Mastectomy and plastic surgery: what to know

Breast reconstruction is a separate part of mastectomy planning. An implant may be placed directly or after a temporary expander; another option uses tissue from a different area of the body. Some people choose no reconstruction and use an external prosthesis instead.

Timing depends on the cancer operation, skin and nipple plans, overall health, and whether radiotherapy or other treatment is expected. Breast Cancer and Paget Disease of the Breast can require different surgical plans. A Lumpectomy may be an alternative in selected situations, but it is not interchangeable with mastectomy.

Meet both the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon early enough to discuss scars, sensation, symmetry, likely stages, drains, activity limits and how other treatment could affect timing. Bring a list of medicines, previous operations and questions about implant or tissue choices.

Plan transport, comfortable clothing and help with routine tasks. Keep dressings and drains as instructed, protect the healing area from pressure, and follow the specific arm-movement plan. Chemotherapy Before Surgery or later treatment may change the reconstruction schedule, so ask which dates are flexible.

Call the surgical team for increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, wound opening, unusual drainage, fever, or a sudden change in the reconstructed area. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, or fainting. Early review helps the team assess healing and treat problems promptly.

Which reconstruction methods suit my body and treatment plan? Could reconstruction be immediate or delayed? How many operations might be involved? How could radiotherapy or chemotherapy affect the result? What changes in sensation or movement should I expect?