Breast Reconstruction

Medically reviewed by NCIS Specialists. Last reviewed by Dr Samuel Ow. Published on 6 Aug 2026.

Breast reconstruction can help restore confidence and body image after breast cancer surgery. Reconstruction may be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or at a later stage, using either implants or your own tissue. Our team will work with you to discuss the options that best suit your needs and treatment journey.

What is breast reconstruction?

Having breast cancer can be one of the biggest challenges for a woman. Fortunately, almost anyone who has gone through a mastectomy for breast cancer can opt for reconstruction. Having a new reconstructed breast can help to restore the body image of a woman.

The breast can either be reconstructed using an implant or from your own tissue.

Implants

A breast implant using saline or silicone is placed within the chest wall under the skin. Sometimes the skin may be deficient, especially because the reconstruction is done months or years after the original breast surgery. In this case, a temporary tissue expander can be inserted to allow for progressive stretching of the skin before a permanent breast implant is placed.

Patient tissue

Using your own tissue for reconstruction produces more natural and better long- term results. An ellipse of skin and muscle can be taken from the back and moved to the chest wall to create a new breast shape. Skin and fat from the lower abdomen can also be transferred up to the chest wall to create a new breast.

Nipple reconstruction

The nipple and areola (dark skin around the nipple) are usually reconstructed a few months after the breast reconstruction surgery. This is to allow for the new breast to settle into its position. The nipple is created using local skin or part of the nipple from the other breast. The areola can be created from small skin graft taken from the groin or through tattooing.

When can breast reconstruction be performed?

Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy.

Having immediate breast reconstruction can minimise the emotional issues experienced due to the loss of a breast and gives a better aesthetic result as the skin over the breast can be preserved. It can also be performed for those who have previously undergone mastectomy and now wish to undergo reconstruction.

Does breast reconstruction affect my treatment and recovery from breast cancer?

• Studies have shown that breast reconstruction has no effect on cancer recurrence and does not delay cancer detection. It does not affect breast cancer survival.
• Breast reconstruction does not delay or interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, should either be needed.
• Women who undergo breast reconstruction may experience greater confidence, improved wellbeing and better quality of life.
  
  

Recovery after surgery

• Your hospital stay is typically 3 to 7 days, depending on the type of reconstruction and how you recover.
• You should be able to return to doing activities, such as household chores, sports, driving and sexual activity, 4 to 8 weeks after your operation.
• You will have some scars initially but this will improve over time.