Deciding What’s Right for You

When you’re choosing whether and how to have breast reconstruction, there’s no single “right” answer. What matters most is finding the option that fits your body, treatment plan, lifestyle and goals.

People have reconstructive surgery for different reasons and the choice is up to you. You may feel that breast reconstruction would help you emotionally or improve your self-image. Or you may prefer not to have reconstruction, with or without a breast insert or prosthesis.

At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, your care team will explain the benefits and drawbacks of every choice. That way, you understand what’s possible and what might work best for your needs.

Request a consultation to get individualized guidance outlining your choices.

Learn more about these breast reconstruction options:

• Implant-based reconstruction
• Autologous (tissue flap) reconstruction
• Hybrid reconstruction

Key factors to consider when choosing breast reconstruction

Before breast reconstruction ask yourself:

• In what ways do my breast define my personal identity and femininity?
• How do I want to look?
• Do I want to have another surgery?
• How will another surgery affect my day-to-day life?

Your surgeon will help you consider factors that can help you make your decision, including:

• Cancer treatment plan: Some treatments, like radiation, can affect what types of reconstruction are best and when you can have your surgery.
• Body type and available tissue: For some procedures, you need more tissue for shaping a breast mound.
• Recovery time: Each approach has a different healing process.
• Personal goals: How you want your results to look and feel and your comfort level with implants vs. natural tissue.
• Long-term maintenance: Implants may need to be replaced in the future, while tissue-based options generally last a lifetime.
• Lifestyle factors: Your work, activity level and support system can influence your recovery and your decision.
• Health insurance coverage: Most health insurance plans that cover mastectomy also cover breast reconstruction. You’ll want to confirm your coverage and find out what copays or deductibles you’ll need to cover.

To learn more about how treatment timing affects your options, visit immediate vs. delayed reconstruction.

How to decide on breast reconstruction: Questions to ask your surgeon

It’s normal to have questions and your reconstructive surgeon is the best resource for answers based on your situation and needs. You may want to ask:

• What reconstruction options are available for me?
• How will my cancer treatment affect my surgery timing?
• What will recovery look like?
• How long will the results last?
• What are the possible risks and complications?
• What can I do to prepare before and after surgery?
• What if I change my mind?

When you’re talking to your surgeon, it’s a good idea to bring a friend or family member to your appointment. They can provide support and help you remember details.

Comparing your options

Every approach offers benefits and drawbacks. Use this comparison as a starting point for your conversations with your care team:

Implant-based

• What it uses: Silicone or saline implants
• Benefits: Shorter surgery and recovery
• Considerations: May need replacement later

Autologous (flap)

• What it uses: Your own tissue
• Benefits: Natural look and feel
• Considerations: Longer surgery and recovery

Hybrid

• What it uses: Combination of tissue and implant
• Benefits: Balanced, customizable results
• Considerations: More complex surgery that affects two parts of your body

Deciding on timing

When you’re choosing a breast reconstruction option, you’ll want to factor timing into your decision:

• Immediate reconstruction: Done during mastectomy surgery, so you have faster results and fewer operations
• Delayed reconstruction: Done after you’re finished with other treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, so you can plan and fully heal first 

Your care team will outline the pros and cons of immediate vs. delayed reconstruction, based on what’s best for your body and your treatment plan.

Being prepared emotionally and personally

Breast reconstruction is not only a physical process. It’s emotional, too. When you’re asking yourself “Should I have breast reconstruction?” you may feel ready to decide right away or you might want to take time to think about what feels right for you. You’ll want to consider your feelings about your body, recovery and timing.

You may find it helpful to talk with others who have gone through reconstruction, join a support group or speak with an oncology social worker or nurse navigator.

How Banner MD Anderson supports your decision

At Banner MD Anderson, you’re never alone in the decision-making process. Our team includes reconstructive surgeons, oncologists, nurse navigators and counselors who work together to ensure your care plan fits your medical needs and personal goals.

We’ll help you weigh your options, prepare for surgery and feel confident about your decision, whatever you choose.  

Request an appointment