Breast Reconstruction

There is no one “best” time for every patient, because the timing depends upon many factors that are different for each individual woman. But in general, a good time to do reconstruction is right at the same time as the mastectomy, or within a few days later. In contrast, the first few months beyond those opportunities are not as favourable, because of the healing that is going on. And then, after at least six months have passed, the timing becomes optimal again, and stays so for years, unless there has been radiation therapy. Radiation therapy greatly complicates reconstruction to a degree that increases as the years go by. If there is to be radiation, most plastic surgeons will try to accomplish the reconstruction as early as possible.

There will always be the scar from the mastectomy itself, although that may be moved or shifted slightly. If an implant-only reconstruction was chosen, then that will likely be the only scar. If tissues are transferred from elsewhere, then there will be scars from the donor site, as well as additional scars on the breast itself very often.

It is always possible that breast cancers can return, even after many years, and that possibility is not changed by having had reconstruction. Modern techniques are able to detect such recurrent cancers just as early and as well as without reconstruction.

You should ensure that the surgeon has all the relevant qualifications and accreditations. It is also important to establish just how many procedures the surgeon has carried out. Our surgeon is UK accredited and is a fully-qualified GMC registered Consultant Plastic, Cosmetic Surgeon, he is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) in addition to being a member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). Our surgeon is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and the British Association of Surgical Oncology (BASO). Our surgeon has also been awarded prestigious fellowships including Royal College of Surgeons of England FRCS (Eng), Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh (FRCSEd) and a specialist fellowship in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Our lead surgeon is fully trained, qualified and experienced and would be entitled to hold a substantive NHS Consultant Plastic Surgeon post in the NHS As well as the accreditations and qualifications it is also important that you develop a good rapport with your surgeon and that they understand fully what you hope to achieve from the operation and also your desired appearance following your breast reconstruction surgery.

You can expect ongoing support and access to our surgeon if you so wish.  Our partners The Wright Initiative can also offer psychological support.

As with any surgery there are always risks but these will be fully explained by your plastic surgeon in your consultation. Some common risks include bruising, swelling and temporary numbness more uncommon risks can be infection, bad scarring, asymmetry, bleeding and capsular contracture.

There will be swelling and bruising after the surgery and you can expect to feel pain and discomfort between 3-7 days. You should take between 1-2 weeks away from work and refrain from running for up to 4 weeks.

You will receive follow up appointments with the surgeon after 7 days, 2 weeks and 3 months but if you have any concerns you can meet up with the surgeon as many times as you like free of charge.

Check out our before and after photos in this section.