Does breast reconstruction treat breast cancer?

The cancer operation and the reconstructive operation have different aims. A breast surgeon removes cancerous tissue, while a reconstructive surgeon reshapes the breast using an implant, the patient's own tissue, or a combination.

Reconstruction may be performed during the same operation as mastectomy or at a later stage. Timing depends on cancer treatment needs, general health, healing, personal preference, and whether radiotherapy is planned or has already occurred.

Reconstruction can restore contour but does not recreate the original breast exactly. Scars, sensation changes, recovery needs, and the chance of additional procedures vary with the chosen method.

Discuss reconstruction before cancer surgery when possible, so breast and reconstructive surgeons can coordinate incision placement and timing. Ask about implant-based reconstruction, tissue-based reconstruction, going flat, and delaying the decision.

Share smoking or nicotine use, diabetes, previous chest surgery, medicines, and plans for radiotherapy. These factors can influence healing and which options are technically suitable.

After reconstruction, contact the surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, wound separation, cloudy drainage, fever, or pain that is worsening rather than settling. Sudden marked swelling or a change in skin colour also needs rapid assessment.

Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or sudden severe shortness of breath. Follow the team's instructions for drains, dressings, movement, and whom to call outside clinic hours.

Ask how each option fits the cancer treatment sequence, what recovery and sensation changes to expect, and how future breast monitoring will work. Clarify whether radiotherapy could affect the reconstruction and whether later adjustment procedures may be considered.