Breast reconstruction

About breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is usually offered to all women who've had a lump, or one or both breasts removed due to breast cancer. The timing of the surgery depends on how early your breast cancer is detected and treated. It can either happen at the same time as your breast removal or a later date.

Need to know

What happens icon plus

There are different types of breast reconstruction surgery. Your consultant will discuss your options with you and let you know the type of surgery that's best for you. This depends on the size of your breasts, how much tissue has been removed and your preference. The main options for reconstruction are: - silicone gel or saline implants - tissue expansion using an expander placed under the chest and inflated over time - using tissue from your back combined with an implant - using tissue transferred from your lower abdomen
How to prepare icon plus

Your consultant will explain how to prepare before your operation. This might depend on whether you have your surgery at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later time. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking before the surgery. Make sure you tell your consultant about any medications you're taking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Afterwards icon plus

After surgery, you'll be cared for in hospital for three to seven days, depending on the type of reconstruction you have. You'll have some pain to begin with and will be given pain relief medication to help with this. You may need some help when you go home and it can take between six weeks and three months to recover. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine.

Don't wait, pay for yourself

You don’t need health insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

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Our breast surgeons

We’re proud to work with leading experts in breast surgery and oncoplastic surgery, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our consultants work as part of an multi-displinary team, including a clinical nurse specialist, breast radiologists and radiographers to ensure you are fully supported throughout your treatment.

Our breast surgery facilities

From initial diagnosis, through to screening and complex breast surgery, we provide exceptional breast care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

The Breast Unit at The Wellington Hospital

Platinum Medical Centre, The Breast Care Unit

15-17 Lodge Road

London NW8 7JA

020 3214 3637
London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street

London

SE1 2PR

Appointments & Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments 020 7234 2773
London Breast Institute

42–52 Nottingham Place

London

W1U 5NY

Appointments 020 7079 4344
Imaging Department 020 7908 2000
The Christie Private Care

Wilmslow Road

Manchester M20 4BX

General enquiries 0161 918 7296
Existing patients 0161 918 7538
Insurance & Pricing 0161 446 3480
The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street

London W1G 8BJ

Appointments 020 7935 7700
General enquiries 020 7034 8181
The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place

London W1U 5NY

Appointments 020 7908 8001
General enquiries 020 7486 1234