Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures

There are two main breast reconstruction techniques: flap reconstruction and implant reconstruction. Each technique has benefits and drawbacks for you to consider.

Flap reconstruction (also called autologous or autogenous reconstruction) uses tissue from your belly (abdomen), back, or thigh to recreate the breast. Flap reconstruction also may include an implant (hybrid reconstruction).

Implant reconstruction uses an implant — a silicone shell that’s filled with silicone gel or saline (salt water) — to recreate the breast.

During or after mastectomy, reconstruction options include a number of different procedures that restore the appearance of the breasts. For example, you may want to explore surgery to:

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  make sure the reconstructed breast matches the unaffected breast in size and shape (it may mean having surgery on the unaffected breast)

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  smooth out dents, bulges, and other distortions in the reconstructed breast

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  reconstruct your nipple and areola

If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, talk with a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon so you understand all the reconstruction options and can figure out which one makes the most sense for you. You may also find it helpful to speak with others who’ve had breast reconstruction surgery.

There are various breast reconstruction options that use tissue from different parts of your body to reconstruct the breast.

Learn more about flap reconstruction surgery.

Breast implants come in all shapes and sizes and can be placed either under the chest muscle or on top of it. 

Learn more about breast implant reconstruction surgery.

Sometimes it can be challenging for a surgeon to make a reconstructed breast match the unaffected breast in shape and size. In these cases, your doctor may recommend altering the unaffected breast to achieve a balanced appearance (or symmetry) after you have a single mastectomy.

Learn more about surgery to alter the opposite breast.

Some people who’ve had lumpectomies may be happy with the way their breasts look at first but may not be happy with any changes that might develop after receiving radiation treatment.

Learn more about breast reconstruction after lumpectomy.

Oncoplastic lumpectomy combines plastic surgery techniques with lumpectomy surgery to give you a better cosmetic outcome after your surgeon removes the cancer.

Learn more about oncoplastic lumpectomy.

Sometimes it’s necessary for a surgeon to remove one or both nipples during a mastectomy. In many cases, you can choose to have tattooing, surgery, or both to recreate the nipple and the areola (the dark area around the nipple).

Learn more about nipple tattoos and nipple reconstruction surgery.

Breast implant removal is surgery to take out silicone or saline implants. The procedure is also known as explant surgery. There are many reasons why you might want to have your breast implants removed.

Learn more about breast implant removal (or explant surgery).