If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, the days and weeks that follow can feel like a whirlwind of information and emotions. Your plans, priorities, and focus shift quickly, and you are likely faced with a number of treatment decisions. One of the first is usually deciding which type of breast surgery is right for you. Depending on that path, you may also need to decide whether breast reconstruction is something you want to include as part of your care.

Understanding Your Breast Reconstruction Options

It’s important to talk with your breast surgeon about your reconstruction options before choosing the type of surgery. The recommendations for you depend on several factors, such as the size and location of your cancer, your body type, and your personal preferences.

“It’s important to remember that breast reconstruction is a cancer-related decision, not only a cosmetic one. The surgery is covered by insurance because it is part of cancer care,” explained Dr. Gerlinde Tynan, breast surgical oncologist at Rocky Mountain Breast Specialists (RMBS). “Women should never feel guilty or vain for exploring their options and making the choice that feels right for them.”

In general, there are three approaches to breast reconstruction:

• Reconstruction during lumpectomy: The breast can be reshaped to prevent indentations and restore a natural appearance. In some cases, the unaffected breast can be altered to match.
• Reconstruction during or after mastectomy: A new breast can be created using an implant (saline or silicone) or your own tissue, such as from the abdomen (called a DIEP flap procedure). Sometimes, women can combine implants with a flap procedure.
• No reconstruction: Some women choose not to have reconstruction with mastectomy. This is called “going flat.” During the mastectomy, all excess skin and tissue are removed for a flat appearance.

“There is no one right answer. While your immediate focus may be on removing the cancer, there is usually time to thoughtfully consider your reconstruction options too,” said Dr. Tynan. “This is a long-term decision and can impact how you feel about your body long after recovery.”

When is Breast Reconstruction Performed? In addition to discussing your options, talk to your doctor about the timing of reconstruction. In many cases, breast cancer surgery and reconstruction can be performed at the same time, which may improve results and help you avoid multiple surgeries.

During a lumpectomy, the RMBS breast surgeon who performs your procedure is often able to reshape the breast right away. For reconstruction following a mastectomy, RMBS breast surgeons work closely with plastic surgeons to plan and coordinate treatment so that reconstruction can be performed immediately after breast surgery whenever possible, reducing the number of procedures needed.

Although it’s usually possible to combine cancer surgery and reconstruction into one procedure, some women may need to have these surgeries in stages. For example, DIEP flap procedures are sometimes done a few weeks after the mastectomy. In other cases, factors like smoking, obesity, diabetes, or a history of radiation may make staged procedures safer for some women. Others may simply prefer to delay reconstruction for months or even years after treatment.

“You will likely have many options to choose from, and it can feel overwhelming,” explained Dr. Tynan. “Talk to your doctor about the timing and benefits of different procedures and let us help guide you.”

What to Expect After Breast Reconstruction

It’s natural to wonder how your breasts will look and feel after reconstruction. Your doctor can help answer all your questions and talk through what to expect based on your individual situation.

For example, you may want to ask if you’re a candidate for nipple-sparing mastectomy—a procedure that preserves the majority of the breast skin as well as the areola and nipple. You can also discuss the expected size and shape of your breasts after reconstruction. Your personal outcome will largely depend on your preferences and the surgical approach that’s used.

Recovering from Breast Surgery

It can be helpful to plan ahead for your recovery after breast surgery so you have the time and support you need to heal. For example, you may want to consider how much time to take off work and whether you’ll need help with household tasks or child care.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery you have. Healing from a lumpectomy can take just a week or two, while recovery from a more complex mastectomy can take six to eight weeks or longer.

“Overall, breast reconstruction is a very safe surgery. And we are here to help you choose what works best for you,” said Dr. Tynan. “No matter your situation, our goal at RMBS is to help you move past breast cancer and feel comfortable and confident in your outcome.”

Your breast surgeon may also suggest physical therapy to regain strength in your arm and to avoid lymph fluid from collecting in your arm if lymph nodes were removed. It’s important to follow those instructions so you can get back full use of your arm and chest muscles.

Choosing a Breast Surgeon in Colorado

Going through breast cancer isn’t easy. But you do not have to take the next step alone. At RMBS, we are committed to providing coordinated, compassionate care so you can make informed decisions and feel confident in your treatment plan.

We take the time to discuss your options for breast cancer surgery and reconstruction so you can make the choice that’s right for you. Our surgeons and the rest of the RMBS breast cancer care team work closely together to support you through every step of treatment and recovery.

Schedule a surgical consultation with one of the RMBS breast surgeons in the Boulder area including Longmont and Louisville, and in the Denver area including Greenwood Village and Lone Tree.