The Timing of your Breast Reconstruction

The breast reconstruction process may begin at the time of your mastectomy (immediate) or weeks to years afterwards (delayed). Immediate reconstruction means that the procedure begins at the same time as the mastectomy. It is important to know that any type of surgical breast reconstruction may take several steps to complete. Two potential advantages to immediate reconstruction are that your reconstruction process is already underway when you wake up from the mastectomy, and there may be a cost savings in combining the mastectomy procedure with the first stage of the reconstruction. However, there may be a higher risk of complications with immediate reconstruction, and your initial operative time and recuperative time may be longer. A potential advantage to delayed reconstruction is that you can delay your reconstruction decision and surgery until other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are completed. Delayed reconstruction may be advisable if your surgeon anticipates healing problems with your mastectomy, or if you just need more time to consider your options. There are medical, financial and emotional considerations to choosing immediate versus delayed reconstruction. Talk with your plastic surgeon about the options available in your individual case.