Undergoing progressive reconstructive surgery enables patients to reduce the mental trauma they face from their cancer diagnosis and surgery. In many cases, reconstructive surgery significantly improves a patient’s self-esteem and sexual body image, which is why breast reconstruction is now considered an essential and integral part of breast cancer treatment protocol.

Reconstruction surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon, in consultation with the treating oncologist and a breast surgeon.

Who can undergo breast reconstruction surgery?

The advanced techniques that are in plastic surgeons’ portfolio of procedures enable the vast majority of patients to undergo reconstructive surgery – regardless of the nature of their cancer, such as tumor size, stage, etc., and without age constraints or other limitations. Only in rare cases can breast reconstruction surgery not be performed.

In contrast to tumor removal surgery (which is medically necessary for disease recovery), the decision to undergo breast reconstruction is entirely up to the patient.

When can patients undergo breast reconstruction surgery?

The timing of the reconstruction procedure is also up to the patient. It can be performed during the breast resection; immediately after the breast surgeon removes the cancerous lesion, the plastic surgeon can perform the operation while the patient is still anesthetized.

The reconstruction can also be performed months or even years afterwards. Some people prefer to postpone their decision regarding breast reconstruction until after the end of cancer treatment and once they know their prognosis.

What types of breast reconstructions are there?

There are more than 10 different surgical techniques for reconstructing a resected breast or a resected breast lump. These techniques fall into two main categories:

• Alloplastic reconstruction: Uses an artificial implant such as silicone
• Autologous reconstruction: Uses the patient's own body tissues, such as skin and muscles from the abdomen, back, or buttocks

Alloplastic reconstructions have better aesthetic results:

• Reconstructed breasts have a more natural look and feel.
• The breast maintains itself for a longer period of time.
• The breast "ages" more naturally.

Alloplastic reconstructions have several downsides:

• The recovery period is longer than autologous reconstructions.
• The procedure creates another scar on the body.
• The surgery takes longer to perform than autologous reconstructions (eight hours compared to up to three hours).
• The procedure requires great surgical skill.

Auxiliary therapy for breast cancer

Typically, auxiliary therapies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological treatments, and/or hormonal medications are also administered before surgery.

Some patients who are diagnosed with cancer at an early stage can undergo intraoperative radiotherapy. This treatment should replace the series of treatments conducted after surgery, enabling them to return to routine more quickly. This series of treatments is still considered the standard treatment for breast cancer.