Breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction is an elective procedure after a mastectomy or lumpectomy to treat or prevent breast cancer. The goal of breast reconstruction is to recreate the volume and shape of a breast, so that in clothing no one would know you’ve had a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy can help you feel whole, both physically and emotionally.  

Breast reconstruction can happen any time after a mastectomy, even several years later. However, most patients choose to have breast reconstruction right after the mastectomy; this is called immediate reconstruction. 

Following diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer, you will have many important decisions to make, including whether to have your breasts reconstructed after breast surgery. Penn Medicine performs a high volume of breast reconstruction procedures, among the most in the nation annually. Our high volume means we are experts in all stages of the breast reconstruction process, from consultation to recovery. We can help you navigate your breast reconstruction options with personalized guidance so you can make an informed decision. 

Breast reconstruction options after mastectomy

There are several types of breast reconstruction procedures. Some use breast implants and others use your body’s own tissue. Some procedures use a combination. Penn Medicine offers all options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including: 

• Implant breast reconstruction (mammoplasty): This is the surgical placement of breast implants to reconstruct the breast size and shape. Breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to create a natural-looking result. 
• Free-flap breast reconstruction (autologous tissue reconstruction): This procedure uses tissues from your own body to reconstruct the breasts after mastectomy. Penn Medicine performs the largest volume of free-flap reconstruction surgeries in the United States. 
• Hybrid breast reconstruction (composite breast reconstruction): This procedure combines an implant with your own tissues. This approach is less common but is a good choice for some people who had radiation or don't have enough body fat to move to the breast area. 

If you’re considering breast reconstruction surgery, your oncologist refers you to our breast reconstruction team for an initial consultation. You can meet with one of our plastic surgeons to discuss your goals and the types of breast reconstruction options available to you. We also discuss the risks, potential complications, and likely outcomes. Together we choose the breast reconstruction surgery procedure that is in line with your health situation and preferences. At the breast reconstruction consultation, we also take specialized images of your chest and arrange your pre-operative workup. 

If you’re considering breast reconstruction, it’s important to choose a team with diverse experience handling simple to complex situations on a routine basis. You can trust Penn Medicine for: 

• Full array of breast reconstruction options: As the nation's highest-volume breast reconstruction program, we offer all options for breast reconstruction surgery. We present options to you, along with the pros and cons of each, so that you can make the best choice for you. 
• Latest advancements: As a premier academic institution teaching the next generation of skilled breast surgeons, we continuously develop and learn leading-edge surgical techniques and procedures. Our surgeons are thought leaders who regularly publish research results and train other surgeons, benefiting patients worldwide. 
• Advancing microsurgery: Our surgeons have vast experience in microsurgery, also known as free-flap surgery. Microsurgery procedures use tissues from your own body to reconstruct the breasts after mastectomy. We also developed a revolutionary minimally invasive free-flap procedure. 
• Nipple and areola enhancement: One option after breast reconstruction is nipple and areola 3D tattooing. We work with micropigmentation specialists who are leaders in their field.  
• Re-sensation of the breast: Penn Medicine surgeons are leaders in researching re-innervation of the breast, a procedure that returns breast sensation after mastectomy. 
• Modern pain management protocols: We are leaders in procedures that reduce pain using minimal or no narcotics, resulting in a reduced risk of opioid abuse or opioid use disorder. Reduced pain helps our patients go home faster. 
• Coordination for care at home: Before you go home, we coordinate home care from Penn Medicine Home Health. Our visiting nurses are experts in post-surgical care. Also, with our telemedicine portal, sometimes you can have post-operative appointments from home. 
• Comprehensive education: We ensure you and your family know what to expect before, during, and after breast reconstruction surgery. In addition to individualized guidance from our team, our Penn Breast Reconstruction Advocate (PennBRA) online portal is a unique resource with extensive information about breast reconstruction. 
• Peer support from other patients: We match you with a volunteer who experienced the same type of breast reconstruction. You can connect over the phone to share your experiences and get a peer's perspective on your upcoming surgery and recovery process.