Common questions on breast reconstruction - after risk-reducing mastectomy

What does a reconstructed breast look like?

A reconstructed breast will not look exactly the same as a natural breast, but differences should not be noticeable when you are wearing clothes. The new breasts may look flatter or more youthful than your natural breasts.

Does a reconstructed breast with implants feel different?

Breast implants are designed to feel like a natural breast, being soft and pliable. They are similar in weight and density to breast tissue. Implants may move slightly, so the breasts may have some 'bounce'. They can also feel cold in the winter.

The skin over your reconstructed breasts will feel normal when you touch it because it is your own skin. However, sensation in the breast is usually very different from before and the breasts may feel numb or overly sensitive

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Breast cancer

Breast reconstruction

What if I am not happy with the results?

Your satisfaction with breast reconstruction will depend mainly on what you expect before the surgery. Make sure you discuss your expectations with your surgeon before you decide to go ahead. It is important to wait for several months for the skin and muscle to stretch, and for the reconstructed breasts to settle into their final shape, before deciding how happy you are with the result. If you then have concerns, you can discuss them with your surgeon or breast care nurse.

Could a breast implant hide a cancer?

A breast implant used in a risk-reducing mastectomy will not hide a cancer and neither will a flap. You should check your new breast from time to time and report any lumps or changes to your breast surgeon.

Do implants cause cancer?

Long-term medical research shows there is no evidence that they cause cancer.

Will I get swelling in the arms after bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy?

When a woman has a mastectomy because cancer is present, the lymph glands under the arm (in the armpit/axilla) are removed in case the cancer has spread there. As a result of the removal of these, swelling in the arm and hand may happen. However, risk-reducing or prophylactic mastectomy involves the removal of healthy tissue only, so there is no need to remove the lymph glands. Therefore swelling of the arm or hand is very unlikely.