Breast reconstruction is one of the most rewarding plastic surgery procedures. It is usually performed to reconstruct breast tissue or a breast removed due to cancer. There are a variety of techniques that can be employed, including:

• Insertion of a breast implant.
• Placement of tissue expanders – a temporary implant that is inflated over time, stretching out the skin and is then followed by the insertion of an implant.
• Tissue transfer – using tissue such as from the abdomen, back or even buttock. This technique is very extensive and entails greater risk including failure and the frequent need for multiple revisions.

Often, reconstruction is possible immediately following a mastectomy. This avoids the emotional pain of a woman seeing herself without a breast. Depending on the technique and extent of the reconstruction, one to several procedures may need to be done in order to obtain the final result. There are also techniques available to reconstruct a new nipple that can give pleasing results.