What are my options if I decide not to have immediate breast reconstruction after my
mastectomy?
After your mastectomy, you may choose to wear external breast forms or pads
or make no attempt to alter your appearance.
It is also possible to have reconstruction surgery months or years after a
mastectomy. The timing of reconstructive surgery is based on your personal
desires, medical conditions and cancer treatment.
Whenever possible, plastic surgeons encourage women to begin breast
reconstruction at the same time they are having their mastectomy. For many
women, immediate reconstruction reduces the trauma of having a breast removed as
well as the expense and discomfort of two major operations.