• You will not have to wear an external artificial breast (prosthesis)
• In clothes (or underwear, or a swimming costume), your appearance will be similar to before your surgery.
• Even without clothes, you may feel better with a recreated breast giving you a more natural shape.
• It can help to restore your self-confidence and feelings of femininity, attractiveness and sexuality.

Breast reconstruction does not restrict any later treatments that might be necessary. It does not interfere with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Scans and x-rays of the breast area are still possible and if the cancer comes back in the breast area, this can still be detected.

It is important that you know what breast reconstruction may be able to do in your situation, before making a decision about whether to have it. You need to have realistic expectations about the possible result and be aware of the limitations. Often, two or more operations over a period of approximately six months may be needed to give the breast a good appearance.

• Reconstruction will not be able to give back the exact appearance and shape of your breast.
• Your new breast will lack the sensitivity of your natural breast.
• If you have children afterwards, you will not be able to breastfeed from the breast that has been reconstructed. However, you should be able to breastfeed with the other breast if you wish to.
• Most women need to have two or three operations to get a good match with the opposite breast. After the initial surgery, further operations may be needed to tidy up the scars, and liposuction may be used to further shape the reconstructed breast.
• You may also need to have an operation on your other breast to reduce or increase the size.
• Nipple reconstruction may involve further minor surgery.

Every effort is made to give the best possible result from reconstruction. But results from this type of surgery vary a great deal. It is impossible to have a perfect match with your natural breast, but the result of reconstruction can be very acceptable, giving you an 'equal' appearance when wearing a bra.

When you are undressed, you may find that the reconstructed breast has less of a droop and appears more proud and firmer to the touch than your natural breast. There is usually much less sensation in the reconstructed breast.

If the shape of the reconstructed breast is very different from your natural breast even when wearing underwear, it is possible to use an external partial prosthesis in your bra to give a better balance. Breast prostheses come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and skin colours. They are made of soft silicone, which can bend to create the natural curves of your breast, including the nipple outline. A well-fitting prosthesis can give back the overall shape of your breast.

The pictures of breast reconstructions on the preceding pages do not necessarily show what is possible in your case. Many factors can influence the result. Your surgeon or breast care nurse can tell you what is likely in your case and can give you information about breast reconstruction, based on their experience and understanding. They can also put you in touch with other women who have had the operation, if you would like to talk to them. Your surgeon or breast care nurse can also show you photographs of results of surgery carried out by your surgeon.

You can also contact any of the support organisations listed.