Breast reconstruction is an option available to women undergoing mastectomy. It not only corrects the body deformity, improves external appearance, but also help balance and posture, avoiding subsequent back problems from imbalance on both sides of the body producing strain on the spine. Immediate reconstruction (performed at the same operation with mastectomy) is possible and is preferred for good aesthetic outcome. It has been shown to be safe, will not affect subsequent adjuvant chemo or radiotherapy, or detection of local recurrence. The commonly used methods include:

1. Implant insertion
2. Autologous tissue flap such as latissimus dorsi (LD) flap with or without implant insertion
3. Autologous tissue flap such as transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap.

Patients should discuss with their surgeon on the suitability which may vary with different body built, expectations, life style and other social factors. For women who choose not to have reconstruction, external prosthesis is available to be inserted into specially made bra to create the shape of a normal breast.

Delayed reconstruction is also possible should a woman wish after mastectomy. Surgeons agree that it is impossible to recreate a “perfect” breast. A reconstructed breast will never exactly match a normal breast in terms of size, shape, appearance and sensation. However, for many women, depending on expectations, a satisfactory outcome could be achieved. As with any surgery, breast reconstruction carries risks and patients should discuss this with their breast or plastic surgeon.