Most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for reconstruction, many at the same time that the breast is removed.  The best candidates, however, are women whose cancer, as far as can be determined, seems to have been eliminated by mastectomy.

Still, there are legitimate reasons to wait.  Many women aren’t comfortable weighing all the options while they’re struggling to cope with a diagnosis of cancer.  Others simply don’t want to have any more surgery than is absolutely necessary.  Some patients may be advised by their surgeons to wait, particularly if the breast is being rebuilt in a more complicated procedure using flaps of skin and underlying tissue. Women with other health conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or smoking, may also be advised to wait.

In any case, being informed of your reconstruction options before surgery can help you prepare for a mastectomy with a more positive outlook for the future.

The best candidates for breast reconstruction
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Planning your surgery
Preparing for your surgery
Where your surgery will be performed
Types of anesthesia
Types of implants
The surgery
After your surgery
Getting back to normal
Your new look

Breast Reconstruction Patients Before and After Pictures