It is important to know that the one and two-stage references do not mean the number of surgeries involved. You should expect that any type of breast reconstruction will take several steps to complete. It could take months to years before your reconstruction is complete.

Two potential advantages to immediate reconstruction are that your breast reconstruction starts at the time of your mastectomy and that you may save money when you combine the mastectomy with the first stage of the reconstruction. However, with immediate reconstruction, there may be a higher risk of complications, such as rupture/deflation, as well as longer initial operation and healing times.

A potential advantage to delayed reconstruction is that you can delay your reconstruction decision and surgery until other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are completed. Delayed reconstruction may be advisable if your surgeon anticipates healing problems with your mastectomy, or if you just need more time to consider your options.

There are medical, financial, and emotional considerations to choosing immediate versus delayed reconstruction. You should discuss the pros and cons with the options available in your individual case with your surgeon, plastic surgeon, and oncologist.

Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Flaps

The breast can be reconstructed by surgically moving a section of skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from one area of your body to another. The tissue may be taken from such areas as your lower abdominal area, upper back, or buttocks.

The most common types of tissue flaps are:

• the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous) flap that uses tissue from the lower abdominal area

• the Latissimus Dorsi flap that uses tissue from the upper back.