Thanks to plastic surgery advances in recent years, a breast that has been surgically removed can now be reconstructed using different methods. The new breast can closely resemble the breast that was removed.

Most women undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy has already been performed though breast reconstruction can take place even years after the initial cancer surgery.

Sometimes it is possible to coordinate the reconstruction immediately. For example, after the cancer surgeon removes the breast, during the same surgery, Dr. Haywood then reconstructs the missing breast. Breast reconstruction and mastectomy can be performed during the same surgery only if it does not compromise future breast cancer treatments.

A breast can be reconstructed using one's own tissue, or using foreign tissue such as an implant. A history of radiation, body shape and previous abdominal surgery are the most important considerations in deciding on the type of reconstruction.

The web site www.breastreconstruction.ca is a fantastic website which Dr. Haywood strongly supports and advises you visit. This website was developed by a University of Toronto student with the Department of Plastic Surgery to provide information for women considering breast reconstruction.