Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction-Related Considerations

Some special circumstances relate to both mastectomy and breast reconstruction. These include the timing of your reconstruction, its aesthetic outcome, and the factors that might influence your decision to undergo prophylactic mastectomy.

Radiation & Breast Reconstruction

Although radiation therapy can complicate breast reconstruction surgery, with proper pre-operative planning and preparation most women can achieve a satisfactory reconstruction even if radiation therapy is part of their treatment plan.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Nipple-sparing mastectomy is the most advanced mastectomy technique presently in use. It can make a significant improvement in the appearance of reconstructed breasts when it is followed by immediate breast reconstruction.

BRCA1 & BRCA2 Genes and Breast Cancer Risk

The BRCA genes are the genes most common linked to hereditary breast cancer; many women who carry certain variations of the gene are at significantly higher risk than average of developing cancer. Thus some women who carry the genes elect to have prophylactic mastectomies, often in combination with immediate breast reconstruction.

Prophylactic Mastectomy

Prophylactic mastectomy is the removal of a healthy breast (or breasts) to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer; often combined with immediate reconstruction, it is the most effective means of reducing this risk.