Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction: One or Two Procedures?

Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction: One or Two Procedures?

Some women choose to have their reconstructive surgery at the same time as the mastectomy procedure. Having the surgeries together has advantages and disadvantages.

By undergoing a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in the same procedure, the patient may be relieved of some of the emotions that are associated with waking from surgery without a breast. Having the surgeries together may also reduce the need for further surgeries in the future.

It is very difficult for a woman to deal with the emotions and physical demands on her body while trying to understand and accept a diagnosis of breast cancer. Trying to work through reconstruction information and make a choice based on what is best can be too overwhelming.

Some women find it helpful to separate the procedures and deal with each decision separately. It is also important to be aware that healing complications from reconstructive surgery can cause delays in cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Some women choose to have a breast augmentation, or a breast implant. Others choose to omit further reconstructive surgery and decide that the use of an external prosthesis is what is right for them.