Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy. Although breast reconstruction can rebuild your breast, the results are highly variable:

• A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feel as the breast it replaces.
• Visible incision lines will always be present on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy.
• Certain surgical techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site, commonly located in less exposed areas of the body such as the back, abdomen.

Procedure: Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or
other disease.

Length: Length varies; Usually involves more than one operation

Anesthesia: First stage almost always general; follow-up procedures may require
only a local anesthesia

In/Outpatient: In the hospital or outpatient depending on the procedure.

Side Effects: Can include temporary discomfort, scarring; change in breast sensation -
some may eventually come back

Risks: bleeding, fluid collection, excessive scar tissue, or difficulties with anesthesia, 
can occur although they're relatively uncommon

Recovery: *Up to 6 weeks