Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is surgery to make a new breast after removal of the breast or part of the breast. Find out about the different types of reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer.

About breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is surgery to make a new breast after removal of the breast or part of the breast.

Types of breast reconstruction

There are different types of breast reconstruction. Your surgeon and breast cancer nurse will talk to you through the different options available to you.

Breast reconstruction using implants

Implant surgery means using a silicone gel or salt water filled silicone balloon to recreate a breast shape after removal of a breast.

Breast reconstruction using body tissue

With this type of reconstruction, the surgeon takes skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from another part of your body and makes it into a new breast shape. 

Exercises after breast reconstruction using implants

See the exercises to do after breast reconstruction surgery using a simple implant or a tissue expander implant. 

Exercises after breast reconstruction using muscle

Learn about exercises to do after breast reconstruction using muscles from your back.

Possible problems with breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction techniques have improved over the years and there are fewer problems. But some women might have complications, such as a flap failure or wound infection.

Last reviewed: 
01 Feb 2021
Next review due: 
01 Feb 2024
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