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Mastectomy with breast reconstruction surgery
Source: Mastectomy, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: Not stated in this source · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
NCI patient treatment article for this disease Exact source article; not a clinically reviewed indication or current-standard recommendation.
Context: Mastectomy
Mastectomy with breast reconstruction surgery
You can have breast reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy, or at any time after. Some types of mastectomies (skin- and nipple-sparing) require reconstruction at the same time. Breast reconstruction is done by a plastic surgeon with experience in this type of surgery. The surgeon uses an implant or tissue from another part of your body to create the breast mound after the breast has been removed. If your nipple is removed, the surgeon may also make the form of a nipple and add a tattoo that looks like the areola.
Source links and citations
For more information about types of breast reconstruction, recovery times, and possible complications, visit Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy.
Source links and citations
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice