Personal Issues to Consider

Should You Have Breast Reconstruction?

Every woman who considers breast reconstruction has her own personal reasons. Whether you decide to have breast reconstruction depends on your own individual case, medical condition, general health, lifestyle, and emotional state. You may consider consulting your family, friends, breast implant support groups, and breast cancer support groups to help you in making this decision.

Some of the reasons to have Breast Reconstruction may include:

• Restoring breast shape following mastectomy, or injury that resulted in either partial or total loss of the breast.
• Balancing the appearance of breasts that differ in size or shape.
• Correcting a birth defect.

Breast Reconstruction and What to Expect

Finding a Breast Reconstruction Physician
A guide to selecting the right plastic surgeon for your breast breast reconstruction surgery.

Initial Consultation:
A list of questions for you to ask the surgeon about breast reconstruction during your initial office visit.

Breast Reconstruction Methods:
An overview of common reconstruction methods.

Breast Implant Choices:
A detailed description of Mentor’s breast implant options for your breast reconstruction.

Before Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery:
Some healthful guidelines to follow prior to your breast reconstruction surgery.

Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery:
Detailed description about breast reconstruction with breast implants -- both Single Stage and Two-Stage reconstruction.

After Surgery:
An overview of what to expect after your breast reconstruction surgery.

What are the Alternatives to Breast Reconstruction?

You may choose not to undergo breast reconstruction. In this case, you may or may not decide to wear an external breast form (prosthesis) inside your bra. Breast forms are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials such as foam, cotton, and silicone. Custom prostheses are also available to match the size and shape of your breast.