Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction is an option for women who undergo surgery as part of breast cancer treatment. The procedure can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or lumpectomy—during the same surgical session—or scheduled for a later time. In some cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary, and some patients choose to postpone reconstruction until those treatments are complete.

Regardless of when it takes place, breast reconstruction can be an important part of the recovery process, helping restore the natural appearance of the breast and supporting the woman’s confidence and sense of well-being.

What are the types of breast reconstruction surgery?

For a patient considering breast reconstruction surgery, the most appropriate approach can vary based on several factors, such as the patient’s body type, medical history, desired outcome and overall health. Some procedures use breast implants, while others use the patient’s own tissue (flap reconstruction).

Tissue expander and implant reconstruction

After completing the mastectomy, the surgeon will insert a tissue expander beneath the chest muscle, which will serve as a temporary breast implant. Equipped with a small valve, this special medical device can be gradually filled with saline over several months to stretch the breast skin and tissue, creating a pocket-like space that will eventually hold the breast implant. Once the tissue is sufficiently stretched, the expander will be removed and replaced with a permanent implant. Usually, this breast reconstruction technique is less invasive than a tissue flap reconstruction and involves a shorter recovery period.

Tissue flap reconstruction

Also known as autologous breast reconstruction, this technique uses tissue from another part of the patient’s body—such as her back, abdomen or thighs—to recreate the shape of the breast. Compared to reconstruction with a tissue expander and implant, this method may provide a more natural look and feel.

There are several types of tissue flap breast reconstruction surgery, including:

Latissimus dorsi flap

This tissue flap reconstruction technique uses fat, skin and muscle from the patient’s upper back. During the procedure, the surgeon will rotate tissue from the back to the chest to create a new breast mound. If the patient desires additional breast volume, the surgeon may also place a tissue expander underneath the chest wall muscle. Over a few months, the expander can be gradually filled with saline and eventually replaced with a permanent breast implant.

A latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction may be a suitable option for a patient who has previously received radiation therapy or experienced complications from a prior implant-based reconstruction.

Abdominal tissue flap

In many cases, the abdomen serves as an ideal donor site for autologous breast reconstruction. Along with restoring the appearance of the breast, this approach can also help flatten and tighten the abdominal area, offering both reconstructive and cosmetic benefits.

There are several types of abdominal tissue flap breast reconstruction, including:

• Transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap – Uses skin, fat and a portion of the abdominal muscle to form the breast mound
• Muscle-sparing free TRAM – Uses only a small portion of abdominal muscle to help maintain the structure and strength of the abdomen
• Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap – Preserves the abdominal muscle, potentially reducing the risk of surgical complications and recovery time

Thigh flap

If the patient is very thin or has had prior abdominal surgery, the tissue needed for breast reconstruction may be taken from her thighs. The two main types of thigh flap breast reconstruction are:

• Transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap – Uses tissue and a small portion of the gracilis muscle from the inner thigh
• Profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap – Uses skin and fat from the upper thigh or buttock crease to minimize visible scarring

Who is a good candidate for breast reconstruction surgery?

In general, breast reconstruction surgery may be suitable for a patient who:

• Is planning to undergo (or has already undergone) a mastectomy or lumpectomy
• Is in good overall health and able to tolerate surgery
• Has realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure
• Has no known medical conditions that could impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes
• Does not smoke

To determine whether the patient is a good candidate for breast reconstruction surgery and, if so, the most appropriate technique, the physician will evaluate several factors, including the patient’s medical history, cancer treatment plan and personal goals.

What are the benefits of breast reconstruction surgery?

For a patient who chooses to undergo breast reconstruction surgery, the procedure offers several potential benefits, including:

• Improved breast shape and symmetry
• Better clothing fit without the need for an external prosthesis
• Enhanced self-esteem and body confidence
• A sense of physical and emotional closure following breast cancer treatment

How to prepare for breast reconstruction surgery

Before breast reconstruction surgery, the physician will review the patient’s medical history, evaluate imaging studies and discuss the overall treatment plan. The patient may be advised to pause certain medications or supplements to help minimize the risk of bleeding. If the patient smokes, quitting before surgery can greatly reduce the likelihood of complications and support better healing. Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular, physician-approved physical activity can also promote a safe procedure and smooth recovery.

What to expect after breast reconstruction surgery

Immediately after breast reconstruction surgery, the patient will spend some time in the hospital while the healthcare team monitors the initial healing process. Recovery time can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. While recovery from an implant-based reconstruction typically takes a few weeks, full healing after a flap reconstruction can take several weeks to a few months.

The surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions, including guidance on incision care, pain management and when to resume normal activities. In some cases, additional surgery may be considered later to refine the shape or symmetry of the breast.

What are the risks and potential complications of breast reconstruction surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, breast reconstruction surgery carries certain risks, including:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection at the incision site
• Changes in breast sensation
• Poor wound healing or scarring
• Implant complications, such as rupture or capsular contracture
• Flap failure (rare)

Before the procedure, the surgical team will fully explain the risks and provide detailed guidance to help manage them.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The highly respected breast surgeons at Moffitt have extensive experience in performing advanced breast reconstruction techniques, combining precision, safety and artistry to achieve natural-looking results.

If you would like to learn more about breast cancer reconstruction, you are welcome to talk with a specialist in our highly acclaimed Don & Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program. At Moffitt, we understand that breast reconstruction is more than a medical decision—it is also a personal one. Our compassionate team will guide you through every step, helping you make a choice that feels right for you.

To request an appointment, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.