Implant breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction with implants, also called mammoplasty, is one way to restore the size and appearance of your breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy to treat or prevent breast cancer. Your surgeon inserts silicone shells filled with silicone gel or saline (sterilized salt water) where the breast mounds were before. Silicone gel and saline have been used for decades and are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). 

Using implants for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy offers several advantages, including: 

• Breast implants come in many sizes, shapes, and profiles so you can choose how your breast will look after reconstruction 
• Fewer incisions and scars than free-flap breast reconstruction, since your surgeon is not removing tissue from another area of your body 
• Surgery and recovery times are shorter than that of free-flap breast reconstruction 

You and your surgeon will discuss your options, risks, and benefits of implant breast reconstruction. If you don't have other medical conditions or illnesses that may prevent healing, you may be a candidate for the procedure. Individuals who need chemotherapy for breast cancer after a mastectomy can get implants, but healing from surgery may take longer. Your surgeon and oncologist work together to schedule your second-stage surgery (to remove the tissue expanders and place the implants) when it is safe to proceed. 

Radiation for breast cancer may increase your risk for multiple complications from breast reconstruction, including infection and delayed incision healing. If you need (or have already had) radiation to your breast area, your breast cancer team may recommend delaying reconstruction. Discuss with your doctor what is best for you. 

Your Penn Medicine provider will give you detailed pre- and post-surgery instructions, which may include: 

• Pre-operative blood testing 
• Fasting the night before surgery 
• Avoiding lotions, deodorant, makeup, sprays, or powders on the day of surgery 
• Stopping aspirin-containing products, medications which contain blood thinners, some vitamins, and herbal supplements 

Your surgeon may insert drainage tubes into your breast to remove excess fluid from the surgery site while it heals. Your breast care team will show you how to monitor and empty the fluid, and care for the wound. The tubes are removed once the drainage slows. Post-surgery, you may feel sore for about 1 to 2 weeks, and able to resume normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. Your Penn provider will prescribe pain medicine to control the discomfort. Wearing recommended support garments will help aid your recovery. 

As the nation's most active breast reconstruction center, Penn Medicine offers all types of breast reconstruction surgery. Our board-certified surgeons discuss available options with you so you can make the right choice for you. 

If you and your surgeon decide that breast reconstruction using implants is best, you can trust Penn for: 

• All types of breast implant options: As the highest-volume breast reconstruction program in the nation, we have access to the latest advancements and techniques in breast implant reconstruction surgery. 
• Expert reconstructive plastic surgeons: Our board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeons are well-known experts in breast implant reconstruction. 
• Leaders in prepectoral breast reconstruction: Penn surgeons were among the first to offer a procedure that inserts the breast implant above the pectoral muscle. This procedure can result in less pain and a better appearance. 
• Thorough education: We educate you about the types of breast implants and the advantages and disadvantages of each, to ensure you make the right choice for you. You can also talk with other patients who have had breast reconstruction as part of our Peer-to-Peer Telephone Program.