Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Breast reconstructive surgery rebuilds the shape and appearance of a woman’s breast following surgery to treat breast cancer.

Overview What to Expect Frequently Asked Questions Research

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction (oncoplastic breast surgery) helps rebuild the breast’s shape and appearance after tumor removal surgery such as lumpectomy or mastectomy. At Texas Breast Specialists, our surgeons are trained in the newest and latest techniques to provide complete treatment with natural-looking results.

You can decide to begin reconstruction during your cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or at a later time of your choosing (delayed reconstruction). We can use implants, tissue from your own body, or both. Your care team will work closely with you to choose the option that works best with your needs, goals, and health requirements.

There are 2 main types of breast reconstruction:

Breast implants: During breast implant surgery, your doctor places a saline or silicone implant under the chest muscle. Sometimes they first use a temporary tissue expander to stretch the skin before putting the permanent implant in place.
Autologous (flap) reconstruction: For flap reconstruction, your surgeon pulls tissue from another part of the body — such as the abdomen, back, or thighs — and uses it to rebuild the breast for a more natural look and feel.

After healing from breast reconstruction, many women decide to also have nipple and areola reconstruction to further enhance the breast’s appearance. The new nipple and areola are created using plastic surgery techniques or tattooing.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy can offer many emotional and physical benefits. The reconstructed breast may not exactly match the look or feel of the original breast, but many women find that reconstruction helps them feel more like themselves again.

Reconstruction of one or both breasts can offer several benefits:

Increased confidence: Restoring a natural breast profile can help improve self-image and emotional well-being for cancer survivors.
Restored balance and proportion: Reconstruction can create a more symmetrical appearance, especially when only one breast was affected by cancer.
Reduced need for external prostheses: Reconstruction offers a permanent solution, eliminating the need for special bras or breast forms.

Studies show that quality of life, body image, and emotional well-being often improve over time after reconstruction. Your care team will work closely with you — and with each other — to help determine the best timing and reconstruction method based on your body, goals, and treatment plan.

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Breast reconstruction is a safe and positive option for many women, but like any surgery, it does come with some risks. Your care team will be by your side every step of the way — helping manage any side effects, supporting your healing, and closely monitoring your recovery.

Some common short-term side effects may include:

Bleeding, blood clots, or fluid buildup (swelling)
Infection at the surgery site
Delayed wound healing
Moderate-to-severe pain and fatigue
Changes in arm strength or movement on the side of your surgery

Possible long-term effects can include:

Changes in breast or nipple sensation
Uneven breast shape (asymmetry)
Noticeable scarring
Fat necrosis (firm, lumpy areas caused by damaged fat tissue)

Rare but more serious risks may involve:

Hernia at the donor site (if tissue was taken from another part of your body)
Implant rupture, leakage, or hardening (capsular contracture)
Tissue death (necrosis)
A rare type of cancer linked to scar tissue around breast implants

If you notice unusual pain, swelling, redness, or any problems with your incisions, call your care team right away. Regular follow-up visits are an important part of your recovery — they help catch any concerns early and keep your healing on track.

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What to Expect with Breast Reconstruction

Knowing what to expect can take some of the fear out of having breast reconstruction surgery. Our team helps you be fully prepared by educating you on all aspects of your upcoming procedure.

It helps to consider, before surgery, what your new normal might be like following surgery. While one or both sides of your chest will look different, if tissue is taken from another area (like your stomach or back), those areas will also look different. Be sure to ask your surgeon about scars — where they’ll be, how they’ll look, and how they’ll feel after healing — so you can have more time to adjust.

To prepare you for surgery, your care team will guide you with information such as:

How to find help to quit smoking, if needed
Which medicines, vitamins, and supplements to avoid and for how long
What to eat and drink, or avoid eating and drinking, the day before surgery

It’s also important to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you during your recovery.

The first stage of reconstruction — forming the breast mound — will be done in the hospital, often at the same time as your mastectomy unless you opt to have it done later. For this surgery, you’ll receive general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain.

Follow-up procedures like filling tissue expanders or creating the nipple and areola are usually done at an outpatient center, depending on how much surgery is needed. These procedures may use local anesthesia to numb only the area being worked on, and possibly a sedative to help you relax.

After breast reconstruction surgery, you can expect:

Tiredness and soreness: It’s normal to feel tired and sore for a few weeks. Your care team will provide medications to help keep you comfortable.
Limited upper body and arm movement: You’ll need to limit arm movements at first. A physical therapist may show you gentle exercises that support healing.
Support garments: You may be advised to wear a soft, supportive bra to help keep the tissues still while they heal.
Wound and drain care: Your care team will tell you how to care for your incisions and any drains your doctor may have inserted to remove fluid from your surgery site.
Activity restrictions: You’ll need to avoid lifting heavy objects, doing strenuous exercise, and engaging in sexual activity for about 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
Follow-up care: Your doctor’s office will schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and answer any questions that may arise.

You’ll probably be able to return to your regular activities within 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, with guidance from your care team.

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Why Choose Texas Breast Specialists

Our team of breast care professionals is dedicated to your health and well-being. When you come to us for care, you’ll find:

Personalized attention
With our care team, you receive an individualized evaluation and care plan. We are with you and your loved ones at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

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Experts close to home
We make it as easy as possible to access the care you need. With locations across the state, you are likely to find a provider near where you live and work.

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Customized care planning
Your diagnosis is only part of the picture. We listen to your concerns, honor your choices, and build a care experience that reflects your goals.

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Our team of compassionate, highly trained breast specialists and surgeons provides comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual needs. We’re here to guide you with expertise, respect, and care — every step of the way.

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Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Some common short-term side effects may include:

Possible long-term effects can include:

Rare but more serious risks may involve:

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Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

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Some common short-term side effects may include:

Possible long-term effects can include:

Rare but more serious risks may involve:

Before

During

After

Find Care Near You

Find Care Near You

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Types of breast reconstruction

Benefits of breast reconstruction

Risks of breast reconstruction

Some common short-term side effects may include:

Possible long-term effects can include:

Rare but more serious risks may involve:

Before

During

After

Find Care Near You

Find Care Near You

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials