Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Our approach to breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgery to rebuild one or both breasts after mastectomy. We know that breast reconstruction can be a deeply personal decision. At UCI Health, your breast cancer team will work with you, discussing your options and goals.

After your first appointment with your breast surgeon, you may choose to meet with one of our highly experienced breast reconstructive surgeons. 

During your appointment your reconstructive surgeon will walk you through your options, which may include:

• Implant-based reconstruction, which uses silicone or saline breast implants to restore the shape and volume of your breasts.
• Autologous tissue flap reconstruction, which uses your own tissue (typically from your abdomen, thighs or buttocks) to rebuild your breasts.

Your surgeon can also talk through your options if you choose to not have breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Types of breast reconstruction at UCI Health

Your UCI Health plastic and reconstructive surgeon will work with you to determine the right type of reconstruction for you. 

We can often start your breast reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomy. Depending on which type of reconstruction you choose, breast reconstruction can include multiple procedures.

Implant reconstruction

Implant reconstruction may be a good option for you if:

• You have not had previous breast cancer treatment, including radiation therapy or a lumpectomy
• Your BMI is less than 30
• You don’t have other medical conditions that may affect your ability to heal

There are several options for implant reconstruction:  

• Expander implant reconstruction: After your breast surgeon removes the breasts, your plastic surgeon places a tissue expander to stretch the skin around your breast. This is done at the same time as your mastectomy and will prepare your skin for an eventual implant.
  After the surgery, you’ll have several appointments with your plastic surgeon to gradually expand the space. Once the tissue is fully expanded, you’ll have another procedure to place the implants. 
• Direct-to-implant reconstruction: In some cases, you may be a candidate to get your implants during your mastectomy. This could be an option if you have enough skin and tissue on your chest after your mastectomy.
• Delayed reconstruction: You may also choose to have reconstruction months after your mastectomy. Or your surgeon may recommend a delayed reconstruction if you need additional treatment, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy after mastectomy. 

Autologous tissue flap reconstruction

Autologous tissue flap reconstruction uses your own tissue to rebuild your breasts. Using an advanced microvascular surgical technique, your surgeon will reconstruct the tissue into natural-looking breasts.

A flap procedure may be a good option for you if:

• You have excess tissue on your abdomen, buttocks or thighs 
• You’ve had previous breast cancer treatment, including radiation therapy or a lumpectomy

There are several types of flap procedures, including:

• DIEP flap or TRAM flap surgery, which uses tissue from your lower abdomen to reconstruct your breasts
• TUG or DUG flap surgery, which uses tissue from your buttocks or thighs to reconstruct your breasts

Your reconstructive surgeon can perform a flap procedure at the same time as your mastectomy. It typically takes about six weeks to fully recover from this surgery.

Am I a candidate for breast reconstruction?

Your surgeon will guide you through your options to determine the right breast reconstruction specific to your needs. 

Together, we’ll make decision about breast reconstruction that factors in:

• Your breast cancer treatment plan
• The size of your breasts and your body type
• The condition of the skin on your breasts
• Your health history and lifestyle
• Previous surgeries or procedures
• Your overall health and other medical conditions

Why choose UCI Health for breast reconstruction?

Partnering with your breast surgeon

Your reconstructive surgeon will work side by side with your breast cancer surgeon. This allows us to start or perform your breast reconstruction during your mastectomy. This reduces the number of procedures you need and decreases your recovery time. It can also help you regain a sense of control over your body after breast cancer surgery. 

Microvascular reconstruction

Our plastic and reconstructive surgeons specialize in microvascular breast reconstruction, offering you the option for a flap reconstruction. These innovative procedures use your own tissue to rebuild your breast, resulting in a very natural look and feel.

Leaders in research

UCI Health plastic and reconstructive surgeons lead and participate in clinical research that is looking at innovative approaches for breast reconstruction. This could give you access to techniques and procedures not yet widely available.