on the type and extent of reconstruction. Wound care, swelling control and activity restrictions are tailored to the operation performed.
Short term Protect healing tissue Avoid activities that could irritate, stretch or traumatize the treated area until the advised stage of recovery.
Progress Judge the result at the right time Swelling and healing can temporarily distort the early appearance, so final assessment should follow the treatment-specific healing timeline.
Long term Maintain realistic expectations Breast reconstruction can require more than one stage and cannot recreate an identical natural breast or guarantee perfect symmetry.
