Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to recreate breast volume after a total or partial mastectomy. It can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later stage, once adjuvant treatments are complete (delayed reconstruction). The choice depends on the type of cancer, any adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy), and the patient’s preference.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
When to Consider Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is relevant for patients who have had, or will need, a total or partial mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment. It can be discussed as early as the initial consultation with the surgeon, even before the cancer surgery itself, to plan the best reconstruction strategy (see Breast Cancer).
How Care Is Structured
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A dedicated consultation assesses the patient's body shape, the type of mastectomy planned or already performed, and any adjuvant treatments.
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Dr Sefrioui presents the reconstruction techniques best suited to the situation, along with their advantages and limitations.
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A treatment plan is then defined together with the patient.
Reconstruction Techniques
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Immediate Reconstruction
Performed during the same operation as the mastectomy, avoiding any period without a reconstructed breast.
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Delayed Reconstruction
Performed after adjuvant treatments are complete, when the medical situation or the patient's choice calls for it.
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Breast Implant Placement
Insertion of an implant to recreate volume, with or without prior tissue expansion.
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Symmetrization
Adjustment of the opposite breast (reduction, augmentation or lift) to balance the result between both breasts.
Breast lipofilling, which involves injecting autologous fat to refine or complement results, has its own dedicated page (see Breast Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)).
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery varies depending on the technique used and whether it’s combined with other treatments. Close follow-up is provided after the procedure, with check-up consultations to monitor healing and adjust care if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, delayed reconstruction remains possible several years after a mastectomy; the time elapsed doesn't prevent reconstruction, subject to a prior assessment.
This depends on your coverage (CNSS, CNOPS, private/international health insurance) and the medical context; we recommend checking coverage terms with your provider.
It depends on the desired outcome; symmetrization of the opposite breast may be suggested to balance the result, but it isn't always necessary.
Reconstruction recreates breast volume, typically using an implant, while lipofilling uses autologous fat to refine or complement the result; the two can be complementary (see Breast Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)).