Breast reconstruction

There are different types of breast reconstruction surgery. Your consultant will discuss your options with you and let you know the type of surgery that's best for you. This depends on the size of your breasts, how much tissue has been removed and your preference.

The main options for reconstruction are: - silicone gel or saline implants - tissue expansion using an expander placed under the chest and inflated over time - using tissue from your back combined with an implant - using tissue transferred from your lower abdomen

Your consultant will explain how to prepare before your operation. This might depend on whether you have your surgery at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later time. Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking before the surgery.

Make sure you tell your consultant about any medications you're taking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

After surgery, you'll be cared for in hospital for three to seven days, depending on the type of reconstruction you have. You'll have some pain to begin with and will be given pain relief medication to help with this.

You may need some help when you go home and it can take between six weeks and three months to recover. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.