Breast reconstruction is the surgical restoration of a woman’s breast following a mastectomy (removal of the breast). Many women receive significant psychological and emotional benefits from having breast reconstruction.

Reconstruction can take place at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or later (delayed reconstruction), after any chemotherapy or radiation treatments are completed. Women today have several options when it comes to breast reconstruction, including:

• Using breast expanders for skin expansion and implants
  
  
• Using the patient’s own tissue from the lower abdomen, buttocks or back (autologous tissue reconstruction)
  
  
• Using a combination of tissue reconstruction and implants

Breast reconstruction is a complicated surgical procedure done by a plastic surgeon. It is not uncommon for a patient to require two or more surgeries to achieve the optimal results of symmetry and correct positioning of the reconstructed breast.

The procedure involves not only reconstructing the breast, but also reconstructing the nipple followed by tattooing the new nipple to create a more natural-looking areola (area around the nipple).  Sometimes, the healthy breast is also adjusted to more closely match the shape and size of the reconstructed breast.

Many women diagnosed with breast cancer find it difficult to emotionally deal with the loss of a breast, despite the fact that the surgery may save their lives. Following a mastectomy, women have the option of breast reconstruction surgery or prosthesis (artificial breast).

The option of no reconstruction at all does exist but many women chose some form of breast reconstruction. For many years, women have had the option of using an external prosthesis. The prostheses are basically pads or breast forms that can be worn in bras or under clothing. They come in a variety of styles and have improved considerably over time. The main disadvantages are that they are not ‘part of the body’ and have limitation in use, especially with bathing suits.

There were more than 56,000 breast reconstructive surgeries performed in 2006, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This represents a 31 percent decrease in the number of reconstructive procedures from 2000. The ASPS notes the decline in breast reconstruction may be related to health insurance issues. Many women cannot afford the insurance copayment and are unable to complete breast reconstruction due to cost.