If I Have a Mastectomy, Do I Need Breast Reconstruction?

— -- Question: If I have a mastectomy do I need breast reconstruction?

Answer: Many patients who undergo mastectomy as part of their treatment for breast cancer will elect to undergo reconstruction immediately during the same operation, or in a delayed fashion after their other treatment is completed. In the past we didn't have the excellent array of choices using implants, natural tissue, and muscle -- provided by our plastic and reconstructive surgery colleagues -- in order to recreate women's breasts after mastectomy. Today these choices are available to virtually all women who require mastectomy, with cosmetic results that in many cases can be indistinguishable from their original breast.

Next: What Is a Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Is It Necessary for Breast Reconstruction?

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