Breast reconstruction is an operation to make a new breast shape after mastectomy (removal of a breast), or to improve the breast shape after lumpectomy (removal of part of the breast).

Not surprisingly, most women find it difficult to come to terms with the loss of a breast. Up to half of all women who have a mastectomy choose to have breast reconstruction, either at the time of their initial surgery or afterwards.

The aim of breast reconstruction is to match the remaining natural breast as closely as possible. This can either be done by using an implant, which is put under the skin and muscle that covers your chest, or by using skin, fat (and sometimes muscle) from another part of your body to create a breast shape. A combination of these techniques is used for some women. Your surgeon will advise you on the type of reconstruction that’s most suitable for you. It will depend on:

• how much of the breast tissue has been removed
• how healthy the tissue is at the planned operation site
• whether or not you have had radiotherapy to the breast area or chest wall
• your general health and body build
• your personal preference.

It’s possible to create a new nipple and this is often done as a separate operation once the reconstructed breast has settled into its final shape. It may be possible for it to be done at the same time as the breast reconstruction. Not everyone chooses to have a nipple reconstruction.