Common questions on breast reconstruction - after risk-reducing mastectomy

What does a reconstructed breast look like? Back to top

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

Does a reconstructed breast with implants feel different? Back to top

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.

What if I am not happy with the results? Back to top

Your satisfaction with breast reconstruction will depend mainly on what you expect before surgery. Make sure you discuss your expectations with your surgeon| before you decide to go ahead.

It’s 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? Back to top

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? Back to top

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? Back to top

When a woman has a mastectomy because of cancer, some of the lymph nodes (glands) under the arm (the axilla) are removed in case the cancer has spread there. Removing some of the nodes can lead to swelling in the arm and hand (lymphoedema|).

However, risk-reducing mastectomy involves the removal of healthy tissue only, so there is no need to remove the lymph nodes. Therefore swelling of the arm or hand is very unlikely.