Type of Surgery Last updated: 02/17/2009 Breast reconstruction
is a series of surgical procedures performed to recreate a
breast. Reconstructions are commonly begun after portions of one
or both breasts are removed as a treatment for breast cancer. A
breast may need to be refashioned for... other reasons such as
trauma or to correct abnormalities that occur during breast
development. Breast reconstruction is the rebuilding of a
breast, usually in women. It involves using autologous tissue or
prosthetic material to construct a natural-looking breast. Often
this includes the reformation of a natural-looking areola and
nipple. This procedure involves the use of implants or relocated
flaps of the patient's own tissue. The primary part of the
procedure can often be carried out immediately following the
mastectomy. As with many other surgeries, patients with
significant medical comorbidities (high blood pressure, obesity,
diabetes) and smokers are higher-risk candidates. Surgeons may
choose to perform delayed recon