Things to think about if you’re considering breast reconstruction

When to have the surgery

Other treatments

Type of reconstruction

Your general health

Personal preferences and issues

When to have the surgery

Immediate reconstruction: You might be able to have your reconstruction at the time of your breast cancer surgery, if you’re ready to make a decision early on. In some cases, immediate reconstruction can give a slightly better cosmetic result. Ask your surgeon about this.
Delayed reconstruction: You may not feel ready to think about reconstruction until months or years later, or for medical reasons, you might be advised to wait.

Other treatments

You may need to have more treatment after your surgery. For example, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. You may prefer to wait until you have finished all your treatment, or your surgeon may advise you that it’s best to do this.

Other treatments may affect the best type of reconstruction for you or when you have reconstruction. For example, there’s a risk that radiotherapy could shrink or harden the tissue used to make your new breast. It could also affect the overall result of your breast reconstruction. However, certain forms of breast reconstruction tolerate radiotherapy better than others.

Type of reconstruction

There are different ways of doing breast reconstruction. For example, having breast implants or reconstruction using a flap of your own tissue. You may have a choice, or there may only be one type of surgery that can be recommended.

Your general health

Your general health can affect your risk of complications after surgery. For example:

Your age
Fitness for surgery
Other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Smoking is also a big factor. It has a negative effect on your blood circulation and how your wounds heal.

If you are considering breast reconstruction, it is strongly advised that you quit smoking. We have more information on possible complications after breast reconstruction surgery.