Individuals who face breast cancer have many choices to make. One choice to consider is whether to have their breasts reconstructed after a mastectomy.
Penn Medicine's reconstructive plastic surgeons offer world-class skill and experience with all breast reconstruction options, even the most complex. We listen to you, understand your goals and discuss available options so you can make the right decisions for you.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures
There are several different types of breast reconstruction procedures. Some use breast implants and others use your body's own tissue. Some procedures use a combination. A discussion with your surgeon and care team will help you understand the right procedure for your goals. Learn more about breast reconstruction surgery options at Penn.
Implant Breast Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction, also called mammoplasty, is the surgical placement of breast implants to reconstruct the breast size and shape. Breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes to create a natural-looking result. Learn more about implant breast reconstruction.
Free-Flap Breast Reconstruction
Free-flap breast reconstruction uses tissues from your own body to reconstruct the breasts after mastectomy. This procedure is also called autologous tissue reconstruction. Penn performs the largest volume of free-flap reconstruction surgeries in the United States. Learn more about free-flap breast reconstruction.
Hybrid Breast Reconstruction
Hybrid breast reconstruction, also called composite breast reconstruction, combines an implant with your own tissues. This approach is less common but is a good choice for some people who experienced radiation or don't have enough body fat to move to the breast area.
When Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Done?
Breast reconstruction can happen any time after a mastectomy, even several years later. However, most patients choose to have breast reconstruction right after the mastectomy; this is called immediate reconstruction. Your doctor will discuss options with you so you can make an informed decision.
Breast Reconstruction Options: Why Choose Penn Medicine
If you are considering breast reconstruction, it is important to choose a team with diverse experience handling simple to complex situations on a routine basis. You can trust Penn Plastic Surgery for:
- Full array of breast reconstruction options: As the nation's highest-volume breast reconstruction program, we offer all options for breast reconstruction surgery. We present options to you, along with the pros and cons of each, so that you can make the best choice for you.
- Latest advancements: As a premier academic institution teaching the next generation of skilled breast surgeons, we continuously develop and learn leading-edge surgical techniques and procedures. Our surgeons are thought leaders who regularly publish research results and train other surgeons, benefitting patients worldwide.
- Advancing microsurgery: Our surgeons have vast experience in microsurgery, also known as free-flap surgery. Microsurgery procedures use tissues from your own body to reconstruct the breasts after mastectomy. We also developed a revolutionary minimally invasive free-flap procedure.
- Nipple and areola enhancement: One option after breast reconstruction is nipple and areola 3D tattooing. We work with micropigmentation specialists who are leaders in their field. Learn more about nipple tattooing.
- Re-sensation of the breast: Penn surgeons are leaders in researching re-innervation of the breast, a procedure that returns breast sensation after mastectomy.
- Support from other patients: In our Peer-to-Peer Telephone Program, you can talk with another patient who has had breast reconstruction surgery. Talking with someone who has faced the same decisions as you can be helpful.
Request an Appointment
Call 215-662-7300 or request an appointment online.