After a mastectomy, some women decide to have breast reconstruction. This is done either at the same time as the mastectomy or in a later surgery. It is best to consult with a plastic surgeon before the mastectomy, even if breast reconstruction will be considered at a later date.
Either implants or tissue flaps can be used to rebuild the breast. Tissue flaps involve using muscle, fat and skin from another part of the body to reconstruct the breast. The tissue is shaped and inserted in the chest to form a breast.