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Breast Reconstruction
Source: Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: April 25, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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Context: Surgical Treatment for Breast Cancer
For patients who opt for a total mastectomy, reconstructive surgery may be performed at the time of the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at some subsequent time (delayed reconstruction).[36-39] Breast contour can be restored by the following procedures:
Mastopexy.
Submuscular insertion of an artificial implant (silicone or saline filled). If an immediate implant cannot technically be performed, a tissue expander can be inserted beneath the pectoral muscle. Saline is injected into the expander to stretch the tissues for a period of weeks or months until the desired volume is obtained. The tissue expander is then replaced by a permanent implant. For more information on breast implants, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Rectus muscle or other flap. Muscle flaps require a considerably more complicated and prolonged operative procedure, and blood transfusions may be required.
After breast reconstruction, radiation therapy can be delivered to the chest wall and regional nodes if indicated in either the adjuvant or local recurrent disease setting. Radiation therapy after reconstruction with either a breast prosthesis or a tissue flap may affect cosmesis and symmetry. The incidence of capsular fibrosis, pain, or the need for implant removal may also be increased.[40]
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice