Breast reconstruction is the surgical creation of a breast using either a synthetic implant or tissue from another part of your body. The aim of breast reconstruction is to create a symmetrical ‘breast’ which is soft, natural and closely resembles your normal breast.

A breast reconstruction should be considered by any woman who requires a mastectomy. Some patients may decide that they do not wish to undergo breast reconstruction and have a simple mastectomy instead. There are a number of issues which need to be considered when considering a breast reconstruction. These decisions can be quite difficult and should be talked through with your breast cancer surgeon. If your breast cancer surgeon does not perform breast reconstruction themselves you will also be referred to a plastic surgeon who specialises in this area.

The aim of the following pages is to help you with this decision by providing you with information which should be considered before making your decision. The final decision is yours, but can only be made in conjunction with your surgeon/medical team.