Depending on your situation, you may be considering a prophylactic mastectomy followed by a reconstruction or, you may have a breast cancer diagnosis and need to sort out the next steps to fight for your health. Either way, you probably have several questions about the future.
No matter your scenario, one thing many of our patients ask is, “Which is better: getting an immediate vs. delayed breast reconstruction?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, consulting with a plastic surgeon early in your journey can help you decide which procedure will be best for both your physical and mental health.
What Is an Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to restore the shape and appearance of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. There are two main types of breast reconstruction: immediate and delayed reconstruction.
Immediate reconstruction occurs at the same time as the mastectomy, combining both procedures into one surgery, which often leads to quicker psychological recovery but requires a longer initial surgery. If a woman is unsure about what kind of reconstruction she wants, she can also have tissue expanders placed at this time (often called “babysitters” to preserve to natural elasticity of the chest tissues while she heals from her initial surgery. This is especially common iif the woman needs to undergo post-mastectomy radiation treatments.Then, when she is ready to undergo her final reconstruction, her skin and muscles will be ready for the second procedure.
Delayed reconstruction happens months or years after the mastectomy, allowing time for treatments like radiation to be completed first, though it involves multiple surgeries and potentially longer recovery. This is most often recommended when the patient presents with multiple comorbidities or risk factors for poor outcomes after surgery, such as obesity, diabetes, or active smoking. A true delayed reconstruction allows the woman to focus on healing completely from one surgery before considering a secondary reconstruction procedure.
Whichever you decide, finding the right plastic surgeon will open up a world of reconstruction options available to you. Consulting with a plastic surgeon at the start of treatment can make a difference in the quality of care and your overall reconstruction results.
|
Breast Reconstruction Techniques |
|
|---|---|
|
Implant Options |
|
|
Autologous Tissue (Flap) Transfers |
|
|
Aesthetic Finishes |
|
With a wide range of reconstruction options available, it’s crucial to consult with a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in all techniques. Dr. Harris of Harris Plastic Surgery has a proven track record of empowering women, and helping his patients carefully consider their lifestyle and desired outcomes to select the reconstruction approach that will provide them with the best results and highest quality of life.
How To Choose Between an Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction
The decision between an immediate vs. delayed breast reconstruction depends on many different factors and scenarios. Choosing an immediate reconstruction can provide emotional benefits by restoring the breast shape right after mastectomy, but it requires a longer initial surgery and recovery time.
On the other hand, a delayed reconstruction allows you enough time to complete additional treatments like radiation, to make sure all the cancerous tissue is removed and doesn’t recur. However, it involves a separate surgery and will be a longer overall process. When postmastectomy radiation is being considered, placement of a tissue expander at the time of mastectomy can be helpful to maintain the skin flaps for improved results at the time of definitive reconstruction with a permanent implant or autologous tissue.
Discussing your options with a skilled plastic surgeon can help you determine which is the best approach for your specific situation and desires.
|
Pros and Cons of Immediate and Delayed Breast Reconstructions |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Immediate |
Delayed |
||
|
Pros |
Cons |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Single Surgery: Combines mastectomy and reconstruction into one procedure, reducing the overall number of surgeries. |
Longer Surgery: The combined procedure is longer and may increase surgical risks. |
More Time to Decide: |
Multiple Surgeries: Requires at least two surgeries (mastectomy and later reconstruction), extending recovery time. |
|
Psychological Benefit: |
Delayed Radiation Treatment: |
Reduced Complications with Radiation: |
Emotional Impact: Some women may struggle with the appearance of a mastectomy scar while waiting for reconstruction |
|
Better Aesthetic Results: Skin-sparing mastectomy techniques can be used, potentially leading to better cosmetic outcomes. |
Less Time for Decision-Making: Patients have less time to consider all options before surgery. |
Shorter Initial Surgery: |
Potential for Scar Tissue: |
Whether you choose an immediate or delayed reconstruction also depends on other individual circumstances, including your medical factors, personal preferences, and emotional well-being.
Harris Plastic Surgery Is the Best Choice For Your Breast Reconstruction
If you need a breast reconstruction after mastectomy, Harris Plastic Surgery is an excellent choice. Dr. Harris, known for exceptional patient care and outstanding results, is a highly skilled breast reconstruction specialist with extensive microsurgical training. He has performed thousands of reconstructions and is renowned for his meticulous and personalized approach. Joanne, our office coordinator, ensures smooth insurance and patient care coordination.
Dr. Harris’s expertise in both immediate and delayed reconstruction techniques, along with his connections with top breast surgeons, make him the go-to surgeon for breast reconstruction on Long Island.
Harris Plastic Surgery - Your Breast Reconstruction Experts
If you’re trying to decide between having an immediate vs. delayed breast reconstruction, we can help! Contact us online or by phone/text if you have questions or want to schedule your consultation today.
Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS
Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.
Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.