How is breast reconstruction carried out?

There are two main types of breast reconstruction:

Reconstruction using a breast implant

A new breast shape can be created by placing an implant| behind the skin and muscle to create a new breast. This method is often used for immediate breast reconstruction.

Alternatively a breast shape can be created using tissue expansion. An expandable implant is placed under the skin and muscle and gradually filled to make a new breast shape. It may then be replaced by a permanent implant.

Reconstruction using your own tissue 

This method uses skin, muscle and fat from another part of the body to form the shape of the breast. This type of reconstruction is more complex.

A pedicled tissue flap| reconstruction involves tunnelling skin, muscle and fat from either the back or the tummy (abdomen) through to the chest to form a new breast shape. The blood supply for the muscle stays connected to the area from which it is taken. An implant may be used behind the tissue to help give the right shape.

A free flap| reconstruction also uses skin, fat and muscle, but the tissue is removed completely and detached from its blood supply before being transferred to the breast area. The flap is connected to a new blood supply using microsurgery.

A free perforator flap reconstruction uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen, or occasionally the buttock. This is transferred to the breast area. The skin and fat is removed completely with attached blood vessels and the blood vessels are reconnected to a new blood supply using microsurgery. No muscle is taken with this operation.