BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Our three surgeons have over 40 years of consultant experience in breast reconstruction between them. We offer both implant based and autologous (using one's own tissue) techniques. All ladies requiring a mastectomy for cancer will have breast reconstruction offered; sometimes this will be at the same time as the mastectomy (immediate) or some time later (delayed).

The decision about the timing and type of reconstruction depends on many factors. These factors include the wishes of the individual concerned, as well as patient factors (eg size of existing bust, body build, general fitness, previous operation scars etc) and treatment factors (especially the possible use of radiotherapy after surgery). All of these issues will be considered, when we discuss each cancer case in our weekly multi-disciplinary meeting. Some ladies may require more than one operation to complete their reconstruction.

All ladies considering breast reconstruction will be offered written information, counselling with a breast care nurse , as well as the opportunity to meet another patient, who has had a similar type of reconstruction ("a reconstruction buddy").

Here are some photographs of our own reconstruction patients

Right mastectomy and delayed two stage implant reconstruction (expander followed by definitive implant)

Left mastectomy and extended latissimus dorsi (LD) flap after radiotherapy - fully autologous

Bilateral skin and nipple sparing mastectomies with mini-latissimus dorsi and implant reconstruction (hidden scars at the side of each breast) - autologous with implant

Please note: the patients have given written consent to the publication of these photos