Immediate reconstruction is performed during the same surgery as your mastectomy. This means you’ll wake up with your new breast shape (or the beginning of the shape) already in place. 

Surgeons can perform these types of immediate reconstruction procedures: 

• Implant-based reconstruction
• Autologous (tissue flap) reconstruction
• Hybrid reconstruction (a combination of both) 

If you’re having prophylactic mastectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer, reconstruction is usually done immediately. 

Benefits of immediate reconstruction 

Immediate reconstruction can give you physical and emotional benefits: 

• Fewer surgeries and shorter overall treatment timeline 
• More natural breast skin and shape 
• Less scarring 
• Emotional benefits of waking up with your breast contour in place 
• Fewer surgeries and possibly lower costs as a result 
• No change in the ability to spot whether cancer is recurring 

Disadvantages of immediate reconstruction 

• May be harder to see problems with how the mastectomy skin is healing 
• Compared to mastectomy alone, longer hospitalization and recovery time, possibly more scarring and potentially more complications 

When immediate reconstruction may not be the right choice 

You may need to delay reconstruction based on your treatment plan. Your surgeon may recommend waiting if you: 

• Need radiation therapy after surgery 
• Have complex healing needs or other medical conditions 
• Want to take more time to decide on the type of reconstruction you prefer 

In these cases, delayed reconstruction may be a better way to support you best in the long term. 

Delayed breast reconstruction 

Delayed reconstruction can take place after you’ve had a mastectomy and other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. You can have delayed breast reconstruction months or even years after your treatments. 

Like immediate breast reconstruction, with delayed reconstruction you have options such as: 

• Implants 
• Tissue flap reconstruction 
• A combination of both 

Benefits of delayed reconstruction 

With delayed reconstruction, you can: 

• Heal and recover from your cancer treatment before your reconstruction 
• Take your time making your treatment decisions 
• Lower your risk of complications related to radiation 
• Have more flexibility in planning 

Read more about recovery and aftercare to understand healing timelines. 

Disadvantages of delayed reconstruction 

Consider these factors with delayed breast reconstruction: 

• You have a mastectomy scar on your chest until reconstruction 
• Surgery and recovery times are longer 
• Scarring could make reconstruction more challenging 
• Delayed cosmetic results may slow emotional healing

Comparing immediate and delayed reconstruction 

Here’s how these two approaches compare: 

Immediate: 

• You have one combined surgery with fewer scars and faster emotional recovery.
• It may not be a good option if you need radiation treatment. 

Delayed: 

• You have more flexibility and less interference with your cancer treatment.  
• You have separate surgeries and a longer total process. 

Still unsure? Learn more about deciding what’s right for you. 

Your reconstructive and oncology surgeons work together to recommend the timing and procedure that best supports your health and goals. They’ll consider: 

• Your cancer type and stage 
• Whether you’ll need radiation or chemotherapy 
• Your body type and the amount of tissue you have available for transfer 
• Your preferences and expectations about recovery

Learn more about risks and complications and recovery and aftercare.

At Banner Health, your breast reconstruction is part of a coordinated, compassionate care plan. We’ll guide you through every option and help you make a confident choice. 

Our team includes reconstructive surgeons, oncologists, nurses, nurse navigators and counselors who work together to help you prepare and recover physically and emotionally. With our advanced surgical options and personalized care, you can focus on healing at your own pace.