Breast Reconstruction – Reconstruction Options After Mastectomy
Mastectomy, the surgical removal of a breast, is one of the most difficult stages of cancer treatment for many women. However, modern medicine offers a real chance to regain not only health but also a sense of femininity after completing oncological therapy. Oncoplastic and breast reconstruction procedures allow for restoring the natural shape of the breast – often during the same operation in which the tumor is removed. Modern breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a combination of oncological and aesthetic surgery. Its goal is not only tissue reconstruction but also to restore the patient's comfort, self-confidence, and sense of bodily integrity.
You can find more about surgical techniques on the Oncoplasty (breast reconstruction) page.
Endoscopic Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction
One of the most modern solutions in breast surgery is endoscopic mastectomy with reconstruction – a procedure in which the doctor removes diseased tissue while preserving as many healthy structures as possible, and then reconstructs the breast during the same surgical time.
This method has many advantages:
- it allows avoiding a period without a breast,
- it ensures a shorter recovery time,
- it minimizes the number of procedures,
- it provides better aesthetic results due to smaller incisions.
The procedure is performed using an endoscopic camera, which allows for precise action and limits scars. In many cases, the surgeon places an implant or an expander (temporarily filled with saline solution), which gradually restores breast volume. For many patients, such a mastectomy with simultaneous reconstruction is a symbol of a new beginning – it allows combining oncological treatment with regaining a natural appearance.
Alternative Methods – Autologous Tissue Graft, Implants
Not every woman qualifies for immediate reconstruction. Sometimes the procedure can only be performed after the completion of oncological treatment – then we speak of secondary breast reconstruction. We distinguish two main types of procedures:
🔹 Implant Reconstruction
The most commonly used method, in which a silicone implant is used to reconstruct the breast.
Advantages:
- short operation time,
- fast recovery,
- symmetrical effect,
- possibility to choose breast shape and size.
This solution works well for patients with good skin quality and tissue placement that does not require grafting.
🔹 Autologous Tissue Reconstruction
Involves transferring a fragment of tissues (fat, skin, muscles) from another part of the body, e.g., from the abdomen (DIEP or TRAM flap) or back (LD flap).
Advantages:
- natural breast consistency and appearance,
- no need for an implant,
- permanent effect without the need for replacement.
This type of procedure takes longer and requires more operator experience, but it gives exceptionally natural results. More information about types of reconstruction can be found in the Reconstructive Procedures section.
Treatment Process – Oncology and Plastic Surgery
Oncoplasty is an approach that combines two worlds: oncological and aesthetic surgery.
The surgeon's task is not only to remove the cancerous lesion but also to ensure that the breast retains as natural an appearance as possible.
The treatment process consists of several stages:
- Diagnosis and qualification – decision on the scope of the procedure, oncological and plastic consultation.
- Mastectomy (partial or total) – removal of cancerous tissue.
- Reconstruction (primary or secondary) – breast reconstruction using an implant or autologous tissues.
- Rehabilitation – the process of regeneration and regaining full functionality.
🩺 In the case of Dr. Dominik Boligłowa, the treatment plan is always individually tailored – considering the patient's health, the stage of the disease, and her aesthetic expectations.
Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation
After the procedure, the patient remains under the care of the medical team, which monitors the healing process and assists in the first weeks of recovery.
Stages of returning to full functionality:
Rehabilitation after breast reconstruction includes not only physical exercises but also psychological support. Women often emphasize that thanks to reconstruction, they regained a sense of femininity and self-confidence, which has a huge impact on the healing process.
Is breast reconstruction reimbursed?
Yes – in Poland, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is reimbursed by the NFZ (National Health Fund), provided it has been recommended by the doctor managing the oncological treatment.
In the case of private clinics, the price depends on the type of procedure and materials used – it usually ranges from 12,000 to 25,000 PLN. It is worth emphasizing that reconstruction is not only an aesthetic procedure but also part of the therapeutic process that helps in returning to full physical and emotional health.
When can reconstruction be performed after cancer?
We distinguish two moments when the procedure can be performed:
- Immediate (primary) reconstruction – performed directly after mastectomy, during the same operation.
- Delayed (secondary) reconstruction – performed after completing oncological treatment, usually after several months or a year.
The choice of the appropriate moment depends on the type of cancer, the treatment applied (e.g., radiotherapy), and the patient's health condition.
Types of Breast Reconstruction – Comparison
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is not just a surgical procedure – it is a process of restoring balance and a sense of femininity. Thanks to modern oncoplastic techniques, patients can regain a natural breast appearance, often during the same procedure in which the tumor is removed. An empathetic approach, the surgeon's experience, and an individual treatment plan are key to satisfying results. If you are considering the procedure, contact an expert who combines oncological knowledge and an artistic sense of aesthetics – like Dr. Dominik Boligłowa.
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