General Considerations
Breast Reconstruction is Optional
In general, breast reconstruction is an elective process. Some women will decide to only undergo mastectomy without reconstruction. Other women will decide to have their reconstruction performed at a later time. For most women, multiple options will exist for reconstruction. Because of all the decisions that need to be made (sometimes in a short amount of time), it is very important that the patient have a good relationship with her Surgical Oncologist and Plastic Surgeon so she can be well informed about her choices and make the decision that is best for her.
Symmetry
In general, no woman has two breasts that are exactly the same. We all have small amounts of asymmetry in our bodies, and that is also true in breast reconstruction. Although it can never be guaranteed that a woman will be “symmetric” after undergoing the breast reconstruction process, a reasonable goal is to bring any asymmetries to a level that is acceptable for both the patient and the Plastic Surgeon. Our general goal is to maximize the functional and cosmetic outcome of the patient.