Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Mastectomy: What You Need to Know

When you’ve gone through breast cancer and a mastectomy, deciding whether to have breast reconstruction surgery is an important and deeply personal choice. It’s about restoring not just your breast, but also your sense of wholeness and confidence in your body. 

At Clinique-K in Montreal, breast reconstruction is carefully tailored to your goals, your comfort, and your recovery after breast cancer treatment. Here’s what you need to know about the different options, timing, techniques, and what to expect during your reconstruction journey.

Understanding Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery restores the shape and appearance of your breast after a mastectomy. It can be performed at the same time as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or months—or even years—later (delayed reconstruction). 

The goal is to recreate a natural breast contour using either your own tissue (called a flap reconstruction) or breast implants. 

In some cases, both approaches are combined to achieve the best possible results. Whether you choose saline implants, silicone implants, or a flap procedure like the DIEP flap, your plastic surgeon will discuss each reconstruction method in detail so you can make an informed decision that fits your body and your lifestyle.

A Plastic Surgeon Explains: Types of Breast Reconstruction Following a Mastectomy

There are two main types of breast reconstruction—implant-based reconstruction and flap reconstruction—and each offers unique benefits.

Implant Reconstruction:

• Uses silicone or saline implants to recreate the breast.
• Requires less surgery and has a shorter hospital stay and recovery period.
• May involve a tissue expander to gradually stretch the skin before placing the final implant.

Flap Reconstruction:

• Uses tissue (skin, fat, and sometimes muscle) from another part of your body, such as your abdomen, back, or thighs.
• Common techniques include the DIEP flap, TRAM flap, and latissimus dorsi flap.
• Feels more natural and ages like the rest of your body but involves a longer recovery time and a second surgical site.

Your surgeon may recommend a combination of both methods depending on your breast size, skin condition, and cancer treatment history.

Timing of Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is when to have your reconstruction surgery.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction:

• Performed at the same time as your mastectomy.
• Helps preserve more of your natural breast skin and reduces the number of surgeries.
• May shorten the emotional adjustment period after breast cancer surgery.

Delayed Reconstruction:

• Done months or years after your mastectomy.
• Often recommended if you’re still undergoing radiation or chemotherapy as part of your breast cancer treatment.
• Gives your body time to heal before another major procedure.

Your plastic surgeon in Montreal will help you weigh the timing based on your health, recovery expectations, and cancer treatment plan.

Breast Implants, Shape, and Breast Augmentation Options

If you choose implant breast reconstruction, there are several factors to consider, including implant shape, material, and placement. Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue, while saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and can be adjusted in size during surgery. 

Your surgeon will also discuss whether the implant should be placed above or below the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and the condition of your skin and tissue. Some patients may also combine implant reconstruction with a breast lift or breast augmentation on the other breast for better symmetry. 

This helps achieve a more balanced, natural look that aligns with your body type and aesthetic goals.

Areola Reconstruction and Nipple Reconstruction

After the main reconstruction procedure, you can choose to have areola reconstruction to recreate the nipple area. This step completes the final stage of breast reconstruction and can make your new breast look more natural.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction Options:

• Surgical reconstruction: Using small flaps of your own skin to form a nipple.
• Tattooing: To create a realistic appearance of the areola and nipple area.
• 3D techniques: A combination of pigment and shading for a lifelike result.

These refinements are typically done a few months after breast reconstruction, once your new breast has healed and settled into position. They’re optional but can have a powerful impact on how you feel about your results.

Recovery After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Recovery depends on the type of reconstruction method used and your overall health. Hospital stay usually ranges from one to several days, and you’ll need to rest and limit physical activity for a few weeks after surgery. 

Most patients return to work within four to six weeks, but flap surgery may require more time. During your recovery, you can expect:

• Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort that gradually improves.
• Drains in place for a short time to remove excess fluid.
• Regular follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon to monitor healing.
• Emotional adjustments as you get used to your new breast shape.

Months after breast reconstruction, your breast will continue to settle, and scars will fade. Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attending all appointments are key to reducing the risk of complications and achieving smooth, natural-looking results.

Understanding the Risks and Possible Complications

Like any surgery, breast reconstruction carries some risks and possible complications. These may include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, changes in skin sensation, or implant-related issues such as rupture or capsular contracture. 

With flap procedures, there’s also a chance of tissue loss or issues with blood flow to the transferred flap. However, your surgeon takes every precaution to ensure your safety and minimize these risks through careful planning, precise technique, and close post-operative monitoring.

The Emotional Impact and What to Expect

Beyond the physical transformation, breast reconstruction can have a profound emotional impact. It can help you feel more like yourself again after the challenges of breast cancer treatment and mastectomy. Many patients describe feeling more balanced and confident in their body after surgery.

It’s normal to have questions or mixed emotions about this decision—what matters most is that you take your time, gather information, and feel supported throughout the process.

Your Journey Toward Feeling Whole Again

Breast reconstruction isn’t just about rebuilding your breast—it’s about helping you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin after cancer. Whether you choose implant reconstruction, flap surgery, or a combination of both, your journey is unique and deeply personal. 

With today’s advanced breast reconstruction techniques and the experience of skilled plastic surgeons in Montreal, you can look forward to results that feel natural, safe, and aligned with your goals. Healing takes time, but the results can restore not only your body but your confidence and peace of mind.

To learn more about breast reconstruction surgery we invite you to book a consultation at Clinique-K at our locations in Westmount and Longueuil.aser treatment we invite you to book a consultation at Clinique-K at our locations in Westmount and Longueuil.