Breast reconstruction is very specialised surgery and clarity of what it involves for you is so very important.

The decision to have a breast reconstruction, whether it is immediate or delayed, is very personal. Some women do not want to think about reconstruction while coping with a diagnosis of cancer. If this is the case you may choose to wait until after your breast cancer surgery to decide about reconstruction.

You need to be fully aware of:

• why you want a breast reconstruction
• different procedures/options that are available
• finding a plastic surgeon/hospital where you can have your surgery
• knowing the risks that may be involved – that not all surgery is a total success and you may not always like the way the new breast looks
• whether you are suitable for a breast reconstruction
• whether you are comfortable wearing a prosthesis for ever or not
• details of the operation
• recovery time
• coping at home after the operation
• you may not want to have any more surgery than is needed
• questions you need to ask your surgeon, e.g.
  • What is your experience of this type of surgery?
  • What can I expect my reconstructed breast to look and feel like – immediately after surgery, after six months, after one year?
  • What will the scar(s) look like?
  • How will the breast feel to touch?
  • How long will I need to stay in hospital?
  • How long will it take me to recover?
  • What do I need to do to ensure a good recovery?
  • Can I see pictures of the different types of operation?
  • Can I talk to someone who has had this type of operation?
  • What are the options regarding nipple reconstruction?
  • Can I choose the reconstruction size?
  • Will I still need to have breast screening?
  • How long will I have to wait before I could have surgery?
  • Is this available on the NHS?
• When deciding that breast reconstruction is for you, you may experience forms of opposition from loved ones, friends, family and carers. Remind yourself it is because they care about you. More often than not they may not fully understand what the procedure(s) involve so make time to sit with them, talk, read information together and use this website to ask further questions.