Immediate or Delayed Reconstruction
If your surgeon recommends breast cancer surgery, he or she should recommend that you work with a team of doctors to discuss reconstruction options beforehand. Breast reconstruction may be performed at the same time as breast cancer surgery (immediate) or at a time after the initial breast cancer surgery (delayed). There are advantages and disadvantages to both immediate and delayed breast reconstruction. While
breast deformities can be emotionally difficult
, delaying reconstruction gives you time to focus on treatment, and research the type of reconstruction that best suits your needs.
You can have reconstruction months, or even years, after your breast cancer surgery, so you have plenty of time to make your decision if you opt for a delayed operation.
You may be advised to delay reconstruction after treatment for up to 12 months for various reasons, in particular if there is a need or likelihood of radiation therapy after your breast cancer surgery. Immediate reconstruction with an implant for women undergoing radiotherapy, for example, is not always advisable as it can increase the risk of a hard capsule of scar tissue developing around the implant. In these cases, it may be important to allow your skin and tissue to heal first.