Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is surgery that restores the shape and volume of a breast following its complete or partial removal as occurs during the treatment of breast cancer.

Who is eligible for breast reconstruction and when is it performed?

Any woman who is about to undergo or has had surgery for the treatment of breast cancer should have the opportunity to discuss her breast reconstructive options if she wishes.

Breast reconstruction can be performed as an immediate (at the time of the mastectomy or primary excision) or as a delayed procedure (at a subsequent date to the mastectomy or excision surgery). The decision with regards to the timing is discussed and planned during the initial consultation.

What does the surgery involve?

There are many different types of breast reconstruction available. They are broadly divided into implant based or autologous (using the patient’s own tissue) and include:

Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Dorsi Flap 

Breast Reconstruction with an Implant or Tissue Expander

The type selected depends on many factors which include:

• The need to reconstruct part or a complete breast
• The size of the original breast that the reconstruction needs to match
• Any planned further breast cancer treatment
• General health of the patient

These factors are all taken into consideration and together, both patient and reconstructive surgeon select the type of reconstruction that best meets the patient’s needs.

How long is the recovery time?

This depends on the type of reconstruction and can vary from a day case procedure and a week of recovery to a procedure that requires a hospital stay and a 6 week recovery. 

What results can patients expect?

Breast reconstruction aims to restore the shape and volume of the breast. This helps restore confidence and is an integral part of the road to recovery.

Depending on the type of reconstruction performed, further surgery may be required in the future to maintain the breast mound created.

How long after consultation can the surgery be performed?

Surgery is performed once careful consideration of the benefits and risks of the reconstructions considered have been made. This ensures patients are given time to allow them to make a well informed decision. 

You can’t usually use your private medical insurance for cosmetic surgery but you can pay directly for your Breast Reconstruction treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are able to use your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.